Staff News March 2021 - Renfrewshire Council
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Staff News March 2021 Welcome to your March newsletter, bringing you all the latest updates and stories from our people across the council. In each issue we introduce the newsletter with a message from a different staff member. This time, we hear from our Director of Environment and Infrastructure (E&I), Gordon McNeil. As we continue to make progress in the fight against coronavirus and we look ahead to the easing of restrictions over the coming months, this is an important time for all of us, and the work we’re doing as a council to support Renfrewshire’s recovery. The council budget was approved by councillors earlier this month. This will play a crucial part in supporting our recovery and you can read everything you need to know further on in this newsletter. From supporting our communities through the continuation of council services to the operation of testing and vaccination centres, to how we help look after those with health and social care needs and have supported the return to learning in our nurseries and schools to name only a few examples, your outstanding work does not go unnoticed. Great credit must go to Gordon McNeil every staff member—you have all played a role in this immense effort whether that’s been on the frontline As restrictions ease in the months ahead, health or from home. and safety controls across all our locations, sites Our core values continue to shine through everything and services will remain in place to help ensure we you do; collaboration in the way we work together continue to put safety first, both for our residents across the council and with our partners, your and for you. commitment to being helpful and doing the best you This includes the piloting of staff testing which has can for those who rely on our services, fair in how we seen the successful implementation of regular at home all seek to carry our share of the load and as always we testing of school staff and testing for those working continue to value learning as we evolve and adapt to in care settings. Additionally, staff working at our new ways of working. Underwood Road Depot and Renfrewshire House have Our frontline teams have been superb in keeping also had the opportunity to take part in a short testing Renfrewshire running throughout the winter months programme using at home PCR tests. while continuing to cope with the additional challenges Hope is in sight, but we must keep going by continuing brought about by the pandemic. You can read more to follow the guidelines. Remember to always stick to about that and the incredible efforts of those working the FACTS, get vaccinated when invited, take the time across the testing and vaccination centres later in this to care for your wellbeing and most importantly stay newsletter. safe. Visit our website at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/staff
What’s inside this month’s issue?
> Council Budget announcement > Update on the easing of > Leading our values training
> Back to school and nursery… lockdown restrictions for managers
and loving it! > Picking up The Thread— > Thank you to our teams
> Helping Stop the Spread— our new digital experience who have kept Renfrewshire
Vaccinations and community >S
upporting your development moving all winter
testing because we value learning all this and more inside…
Council Budget announcement— Back to school and nursery…. and loving it!
Supporting recovery and wellbeing for our people
Our youngest children have now returned to to go into separate bubbles, children were
and communities throughout 2021–2022 nursery and primary school, so we thought we’d consulted with and given ownership of their
hear from some of our staff about how that’s bubble. They got to choose the name for their
Earlier this month our budget for 2021-2022, £2.7million will help tackle inequalities and going and what they are learning. rooms and this helped the children understand why
prioritising recovery and supporting the people support people in our communities most affected they could not play with all their friends at nursery”
of Renfrewshire was agreed by councillors. by the pandemic, adding to our pioneering work Rebuilding relationships
tackling poverty and changing the lives of people Wellbeing and routines
Wellbeing and mental health are at the heart of the Staff are focusing on children rebuilding
impacted by alcohol and drug use.
£449.8million budget with targeted support for relationships and making friends, says Moira Being back in school is better for children’s
those communities most affected by Covid-19. This funding will be targeted over the coming Hope who works at West Johnstone Early Learning wellbeing and their social and emotional
months, developed with communities on what and Childcare Centre as a senior early learning development, say P1 class teachers Emma Hartley,
The budget will deliver a Council Tax freeze,
matters most to them, with immediate priority and childcare officer. Julie Kennedy and Leanne Reid who teach children
providing people with some certainty in a time
investments including £100,000 for Renfrewshire at West Primary in Paisley.
when the pandemic has brought great uncertainty “With the return of all children to our nursery,
Citizens Advice Bureau to provide employment
and challenge. we are nurturing, encouraging and inspiring our Leanne said, “Now that our P1 children are back in
and redundancy rights advice, the creation of a
The budget maintains the Council’s financial specialist team advocating for vulnerable private early learners to be curious and explore the world school, we are focusing on their wellbeing above all
stability while continuing to support inclusive sector tenants and a £100,000 boost to the fund around them. We are rebuilding relationships and else. We will support them to resume routines and
economic growth in local communities and helps helping people with housing costs. supporting children to form friendships with their responsibilities as well as assessing where they are
our most vulnerable people. peers. in their learning, to ensure attainment and decide
This will provide £250,000 more support how best to move forward.”
Our ongoing £443.5million capital investment for children and young people’s mental “Early learning experiences are very important. By
will continue to create jobs, boost growth, enable health, £180,000 for care experienced young the time a child is three years old 80% of their brain Emma added, “School helps children to develop
town centre recovery and improve our digital people and £200,000 for the rollout of a book has developed. The experiences at nursery help to their social interactions, learn to share, be
connectivity, roads and paths. gifting programme for all 2 to 5-year-old children form synapses in their brains that enable children independent, develop self-help skills, take
in Renfrewshire. to begin to make sense of the world. responsibility for their own learning as well as work
Investments to council play areas and improved as a team, develop perseverance, resilience and
walking routes at Clyde Muirshiel and Gleniffer The Council and Renfrewshire Health and Social “Children are encouraged to explore and to be
live our values. These skills all help children as they
Braes will enable people to make the most of our Care Partnership (HSCP) will receive £2.3million curious using open-ended play resources, such
grow as well as support their learning of literacy
outdoor spaces. of additional recurring resources to protect and as sand, building blocks and water, and inspire
and numeracy skills.”
enhance adult social care services and support the children to be creative and use their imagination.
Our commitment to providing pupils with the best The nursery environment follows children’s Learning at school also ensures equity for all
HSCP to secure the Living Wage for all care staff
possible learning environments continues with interests and staff help to build and deepen children. Julie said, “Children won’t always have
helping Renfrewshire residents.
an additional £750,000 funding for school facility children’s knowledge.” the same home environment, devices or space.
improvements, enabling a £2.4million two-year And further schemes will support licensed premises While children were learning at home, we provided
investment by the end of March 2022. and encourage hot food shops to switch to Children have also adapted well to the pandemic,
lessons and activities based on what we knew they
biodegradable packaging businesses, building said Mary McAllister who also works at West
could do at home. We are glad to have children
on the many business supports in place throughout Johnstone.
back at school as it gives them a level playing field
the pandemic. Mary said, “When we came back after the first they need and allows them to learn from each other
lockdown, we talked to children on the importance as they play and work with their peers.”
Full details of the budget can be found on our website at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/budget2021. of hygiene and the coronavirus. When we had
Vaccination Centres
Helping Stop the Spread The COVID-19 vaccination programme is the largest
ever carried out in the UK and since they opened on
Monday 1 February our three vaccination centres
—Vaccinations and Community Testing at the Lagoon in Paisley, Johnstone Town Hall and
Renfrew Leisure Centre have safely welcomed more
than 20,000 residents.
We are supporting NHS GGC with the local rollout
Following the success of the Johnstone Town Hall If a positive LFT result is returned, this should be of the programme and we’re encouraging everyone to
asymptomatic testing centre in December, teams confirmed with the Head Teacher, and the person ‘Roll up their Sleeves’ when they receive their invitation.
from across the council have been working with should self-isolate and arrange to go for a PCR test to The vaccinations are being given out by the NHS,
Scottish Government and NHS Greater Glasgow confirm if they have COVID-19. and Renfrewshire Council, Renfrewshire Leisure
and Clyde (GGC) in support of the national effort and Renfrewshire HSCP staff are providing support
This is part of a wider expansion of regular, routine
to suppress the virus and enable a return to normal. to manage the operation of the centres.
testing of those without symptoms which will also
This includes, but is not limited to, our work to support see testing made available to more of our staff in The uptake has been very high and the feedback
the roll-out of the national vaccination programme, the future whether they have symptoms or not. from NHS teams working onsite and the wider NHS
the expansion of testing in our schools and other public health team has been really positive. As has
council buildings and targeted community testing for the response from patients who have visited the sites
people who are not displaying symptoms in local areas Here’s what some of our with some of them taking to social media to praise
and communities that are experiencing stubbornly high Head Teachers think: the safety measures in place, the efficiency of their
levels of the virus. appointment and the friendliness and professionalism
“The support and guidance from the team was
Thanks to everyone involved. These are yet more great of our staff.
excellent. The communication and support
examples of our values in action and teams from across meant that the roll out of the programme Getting the vaccine is the best way to protect you, your
the council coming together to support each other was very successful and has helped to boost family and friends from the virus. The vaccine rollout
and deliver for communities across Renfrewshire. morale within the school, while also helping will eventually allow the government to start lifting
our staff to feel safer when returning to their restrictions and getting life back to normal again,
School Testing workplace.” which we all want to see.
To further reduce the risk of COVID-19 and support “The introduction of regular LFT tests has been When you become eligible for an appointment the
the safe return of some pupils and staff last month, welcomed by the staff. The process has been NHS will write to you directly with details of the
a significant expansion of testing in schools and easy to manage and feedback from staff has location, date and time.
nurseries was introduced, with all staff members been extremely positive.“ More information on the local centres is at
and senior secondary school pupils offered
http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/coronavirus-vaccination
voluntary at home testing twice a week.
And here’s what our teachers and more info on the vaccine itself is available from
The vast majority of teachers and school staff are and school staff have to say: the NHS at www.nhsinform.com
taking part and we expect testing to be available for
all our schools and nursery staff in the coming weeks. “The testing gives us a sense of relief and we feel What people have said:
safer for our families.”
Along with the other protective measures we have in “My dad was at the lagoon yesterday and he
place, Lateral Flow Testing (LFT) has been introduced “It helps me feel safe and it helps us feel more felt safe and protected and the staff were
to provide additional reassurance to parents and carers normal.” professional, friendly, and efficient”
and all our schools and early years staff.
“It gives you some reassurance that you are “I’m a nurse working at the lagoon administering
It doesn’t mean we can stop following all the rules taking a further step to protect your family and vaccinations. It’s great to see the Council and
and guidelines which are in place to protect us all, colleagues.” NHS working together to fight this pandemic.”
but it will help us to identify asymptomatic (showing
“The process itself is very straightforward and “Glad to see all the very positive remarks about
no symptoms) people in our schools and nurseries
easy to follow.“ the safety factors and the professionalism
at the earliest possible opportunity.
“We feel safe and it helps us feel more normal.” and friendliness of the staff.”
“Was at Johnstone yesterday. Well run.
Lovely staff. Thank you.”
www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/coronavirus-vaccination
Helping Stop the Spread—Vaccinations and Community Testing Update on the easing 26 April
of lockdown restrictions • up to six people from up to 3 households
can meet outdoors
Underwood Road and On Tuesday 16 March, the Scottish Government • up to six 12–17 year olds, from up
outlined its plan for easing of restrictions in to 6 households can meet outdoors
Renfrewshire House Scotland with key dates throughout April and May. • travel within all of mainland Scotland permitted
All staff working at Underwood Road and (subject to other restrictions that remain in
Due to the unpredictable nature of coronavirus, the
Renfrewshire House were recently invited place)
First Minister (FM) explained it is still too early to give
to take part in a voluntary home testing specific dates beyond May and that it is vital to allow
programme. • remaining shops can reopen and mobile close
enough time to assess their effects. However it is hoped
contact services can resume
The testing was introduced to provide an extra that from the start of June, Scotland can move to Level
layer of protection to colleagues working at a 1 with a move to Level 0 at the end of the same month. • gyms can reopen for individual exercise
council building or depot and to ensure we can Ensuring we all continue to stick to the rules at every • tourist accommodation to reopen (self-catering
continue to deliver essential services to the stage will be key to the success of the emergence from accommodation to be restricted in line with rules
people and communities across Renfrewshire. lockdown. The FM added that government will be on indoor gathering)
All participants received a consent form and two Gallowhill Mobile Testing Site prepared to pause the easing of restrictions if the data • driving lessons to resume
shows that the virus is spreading again and they will
COVID-19 at home PCR testing kits containing Our first community mobile testing site, for people • weddings and funerals for up to 50 (including
act decisively to reapply higher levels of restrictions
a nasal/throat swab and instructions of how to who do not have symptoms, took place in Gallowhill wakes and receptions with no alcohol permitted)
to manage localised outbreaks should the need arise.
carry out the test to see if they are infected with in Paisley at the beginning of March. This could be on a local or regional basis, depending • libraries, museums, galleries re-open
COVID-19.
The mobile testing unit (MTU), supported by the on the nature of the outbreak. However, restrictions
Anyone who receives a positive result, must will not remain in place for any longer than necessary. • outdoor hospitality to open to 22:00 with alcohol
Scottish Ambulance Service, was introduced because
immediately self-isolate for 10 days and inform permitted. Indoor hospitality permitted without
Gallowhill has experienced particularly high rates Key dates are as follows:
their line manager as soon as possible, who will alcohol and closing at 20:00
of COVID-19 and we reached out to local residents,
advise of the range of support available, including encouraging them to get a test to help protect • meeting in indoor public places for a maximum
the self-isolation support grant. themselves and the people around them. 2 April of 4 people from 2 households.
It is hoped by targeting resources within communities • lifting the ‘Stay at Home’ requirement and
where there is a high prevalence, then we will identify replacing it with a ‘Stay Local’ message (local 17 May
more cases of the virus, giving us a better chance of authority-based travel restrictions will remain
in place for at least a three-week period) • in-home socialising for up to 4 people from
stopping it from spreading.
up to 2 households
What people have said: 5 April • further re-opening of hospitality: bars, pubs,
restaurants and cafes can stay open until
“Been today, very busy, plenty of people going • the resumption of outdoor contact sport for 22:30 indoors and 22:00 outdoors with alcohol
in. Very well run. In and out in 10 minutes.” 12-17-year olds permitted and 2-hour time-limited slots
• return of college students within the top three • adult outdoor contact sport and indoor group
“Great and well done to everyone involved.
priority groups identified by Colleges Scotland exercises can resume
On-site staff/volunteers were friendly and
explained everything and it was really quiet. • reopening of non-essential ‘click and collect’ • cinemas, amusement arcades and bingo halls
Test done in 10 mins and negative result retail can re-open
returned the following morning. Couldn’t • extending the list of retail permitted to include
ask for better!” • small scale indoor and outdoor events can
garden centres, electrical repair shops, shop- resume subject to capacity constraints
based hairdressers and barbers, homeware (to be confirmed)
shops, and vehicle showrooms by appointment
only. • colleges and universities can return to a more
blended model of learning
12–19 April, depending on term times • more in-person (face-to-face) support services
can resume
• all children back to school full-time.
In Renfrewshire this is after the school • non-professional performance arts can resume
break on Monday 19 April. outdoors
For full details go to www.gov.scot
Building a brighter future
From weaving shawls to building spitfire engines, “I really enjoy being part of the team working to The construction contract has just been Barbara Walker has recently been appointed
Renfrewshire has a proud story to tell when ensure AMIDS delivers on its vision of becoming an awarded and work is set to start in Spring, the role of Programme Director for City Deal and
it comes to manufacturing. exemplar innovation district which attracts lots as civil engineering specialists GRAHAM deliver Infrastructure. We asked her how she feels about
of companies and helps create thousands of jobs,” an opening road bridge over the River Clyde, taking a leading role in such a significant project
Now, the next chapter is being written as our City
says Caitlin Martin, whose role has evolved since a connecting road into the manufacturing and why she believes this will be a game changer
Deal and Infrastructure Team drive development
joining the City Deal team in 2016. district and new riverside walking and for Renfrewshire and our people.
of Scotland’s manufacturing innovation district
cycling routes.
AMIDS. She added: “Working as part of the City Deal “Having been involved with AMIDS since its
and Infrastructure team has afforded me the Norman joined the Council in 2014, having inception, I am really excited to now lead this
AMIDS—shorthand for the Advanced Manufacturing
opportunity to grow from a Graduate Intern started his working life designing bridges for exciting project on behalf of the Council as part
Innovation District Scotland – is a collaborative
working across all the projects into a Project a company in Inverness before 20 years with of our Place agenda and in collaboration with
project, supported by Scottish Government and
Officer, leading on projects like a connecting development companies. our external partners.
Scottish Enterprise, transforming a 52-hectare
cycling route and on the utility connections
site next to Glasgow Airport into a centre for He said: “This project is a culmination of these “My role brings together the ambitious City
needed to power the manufacturing district.”
manufacturing research and development. experiences, where I get to be involved in a Deal, AMIDS, Cultural Infrastructure and
Already, the district—which encompasses the significant bridge build, a project spanning three Town Centre Heritage programmes under
Steering its success from the ground up is a small
central campus and nearby Westway and Inchinnan council boundaries to improve the economic and one team providing exciting opportunities for
staff group within the Chief Executive’s service.
Business Parks—has attracted £185million of social wellbeing of our local communities and everyone involved to develop and align these
Through completion of the Glasgow Airport investment, with construction started on both the increase development opportunities across this investments.
Investment Area project later this year, the flagship National Manufacturing Institute Scotland area.
underpinning infrastructure will improve (NMIS) and the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation “Our core goal is to maximise the benefits
“I very much enjoy the interaction with multiple these projects will undoubtedly bring to our
connections into the central site known as Centre. Boeing, the world’s largest aerospace
stakeholders and trying to solve the many and local businesses and communities, ensuring
Netherton Campus. company, has also touched down at Westway
varied challenges that come from large complex Renfrewshire is an attractive place to live, work
to take on its first research project in Scotland.
And plans are progressing to ensure the district is projects to ensure that all needs are balanced and play. The AMIDS project is key to realising
an attractive proposition for companies considering Key to attracting more manufacturers is and the long-term goals are met.” this vision and will play a priority role in the
locating there, with a carbon reducing heating connectivity, and this is being enhanced through post-covid economic recovery of Renfrewshire,
network, a central square and riverside green another City Deal project at the Renfrew waterfront. Find out more: Glasgow City Region and Scotland, attracting
spaces creating a unique environment to foster thousands of high-quality jobs to the area.”
Project Manager Norman Yardley leads on delivery www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/citydeal
innovation and collaboration.
of the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside, Barbara Walker, Programme Director for City Deal
one of the largest civil en-gineering projects being paisley.is/amids
and Infrastructure
undertaken in the Glasgow City Region.
Our events are going online
this spring and summer
Our spring and summer events programme will be
taking place online this year, kicking off with the
popular Paisley Food and Drink Festival across
10 days in April.
The festival will showcase the rich diversity of
Renfrewshire’s food and drink offer along with
interactive culinary experiences, including cooking
demonstrations, workshops, ways to grow your own
food and much more. A great way to get some healthy
eating into your wellbeing regime!
Our Head of Marketing, Communications and Events,
Louisa Mahon said “The Paisley Food and Drink
Festival is always one of the highlights of our annual
events calendar—and this year’s online programme
will provide a fantastic opportunity to shine a
Picking up The Thread—Our new digital experience spotlight on the exceptional food and drink offer
we have across Renfrewshire”.
These are fast-moving times. The global pandemic • Digital communications channels such The Thread is designed to help you build your Following the success of last year’s event, Paisley’s
has accelerated trends in how we behave, how as emails, web notifications and chatbots understanding. You’ll find lots of useful guidance annual Sma’ Shot Day celebrations will also be
we access services and experiences and how we on there – how to write for the web; how you marked with a programme of online events to
• Voice device technology (Alexa, Siri)
communicate. make sure your online content is fully accessible commemorate the historic victory of local weavers.
and wearable tech (smartwatches)
– but also some signposts to advice and support
There’s been an increase in the use of the council’s Louisa added, “Sma’ Shot Day represents an
• Online collaboration tools such as Teams, from specialist teams in the council.
digital channels. In 2020, our main website— important part of Paisley’s heritage and we were
SharePoint and Yammer
Renfrewshire.gov.uk – saw its number of users delighted with the warm reception last year’s online
doubled from 2019, reaching 3.1 million visits • Digital advertising – everything from digital Visit The Thread celebrations received from local people, as well as
by 1.5 million users. signage to Google ads Just go to thethread.renfrewshire.gov.uk and start those from further afield who wouldn’t normally be
As we spend ever-more time online connected We all expect a high-quality digital experience exploring! Get in touch with us and let us know able to take part in the day’s events.
to our digital devices, our ‘digital experience’ these days, with clear information and interfaces how useful you find The Thread and how we can
“This year’s online event will look to carry on these
becomes ever-more influential. that are easy to navigate through. People bring work with you to improve the digital experience
traditions and feeling of community spirit, while
the same high levels of expectation to their digital for all.
It’s a challenge for us all. The ‘digital experience’ offering opportunities for everyone to get involved
interactions with the council. Latest story on The Thread: ‘Web Accessibility in celebrating this great day”.
of Renfrewshire Council must be as good as it can
be. We also don’t want to leave anyone behind— is everywhere and everyone’s responsibility’
The event will take place on Saturday 3 July—
our online services and communications must be A ‘digital experience’ and Improving accessibility online is essential to the time when the weavers and their families
accessible and inclusive. communications guide for ensure more users can engage easily with our would traditionally take their holidays
The Thread is a new ‘digital experience’ and Renfrewshire Council organisation and the services we offer. It’s also
Look out for more details on the Paisley Food
communications guide designed to help you meet a legal requirement. Read on The Thread why
The Thread is our new online guide to all things and Drink Festival and Sma’ Shot Day at
these challenges and keep you up to date with the web accessibility is an outcome we must reach.
‘digital experience’ and communications. www.paisley.is/featured_event/paisley-food-and-
future development of our digital channels. Digital Experience Manager, Philippe Fara said, drink-festival/ and on social media: @paisleyis on
Developed by our in-house Digital Experience
Facebook and @paisleyfoodanddrink on Instagram
team, it’s simple to use but packed full of advice “Digital experience represents the way we
What ‘digital experience’ means and support.
for the latest updates.
engage with our users over a variety of digital
Digital experience is the way we engage with our channels, from websites and mobile apps to
Is this for you? Yes! Digital experience impacts on
audiences over a variety of digital channels and social media. The better we make our digital
everyone’s job. If you understand and feel confident
touchpoints. Just think how many we already have experience, the easier it will be for our local
about developing a high-quality digital experience,
—and how many we will have in the near future: communities and our staff to access the
you can make digital channels work effectively for
• Websites and apps you, and your users. information they need and use our online
services.”
• Social media channels such
as Facebook and Instagram
Supporting your development
because we value learning Leading Our Values training for managers
The People Development area of our intranet is
filled with information about the many learning
opportunities available to everyone here
at Renfrewshire Council.
Coming soon…
Over the next few weeks, the HR&OD team
are running training courses in topics such as
Supporting Attendance (25 March), Managing
a Virtual Team (30 March), Managing Change
Successfully (22 April), Working in a Virtual
Team (27 April), A Coaching Mindset (27 April)
and Emotional Intelligence (29 April).
The launch of the ‘Leading Our Values’ training We asked some managers to test
module marks the next stage in our journey to out the module before launch:
SAMH, the Scottish Association for Mental Health, create the organisational culture our staff have
Taking care of our wellbeing are running a series of online workshops with told us they want to be part of. “The module is very worthwhile. It’s helpful and
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic our topics including Maintaining Wellbeing (24 insightful and just about the right amount of
With a mix of practical tips, downloadable content and time allocated to it.”
lives have been turned upside down in ways we March), Building Resilience (25 March), Mental templates and useful scenarios to aid discussion
could never have imagined. We also could never Health in the Workplace—A Guide for Managers and feedback, the module will help managers “I particularly like the templates for individual
have imagined just how long we’d be living under (25/29 March) and Introduction to Suicide visibly demonstrate our values and support their managers to reflect on their own practice and
different restrictions and how this would throw into Prevention (29 March). teams to understand what’s expected of them. hope this is something that will be used widely.”
focus the importance of learning new ways to take
Choose Life Renfrewshire have also arranged the At just around an hour long, the module can be “I like the fact that participants can come away with
care of our wellbeing.
‘A Conversation About…’ series to introduce us completed in one go or with progress saved to pick an action plan which is really important following
Hope is in sight as the roll out of the vaccine to information and support for Mental Health (20 up again at a later date. Managers have been asked professional development.”
continues. So, it’s vital that we see this through by April), Anxiety (21 April) and Depression (22 April). to complete this by the end of April before the roll
sticking to the guidelines and restrictions for this “This is really good; well done I think it will give
For more information and afull list of dates and out of the Living Our Values training begins for all a great expectation and explanation of what we
final stretch. staff in May.
courses available visit the People Development should all be doing every day and consistently”
Right across the council we’ve shown incredible area on the intranet. Leading Our Values training for managers
resilience and demonstrated our values of being is available on iLearn now. More on Our Values
helpful, fair, collaborative and learning throughout A message for our frontline teams
this past year. But it’s understandable to feel “Our new People Strategy, which is due to be For more on Our Values including our handy staff
down at times and it’s important to recognise the We recognise that many of you across our implemented in the next few months, makes guide, launch video, colleague examples and senior
struggles and challenges we all face. frontline teams are unable to access information a commitment to creating a positive and leader Stories visit our staff webpage and watch the
on our intranet channel. So, if you are interested healthy workplace culture though inspirational Our Values playlist on YouTube.
To help us all keep going, we ask that you take the in finding out more, please ask your manager leadership. How we live our values not only
time to be kind to yourself and prioritise your own to share this information with you. shapes this culture, but the experience of every Questions and feedback
wellbeing. The Taking Care of Our Wellbeing Hub is
If you are a manager or team leader in a employee in it. I’m delighted to see the launch
there to help you find ways to stay active, eat well For questions and feedback on
frontline service, you may have bespoke training of this training and look forward to hearing
and support you to care for your mental health. the Leading Our Values module,
requirements or may need us to provide our how you have started to apply the learning
The page also includes lots of advice and resources and principles with your teams” please complete this
support in a different way to make it accessible.
to help you reach out and find help when you need Scan here with your online form.
Sandra Black, Chief Executive mobile device
it. Please let us know what we can
do to help you and your teams
Don’t forget our employee counselling service by completing our contact form
is still available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. so we can get in touch to discuss
We are fair, we treat each other and everyone We are great collaborators; we work as
Professional counsellors are on hand to provide you your needs. we deal with respectfully and work hard one team and with people who care about
with free, confidential support via telephone and Scan here with your to build trust in Renfrewshire Council. this place.
digital channels such as Skype. Visit the webpage mobile device
www.timefortalking.co.uk for more information or We are helpful, we care about getting things We value learning, to help us innovate,
call 0800 970 3980 for free support now. right and are always approachable. improve and deliver better services.
Thank you to all our teams Our bin collection teams ploughed tirelessly Happy retirement Joan!
through the snow to collect all the bins they could
who have kept Renfrewshire and made a monumental effort to return for any Heriot Primary School and Early Learning
Childcare Centre last month waved off a much-
moving all winter missed from the previous days, meaning that
loved member of the team, cleaner Joan Bryce
our collection schedule stayed on track for our
One thing we can always rely on to challenge residents. after 29 years at Renfrewshire Council and 14
us as a council is winter weather. years with the school.
On the first day of heavy snowfall, our team at
Our preparations begin months in advance Linwood recycling centre even walked to work as Depute head teacher, Lucy Scollen, described
to ensure that when it hits, we’re #RenReady they couldn’t drive and ensured that the centre was Joan’s departure as ‘the end of an era’ but
to respond to whatever comes our way. open for those who needed it. wishes her all the best for her retirement. Having
welcomed her baby granddaughter into the world
This year was no different, but the combination of And our StreetScene team have continued to clean last year, she knows Joan will enjoy being kept
the current pandemic and some extreme snowfall our streets, empty our bins and collect rubbish from busy as a doting Gran. She said, “Joan’s last shift
meant it was more challenging than ever. our #TeamUptoCleanUp volunteers no matter the with us was emotional. She was showered with
Thankfully though, we have incredible teams weather – with members of the team joining the lovely gifts and bouquets of flowers from her
on the frontline. gritting effort too when required. colleagues because we all wanted her to know
Lindsey Hepburn, Waste Operations Manager, said: how special she is to us and that we appreciate
Our gritting teams were out at all hours in difficult
“My team, and all the others on our frontline, have everything she has done. Nothing was ever too
conditions to clear the roads of snow and grit them
made incredible efforts over the winter to ensure much hassle for Joan – she always went above
to prevent ice forming, ensuring that essential
that we can still deliver our services for local people and beyond to be helpful. We wish her all the best
travel could still take place for those who needed it.
in Renfrewshire. and hope she enjoys every minute of being
Roadworker John Clark said, “We can be called a grandmother”.
to grit any time of day as well as during the night, “The lengths they’ve gone to may go unnoticed by
which means we are the first on the roads before residents who don’t see behind the scenes, but I’m Connecting residents to services Lucy added, “As we couldn’t do very much by way
incredibly grateful for the work they do and hope of a celebration, we plan to have her back in the
they have been treated. I’ve driven in some
they know how appreciated they are.”
online school when restrictions ease for an afternoon tea
treacherous conditions when the snow is heavy and
Did you spot the great work of our Digital First team and a proper celebration with the Heriot team”.
it can be quite scary coming down the steep roads
in the Gleniffer Braes when it is hard to see what is when we highlighted the success of MyAccount Joan’s team leader, Brian Connelly said, “Joan
in front of you, but I take my time to ensure it’s safe throughout 2020 in one of our recent editions was a valued member of soft FM who was very
for me and for our residents.” of Take 5? well liked. She was always a conscientious worker
The online portal for connecting residents to council who took great pride in her work. She will be
services became a vital channel as offices closed in missed by her team, and as her team leader I
2020 and the Digital Frist team worked tirelessly to help will miss our chats about cats and her offer of a
keep Renfrewshire running by bringing both existing biscuit. We all wish her a very happy retirement.”
and new processes to MyAccount.
Exactly one year ago during March 2020, MyAccount
saw 763 new users signing up in just one week!
Throughout the year, a total of 4,871 COVID-19 grant
applications were made online online and 1,887
children were registered for Primary 1 through the
portal.
For more great stats highlighting
just how well all this hard work has
paid off, check out the following
infographic which can be accessed
by scanning the QR code with
your smartphone.
If you live in Renfrewshire and haven’t signed up to use
MyAccount online services yet, what are you waiting
for?! Sign up today and start benefiting from the many
online services.
Go to www.myaccount.renfrewshire.gov.uk/
Social Shout Outs
As we look forward to Spring, our Facebook and Twitter
channels are recieving lots of fantastic feedback and well
wishes from the people of Renfrewshire. Just goes to show
all your hard work is recognised and appreciated. Here are
just a few of the comments we’ve received recently…
“You guys are d “The team has done a great
“Renfrewshire Brilliant, keep oing and have job. Very clear roads, even
up the good work team. ” been doing a fa
ntastic job. in housing estates. Thanks
Thank you x”
Fiona Helen Matheson to everyone involved.”
Cat McIntyre
Mary Bland Smith
“Big thanks to @RenCouncil “Well done guys youse are
for sending a fab crew to
“Gritters have been visibly doing an amazing job
empty my missed green bin out and about, good job!” keeping our town clean
within 24 hrs of reporting & tidy thank you”
it. My recycling efforts can Lorna Poole
Arlene Beatrix
continue uninterrupted ”
Aileen Wilson
“Yeah, a big thank you “Great and Well Done to
guys, you’ve been brilliant everyone involved…On-
through all of this!” site staff/volunteers were
“Fantastic service by
June Kennedy friendly and explained
@RenCouncil today.
I reported a street lighting everything and it was really
fault at 8pm last night and quiet. Test done in 10 mins
“Well done to all of our local
the repair was carried out and went home…Couldn’t
services, difficult conditions
at 11am today. Outstanding ask for better!”
make your task harder.
turnaround.” Doing a great job.” Donald Massie about the
Ross Arnott Gallowhill Testing Centre
Murray White
“Gritters have done a great “The cleansing department has
“Shout out to staff of The
job so far, keep it up and done a wonderful job through
Mirin @RenCouncil doing their
thank you” the whole pandemic. Well
absolute best to engage adults
Elaine R Weir done all of you!”
w. disabilities in Zoom activities.
Co-ordinating 16 people doing Lorna McMillan
online baking/ keep fit/ crafts??! “You literally have delivered
I take my hat off. The Mirin again. My street was covered
is seriously improving my “What a fantastic job use all
in thick ice. We asked for help ”
brother’s ‘lockdown’ quality do stay safe
and today a new grit bin was
of life.” dropped off. Great service... Liz Graham
Alison Gilmour Thanks”
MrJamez
Share your stories and photos
Don’t forget we’d love to hear from you! It could be a photo of you working from home, something
interesting from your daily walk, or a photo of your new “colleagues” (furry friends most welcome!). Have
you started volunteering or taking on new roles and responsibilities you never thought you would? Tell us
all about it and we can share your stories. Send them in to internalcommunications@renfrewshire.gov.uk
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