News In Brief - Tuesday 22 September 2026

Thank you for tuning in to another instalment of News In Brief, giving you news and events from across our services, happening over the next six days. Have a great week everyone!

Wednesday 23 September: Last chance to join the Children’s Panel

Volunteer with Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS) and make a difference in your community! CHS is recruiting for volunteer Panel Members across the country to help support Scotland’s infants, children and young people. The team are looking for enthusiastic people aged 18 and over who can show empathy, compassion and great listening skills. Applications close on midnight on 23rd September. Anyone interested in becoming a Panel Member can apply now via the CHS website.

Also on Wednesday: New community-based Champions Board group begins

North Ayrshire Corporate Parenting team will be starting a new Champions Board Community Group at Ardeer Community Centre, starting this Wednesday from 5.30pm to 7.00pm. Sessions will then run monthly. Care experienced young people can sign up for a place using the Champions Board sign-up form. Sessions will run monthly and will provide a supportive space for young people aged between 11-18 years old to meet new people, take part in activities, share their views and make a difference. Print out the flyer to promote the new group in your workplace.

Thursday 24 September: Promise Champions event

Promise champions from across North Ayrshire Council will meet at Saltcoats Town Hall on Thursday from 10am until Noon in an event that will highlight how Housing Services and Scottish Fire and Rescue are supporting care experienced residents in our communities. Stay tuned for highlights on Staff News.

Sunday 27 September: Deadline to have your say – Three Towns Pride in Place funding

Residents across the Three Towns are being urged to complete a community survey - and help shape how almost £20 million of investment is spent over the next decade. The Three Towns secured funding through the UK Government's Pride in Place Programme, which will see close to £20 million invested in local communities between 2026 and 2036. The programme is designed to empower communities to drive local regeneration and support projects and initiatives that matter most to local people The survey has been sent out to all residents and has to be completed by 27 September.

Head on over to the Café on 4

Another week, another delicious menu from the Café on 4 – head on up to the 4th floor this week to enjoy the choice of breakfast, lunch and treat items.

Time running out to buy Additional Annual Leave

Don’t forget applications to buy additional annual leave for the calendar year 2027 must be submitted to your line manager before 5pm on Friday 9 October 2026. For more information on the scheme and guidance for managers, please see the Buying Annual Leave HR Guide. If you are interested in purchasing additional annual leave, you must talk to your manager before submitting your application via the Buying Additional Annual Leave online form.

Spaces available on upcoming Adult Support and Protection training

Colleagues can book now for the following training opportunities with spaces still available:

• Tuesday 29 September Commercial Sexual Exploitation (Training Suite, 4th Floor West, Cunninghame House, Irvine) 9.30am to 12.30pm
• Wednesday 30 September Hoarding Disorder Awareness (Training Suite, 4th Floor West, Cunninghame House, Irvine) 9.30am to 12.30pm
• Wednesday 16 December Understanding Domestic Abuse (Training Suite, 4th Floor West, Cunninghame House, Irvine) 9.30am to 4.30pm

To reserve a place, please contact ASPTraining@north-ayrshire.gov.uk

Programme begins for the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival

As part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival 2026, we are delighted to announce that the North Ayrshire Mental Health Arts Festival programme is live and open for bookings. Celebrating the 20-year anniversary, explore the North Ayrshire programme and read our blogs on the North Ayrshire Mental Health Arts Festival website, or keep up to date by visiting the North Ayrshire Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival page on Facebook. More info in the festival news update.

Spaces left for CoPilot training

Head on over to the latest CoPilot training update to find out about the remaining training sessions for colleagues to harness the power of AI-assisted work. Stay tuned for further opportunities coming soon…

Save the date! Climate Week learning events

Next week is Climate Week and the Sustainability team have a variety of events and activities planned throughout the week designed to help us all learn more about climate change and sustainability. Look out for more information coming soon but for now here’s a couple of events happening early next week you might want to add to your diary!

• Monday 28 September: Biodiversity Learning Event (12.30pm – 2pm), Large Meeting Room 2nd Floor West, Cunninghame House
• Tuesday 29 September: People Emergency Briefing (12.30pm – 2pm), Large Meeting Room 4th Floor West, Cunninghame House

These sessions are drop-in sessions and there is no need to book, just save them in your calendar!

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!