Chief Executive's Update: Issue 07/2026

Dear all,

Another school year has ended and once again our pupils and schools have had a wonderful 12 months. Just recently Westerton Primary was awarded Gold by UNICEF UK’s Rights Respecting School programme, Kirkintilloch High hosted a My Voice, My Choice showcase and a Bishopbriggs Academy pupil is the only finalist from Scotland in a prestigious national competition, the Gresham College Oratory contest. 

These achievements and more are another reminder of the hard work and dedication of our pupils and those who work in Education. I hope all our pupils, teachers and colleagues who work in our schools have a much-deserved summer break.

It’s been a busy time across the Council. Our Trading Standards team have been working hard resulting in the seizure of both counterfeit trade marked goods and illicit cigarettes, the refurbishment of Milngavie Primary School is close to completion and work continues on our Headstone inspection programme.

I know many of you have annual leave planned over the next four weeks so I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a wonderful time and once again express my thanks for all the hard work you do.

The winners of the Provost’s Community Champion Awards for 2026 have been unveiled.

Provost Gillian Renwick and Depute Provost Colette McDiarmid reviewed every entry and following a difficult judging process, the following people were named as this year’s Champions, across six categories:

• Arts & Heritage Champion – Don Martin MBE
• Caring Champion – Eleanor Allan 
• Community Champion – Luke Rooker
• Sports Champion – Barry Peacock
• Sustainability Champion– Karen Bathie
• Young Champion – Alexander Dalziel

Presentations and more information on each winner will be published over the next month. In the meantime, congratulations to this year’s winners!

East Dunbartonshire Leisure & Culture Trust is offering all Council and EDLC Trust employees a special deal to join their Corporate All Inclusive Leisure Membership.

Employees can take advantage of a special reduced rate annual membership of £374.90 – the equivalent of 12 months for the price of 10 - if they pay in a lump sum. In addition, the usual £20 joining fee will be waived. This offer is also available to existing employees who currently have a direct debit membership and would like to take advantage of this special promotion and switch to an annual membership.

Read more about EDLC’s discounted offer.

As part of our ongoing commitment to review and update our HR Policy base in line with best practice and employment law legislation, a number of policy reviews have taken place.

The policies – which were approved at a recent Policy & Resources Committee includes Dignity at Work, Retirement and Family Leave.
New policies Sexual Harassment and Gender & Relationship Based Violence were also recently approved.

You can find all HR policies and procedures on the Employee Zone.

Currently all internal and external vacancies for the Council are advertised on MyJobScotland. However, in the coming months our HR team will be working on a process allowing us to promote internal vacancies via the Employee Zone instead. Further communication on this will be via an Employee News.

Young people in Scotland are being offered the free MenB vaccine. If your child has completed S6 in the year 2025/26 they can attend any local NHS drop-in clinic from 6th July.

Find out more about the MenB Vaccine.

As usual, our Monthly Wellbeing Focus is updated each month with key campaigns and details of support all employees can access.

Both EDLC and Mugdock Park have a range of activities during the summer for all the family to enjoy. To find out what’s on and how to book visit the EDLC website and Mugdock Park’s Eventbrite page.

And for free fun our newly opened destination playpark in Bishopbriggs has proven to be a hit with both Bishopbriggs residents and beyond.

Thanks,

Ann