Welcome to this latest edition of our Depute Chief Executive Update. I think it’s safe to say Autumn is now truly here or should I say Winter given the last few days!
It’s been a busy few weeks, including a full Council meeting on Thursday 28 September, with a packed agenda – you can read the reports that were considered through the usual meeting date link in the Committee Diary on the Council website.
Our annual budget consultation is also due to launch this month and I would encourage all staff who are residents of East Dunbartonshire to get involved. It’s a short survey that will allow us to take into consideration what matters most to people as we look to set our next budget in February. Look out for the information on this both online and in our Community Hubs, Leisure Centres and Community Centres from Monday 9 October.
As many of you are aware, COSLA has made an updated pay offer during its National Pay Bargaining negotiations with GMB, Unison and Unite Trade Unions. You can find out details of this offer in Employee News 28.
And finally, I’m particularly looking forward to the official opening of our fantastic new ASN school Woodland View next week. The 200 pupils have been settling in well and it should be a great event celebrating the school community.
Now to our regular news round up….
News from the Council
Electronic Vehicle Charging – Tariffs to be introduced
A tariff will be introduced for using Council owned electric vehicle charging points in East Dunbartonshire from today (Monday 2 October 2023). While installation and initial maintenance was funded by Transport Scotland, the usage until now has been subsidised by the Council to encourage people to invest in sustainable vehicles. You can read more in our news item on the website.
Help to create the climate for change
Organisations and individuals who want to learn more about what they can do to reduce the effects of the climate crisis and take action in their local community can now access specialist training. The Council are working in partnership with East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action (EDVA) to deliver Carbon Literacy training which is funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by Keep Scotland Beautiful. Learn more by reading the news item on our website.
Mugdock is Halloween Happy
Mugdock Country Park is offering visitors a traditional Halloween experience this October in partnership with This Is Halloween. From 13-20 October, the park will be home to a pumpkin patch, guising huts, story-telling witches and marshmallow toasting. Find out more and book online.
Recycling your food waste is a-peeling
The Council is currently running a campaign to encourage more residents to use the weekly food recycling service. Over 30 per cent of rubbish currently being chucked into grey residual bins across East Dunbartonshire is made up of food waste, but by recycling your food waste you are helping turn it from the enemy to energy. Read more in our news story.
News from the Trust….
Christmas Magic at Kilmardinny House
As we get even closer to the festive season, a reminder that a touch of Christmas magic is coming to Kilmardinny House this December when Charles Dickens’ famous tale is brought to the stage, courtesy of No Nonsense Productions. A Christmas Carol; A Radio Play on Stage is an adaptation of the festive favourite and Kilmardinny House in Bearsden will play host to two shows - a matinee and an evening performance – on Saturday 16 December. To find out more about the show, read the media release and to book your tickets, visit the Booking page.
Walk Well with EDLC
Do you know someone who would like some fresh air, a cuppa and a chat? EDLC are delivering leisurely strolls on Mondays at 10.30am each week. This free activity starts from Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre. For more information email john.kiernan@eastdunbarton.gov.uk
And Finally….
Thumbs up for summer fun
The results are in and it's a resounding thumbs up for the Council from families who benefited from our packed schedule of summer holiday fun. More than 600 children and young people took part in activities over the school summer holidays. Read more about what was on offer.
News on Health & Wellbeing….
Employee Assistance Programme
Please remember that if you need it, our Employee Assistance Programme includes a 24/7 confidential helpline and support service ‘Time for Talking’ which is available to all our employees.
The contact details for employees looking for immediate support are as follows:
- Telephone: 0800 9703980
- Email: admin@timefortalking.co.uk
- Time for Talking website
- Live Web Chat: Accessed via website. Password: TfTnow (case sensitive)
Employee Wellbeing
Our Wellbeing page of the Employee Zone also has a host of information and signposting to support across a range of wellbeing matters, including financial wellbeing, emotional wellbeing and bereavement support. Do visit the page if it may be of assistance to you – and share the link with colleagues if you think they might benefit.
Dates for your diary….
1 - 31 October Black History Month
1 – 31 October Breast Cancer Awareness Month
2 – 8 October Challenge Poverty Week
6 October World Cerebral Palsy Day
10 October World Mental Health Day
16-20 October School October Week Holiday
18 October World Menopause Day
Have a great couple of weeks, and I’ll be back with my next update in a fortnight’s time on Tuesday 17 October. If you’re having time off that week for the schools October Week holiday have a wonderful break!
Thanks
Ann