News In Brief - Monday 20 April
Monday 20 April: Scottish Youth Parliament registration opens
Young people between the ages of 14 and 25 who live, work or study in North Ayrshire, can now stand for election as a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP). Registration opens today, Monday 20 April, giving candidates the chance to become part of Scotland’s elected representatives for young people. Full details on how to register are on the SYP website. Stay tuned to the social media posts from North Ayrshire Youth Work and help to spread the word to young people you know who want to get more involved in local, regional and national democracy.
Tuesday 21 April: Postal vote application deadline
Are you voting by post in the Scottish Parliamentary Election? Please remember, the deadline for postal vote applications is 5pm on Tuesday 21 April. If you've already registered for a postal vote, you will soon receive your ballot packs. Please complete the ballot papers and return them promptly. More info available via our social media channels.
Also on Tuesday: NADARS Changes networking event
North Ayrshire Drug & Alcohol Recovery Service is hosting a free networking event at Fullarton ConneXions, Irvine, KA12 8PE this Tuesday afternoon from 2pm to 4pm. This will feature a selection of wellbeing stalls and health services. Refreshments will be provided and all are welcome.
Thursday 23 April: New housing plans on show
Interested parties are invited to view the final plans for 43 modern, energy efficient homes at the site of the former Fullarton high flats in Irvine. A drop-in event to view the final plans is scheduled to be held on Thursday, from 4pm-6pm at Fullarton ConneXions, Church Street, Irvine, KA12 8PE.
Also on Thursday: LiveWell pickleball and badminton session
LiveWell’s next badminton/pickleball session takes place on Thursday 23 April at Kilwinning Community Sports Hub, Kilwinning Academy from 7pm - 8pm, racquets will be provided.If you are interested in attending book here for pickeball/badminton sessions. If no times are showing it could be the session is full, please add your details to our waiting list and the team will be in touch when future spaces become available.
Saturday 25 April: Final e-bike taster session for April
The Travel Smart Team are excited to invite you to their final E‑Bike Taster session for April, this Saturday at The Circuit in Irvine from 10am until Noon. Whether you're curious about e‑bikes or simply want to discover a fun and easy way to travel, the session is a perfect opportunity to give one a go. Full details via the e-bikes taster session news article.
Audio ballot papers
Audio ballot papers are being introduced for the Scottish Parliament Election on Thursday 7 May. Blind and partially sighted voters will now be able to use an audio ballot paper and a tactile voting device to vote independently and in secret. Find out more in our audio ballet papers Staff News article.
Connects Annual Review is coming!
Our Connects Annual Review will begin on Monday 27 April with automated emails going out to content owners and senior managers. Our Connects Annual Review news article provides full details on the automated Annual Review process.
Find out about the new national Child Poverty Delivery Plan
Our Child Poverty Strategy team is inviting colleagues to join a short 30‑minute session providing an overview of the key themes and priorities of the new national Child Poverty Delivery Plan. A recent pilot session received excellent feedback from colleagues. If you would be interested in attending one of the upcoming sessions, please complete this short Child Poverty Delivery Plan poll to note your preferred date and time.
Read the People Matters Spring newsletter
The latest People Matters newsletter is now available on Connects, with information on our new training suites, our HR Virtual assistant, and some important policy updates.
Staff café menu for this week
Head up to the Café on 4 this week if you’re working in Cunninghame House. The weekly menu and specials have been posted on Staff News. Stay tuned later this week as we’ll be sharing a behind-the-scenes video on Take Two about the brilliant team responsible for the nutritious menu and delicious sweets and treats we all love at Café on 4.
Spaces remain! How to special leave session for managers
An upcoming ‘How To’ Teams session on Wednesday 29 April will help managers recognise when Special Leave may apply, alongside common scenarios and how to approach them. Managers can confirm attendance via the How to Special Leave booking link.
That’s all for now! If you have news to share in News In Brief next week, share your story with us by midday on Friday by using the contact us button below. Have a great week everyone!
