News In Brief - Monday 27 April
Thank you once again for tuning in to News in Brief with important updates and news highlights of all that is happening over the coming week.
Important update from the Cyber Security team
As we approach the Scottish Parliament Election on Thursday 7 May, national guidance from the Scottish Government highlights an increased cyber threat to Councils. The Cyber Security team would like to ask staff to exercise heightened vigilance around phishing emails, suspicious login requests, impersonation attempts and misinformation designed to cause confusion.
Please stick to good cyber habits:
- think before clicking
- be wary of suspicious email messages, especially if they try to imply a sense of urgency
- use Multi-Factor Authentication safely (don't approve prompts you didn't initiate)
- lock devices and keep work on Council accounts/devices.
Report anything suspicious promptly via the phishing reporting button or by sending an email to the Council's Cyber Security Team.
This week is Reusable Nappy Week
The Council is shining a spotlight once again on Reusable Nappy Week this year. There are many benefits of using “real nappies”. As well as being more environmentally friendly, reusable nappies can help you to save money. Our Real nappy incentive scheme allows residents in North Ayrshire the chance to try out “real nappies” for FREE!
Monday 27 April: Connects Annual Review is underway
The Connects Annual Review has now begun with automated emails issued to content owners and senior managers. Our Connects Annual Review news article provides full details on the automated Annual Review process.
Tuesday 28 April: Cabinet
The April meeting of Cabinet gets under way from 2.30pm on Tuesday. You can view the agenda for the meeting. Due to the pre-election period, the meeting will not be broadcast live.
Also on Tuesday: Free bike check and security marking
The Travel Smart team and Trinity Active Travel Hub are hosting a Free Bike Health Checks (Dr Bike) and Bike Security marking at Cunninghame House on Tuesday 28 April between 10.00 and 1.30pm. Full details in the Travel Smart Latest News update on Connects.
Wednesday 29 April: How to special leave session for managers
The ‘How To’ Teams session takes place on Wednesday 29 April between 11am and Noon, and will help managers recognise when Special Leave may apply, alongside common scenarios and how to approach them. Managers can attend via the How to Special Leave booking link.
Important update for all staff: Office moves
As part of our locality-based strategy to rationalise the Council’s property portfolio and reduce running costs, North Ayrshire Council’s Customer Service Centre located at Bridgegate Irvine and the Housing Advice Team at Galt House are moving to Cunninghame House on Monday 18 May 2026. An important update for all staff has been published on Staff News. Please read this as it has everything you need to know about the new check-in process, the importance of confidentiality and security and mandatory ID requirements for staff visiting.
Weekly menu Café on 4
This week’s menu is on Staff News - head on up to the fourth floor for this week's delicious menu and specials in Cunninghame House.
Adult Support and Protection training
Regardless of your role within North Ayrshire Council, you have a legislative duty to report, if you know or believe an adult may be at risk of harm. The Adult Support and Protection are delivering courses throughout May to support awareness-raising and continued development in relation to Self-Neglect Awareness, Hoarding Disorder Awareness, Commercial Sexual Exploitation Awareness, Understanding Domestic Abuse and Psychological Harm Awareness. Full details and booking in the ASP Staff News article.
Support with exam stress
With the exam period now underway, parents and carers are reminded that the Parent Club website has a host of helpful tips to deal with exam stress alongside signposting to other areas of support.
Save the date: People Matters webinar (now rescheduled)
The People Matters Magazine Spring Edition 2026 webinar originally set to be held this Tuesday has now been rescheduled to Monday 1 June at 1pm via Microsoft Teams. The webinar will provide an overview of the key themes and insights from the Spring edition, followed by an opportunity for questions and discussion. Register for the People Matters webinar online now, following registration you will receive the Microsoft Teams joining details.
Join our new WhatsApp channel
Did you know that we are now on WhatsApp? We will share key service updates and Council news on this platform so it’s worth a follow to ensure you're kept informed. Search North Ayrshire Council in the app updates tab or find us directly via the NAC WhatsApp registration 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!
