News In Brief - Tuesday 5 May 2026
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.
Security reminder from the Cyber Security team
As we approach the Scottish Parliament Election on Thursday 7 May, national guidance highlights an increased cyber threat to councils. The Cyber Security team would like to ask staff to exercise heightened vigilance – full details in the cyber guidance news update. Report anything suspicious promptly via the phishing reporting button or by sending an email to the Council's Cyber Security team.
Polling Clerks vacancies required!
The Election team are currently looking for Polling Clerks to support the delivery of the Scottish Parliament Election on Thursday 7 May 2026 as we still have a number of vacancies across North Ayrshire which will be filled on a first come first served basis. Find out locations and how to register your interest in the Election Latest News article.
Tuesday 5 May: Apply now for UWS Graduate Apprenticeships
Colleagues across Council services have the opportunity to study for a degree while continuing their current role. Graduate Apprenticeships for the new semester are available through the University of the West of Scotland (UWS). Apply before the September deadline via the Graduate Apprenticeships Latest News article.
Thursday 7 May: Election Day
North Ayrshire voters will go to the polls on Thursday, 7 May, to elect MSPs to the Scottish Parliament. Voters are reminded to check their polling card carefully as this provides details of the location of their Polling Place. Polling Places will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday. The verification and counting of votes will be held the following day, Friday 8 May, with the declaration of the result thereafter. Find out everything you need to know in the going to the polls press release.
Last chance to support John’s fundraiser
Assistant Council Officer John Lennon and his technicolour beard have been fundraising over the past week to raise awareness of cot death, marking the 16th birthday this year of his late granddaughter Olivia. Read all about John's fundraiser on Latest News. Although a bit of fun, the bold, bright bearded looks are for a charity very close to John’s heart, The Lullaby Trust. Donate now via Just Giving to help him exceed his fundraising target!
Child-friendly complaints are now a requirement of UNCRC
An important United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) update for all staff about our statutory duties when handling child-friendly complaints is now published on Latest News. Please read it to understand the guidance and what this means for your role and service.
Watch our Latest Take Two video
Check out our behind-the-scenes video and news feature at Greenwood Production Kitchen – all about the team responsible for the amazing menu, specials and treats at Café on 4. For this week’s menu, check out the latest menu update on Staff News.
Cut costs and carbon with online recycling portal
We are encouraging staff to redistribute and reuse surplus items of furniture and equipment in a bid to save money, tackle climate change and reduce unnecessary waste. Find out about Warp It and the re-use service has helped the council to save £116,000 in procurement and disposal costs, 78,576kg C02 and prevent 31,055kg waste from going to landfill in the Warp It news article.
Mental health support is available via SHOUT
Shout Advisors are on hand to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week when things get tough or if you are feeling overwhelmed or need support. The free text-based service offers tailored support to people of all ages in North Ayrshire whenever they need it. To access support via text, you can simply text SUPPORTNA to 85258 to be connected there and then to a trained Shout Volunteer.
North Ayrshire Mental Health Arts Festival 2026 – Call for event ideas
Planning is under way for this year's North Ayrshire Mental Health Arts Festival, taking place from 20 Oct - 9 Nov. This year’s festival theme is ‘Reflections’, inviting creative responses that explore mental health, wellbeing, lived experience, and personal or collective reflection. Individuals, creatives, groups, services, and partner organisations can now submit ideas online for events or activities to be included in this year’s festival programme.
Could your team reuse and recycle surplus equipment?
Warp It helps you to distribute office furniture, equipment, fixtures and fittings within your organisation, cutting carbon and costs. We are encouraging staff to redistribute and reuse surplus items of furniture and equipment in a bid to save money, tackle climate change and reduce unnecessary waste. Find how you could contribute to the council’s net-zero goals by registering for Warp It now.
Celebrating 10 years of Woodland View Hospital
North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership is celebrating the ten-year anniversary of Woodland View Hospital in Irvine, with the hospital’s staff, current/former patients and their families/carers being invited to get involved. As we approach the anniversary, a series of events will be planned to recognise staff dedication. Read more in the Woodland View latest news story.
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 brilliant week everyone!
