Archived Staff News 2023

December

6 December - Award winning project connects cultures through food (Education Services)

Scotstoun Primary school in the west end of the city has a diverse international school community with more than 40 languages being spoken! Their Café Culture project is an amazing example of members of the community working together, with their local school, to bond over a common love of food, create new memories with new friends and boost language skills at the same time.

As Grace Cameron, English as an Additional Language (EAL) teacher, explains: "The idea for Café Culture came direct from the parents themselves. After Covid, many parents were feeling isolated and as a school we wanted to rebuild our partnerships with the community, so we initially suggested a reading project with funding to get off the ground from Strathclyde University. However, it was the mums who came up with the idea of sharing their cultures with each other through food and it has now gone from strength to strength. Earlier this summer we also able to launch our very own international themed cook-book - where all proceeds will help us to sustain the future of Café Culture and become self-sufficient."

Every Tuesday afternoon, a group of mums, with support from the team at school, meet at Scotstoun Primaryto share recipes, cook food and chat. Their children also get involved in helping to make, and of course taste, the foods from around the world - expanding minds and palates at the same time! 

Pauline McFadden, the school's family wellbeing worker explains: "Café Culture originally started back in October last year as a collaborative literary project with St Paul's Primary in Whiteinch and it has now expanded in unexpected ways and become about so much more.

"Today Café Culture is helping families in the community to from friendships and connect with each other - whilst learning how to cook on a budget. We don't hear the word isolation here anymore. It has also been really rewarding to see some of the mums increase in confidence and become volunteers at our school too. Having bilingual support workers is a huge bonus for us."

Islah Abdyen, who is from Sudan, has a six-year-old son, Muhammad Ali at the school said: "Coming here for the first time I was out of my comfort zone, I was stressed. But Grace and Pauline are so nice, and I have made new friends. It has definitely made me more confident."

The Aljundi family came to Glasgow eight years ago, to escape the war in Syria.

Nsrin Aljundi, whose daughter Tala, nine, is in primary four, sums it up. "For a long time, I wanted to get involved in the life of the school, I was a schoolteacher in Syria, but I could not, because of the language - I had no confidence to speak out, and that was difficult. It has been hard but coming here I feel relaxed. I have done my PVG training which allows me to work with young people, and I can volunteer. Doing something for the community, finally - I like that."

Cooking up an award!

In November Café Culture were rewarded for their community work and won the North-West Glasgow Community Champion 2023 award.

You can buy a copy of the book by contacting the school on 0141 959 3247

6 December - Scottish Welfare Fund Team: supporting our citizens in their time of need (Financial Services)

The Customer and Business Services (CBS) Scottish Welfare Fund (SWF) team delivers the national SWF scheme, which is funded by the Scottish Government and administered by each of the thirty-two local authorities. The SWF aims to provides a safety net to vulnerable people on low incomes by the provision of Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants.

Crisis Grants are made in the form of a cash payment and are provided where an individual is facing a disaster or emergency situation, and there is an immediate threat to the health or safety of that individual or their family. The SWF team must make a decision within 24 hours of receipt of a Crisis Grant application.

Community Care Grants are provided where a qualifying individual needs help to establish or maintain a settled home. A Community Care Grant may also be provided to support families facing exceptional pressures. Any award made will be fulfilled through goods, which are sourced and delivered by the Council. The SWF team must make a decision within 15 days of receipt of application.

Since April 2023, the SWF team have received in excess of 36,000 applications for both Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants.

In addition to applications from citizens, the SWF team work in partnership with colleagues in the Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership to provide Community Care Grants to individuals moving from temporary accommodation into their own tenancy. This joint working provides vulnerable citizens with the support they need, whilst also helping to alleviate the pressures on our homelessness services by freeing up temporary accommodation that is required for others.

Hear from Deborah McQueen, SWF team member, who recently assisted a customer to receive a Crisis Grant during a very distressing and challenging time in the customer's life.

"We received an application for a Crisis Grant from a single parent with one child. They were in a violent relationship down south and had to flee the area to protect themself and their child. As they had a local connection to Glasgow, they managed to find a private let in the city and once the let was confirmed they fled from their home. All their money was used to arrange travel to Glasgow and to buy some essential items for their new let. Unfortunately, this left them with no money for basics such as food, gas or electricity."

"As part of the application, the relevant information confirming they had no funds was provided.  We were able to assist with funds for the period up to their next income payment. The applicant was so thankful that we were able to assist as this helped to remove an element of extreme anxiety during a very stressful period in their life."

"It made me feel good knowing we were able to provide some help and just how much that support meant to the individual."

ChrisMcDonough,Service Delivery Manager said: "The team are here to assist those that are going through the most difficult periods of their life and provide them, where we can, with the necessary support during their really hard times."

Sharon Gillespie, Customer Operations Manager said: "The team work tirelessly to assist the most vulnerable citizens in the city. The increasing demand for applications, can at times present the team with significant challenges. However, the teams' dedication and continued hard work ensures citizens get the essential financial help and/or goods to assist them during their period of personal and financial crisis."

For more information visit our Scottish Welfare Fund homepage

6 December - Empowering Nicole: 'Glasgow Helps' Change Lives (Chief Executive's Department)

Nicole, a single mother with two autistic children, has recently benefitted from the integrated support offered by Glasgow Helps to help improve her family's life. Her story demonstrates how the council, through our Pathfinders process and cross-Service Glasgow Helps Team, successfully delivered a solution, putting the family's needs at the heart of their approach.

Background

Before reaching out to Glasgow Helps, Nicole lived with her mother in her 2-bedroom house, where she slept in one cramped room with both her children. This was incredibly challenging due to the children having different sleeping patterns - due to their individual complex needs. As Nicole is unable to work, due to the additional daily support her children require, she felt alone and isolated from her community, alongside being constantly exhausted. She also struggled to get the twins to nursery regularly due to travel logistics and financial constraints.

Her Health Visitor and Head of Nursery both witnessed her struggles and stepped in to make a referral to Glasgow Helps - with the aim of improving the family's current living conditions and mental wellbeing with support from a dedicated network of partners.

Changing lives forever

Glasgow Helps delivered! Through collaborative work with partners Differabled, One Parent Family Scotland and Central Parenting Team they helped to empower Nicole, remove service barriers and improve the family's overall quality of life. The combined team played a vital role in assisting Nicole in submitting housing applications, securing support for her children and gathering the necessary documentation for her family's specific needs. This intervention led to Nicole being offered a 3-bedroom property in her preferred area, ensuring that her family's support network remained close by.

As Laura-Jane Richards, Strategic Housing Officer, Glasgow Helps explains: "Nicole was overwhelmed by her situation and the complexity of her day-to-day challenges. Being able to work with Nicole to build her confidence and support her was extremely rewarding. It was a privilege to be part of her journey, to witness her grow and take more control over this area of her life for her and her children's future."

Elizabeth McKechnie, Lead Officer, Glasgow Helps explains: "The benefits of Glasgow Helps are multi-faceted and Nicole's journey is a prime example. She has now secured a suitable home with a private garden for her children. She is filled with newfound optimism, and the ongoing collaboration with her Holistic Support Officer and partner agencies promises a brighter, more secure future for her family.  The entire Glasgow Helps team has made a real difference in someone's life.

"Glasgow Helps has become a lifeline for people who are just coping. Without our support they could be pushed over the edge to crisis. We are able to offer early intervention that can help them thrive within the community. In supporting the individuals, we allow other services, such as education, do the jobs they were hired to do. It has been life changing to see the positive impact Glasgow Helps has made to so many."

Nicole's journey showcases how Glasgow Helps joins up organisations and services across the city to work in partnership and connect people to the right support at the right time - in this case before crisis intervention was needed. By helping families like Nicole's, Glasgow is building a stronger, more inclusive city, where every citizen and every child can thrive.

Glasgow Helps - council staff living outside of Glasgow

All staff working for the council family are able to access Glasgow Helps support - even if they live outside the council boundary and within another local authority area.

However, please note that the support offered will only be for yourself, and not for any members of your family that live with you - and that some solutions may not be available as they are localised to the Glasgow area. If you have any friends and family who live within the Glasgow area they will be able to access Glasgow Helps support as normal.

Staff support - Financial wellbeing - poverty isn't a choice: supporting one another - Glasgow City Council

6 December - What a transformation - the garden that keeps on giving! (Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability)

Earlier this summer, officers in NRS Vacant and Derelict Land, and Greenspace and Biodiversity, came together with the local community and students from Strathclyde University to create a new community garden on Glasgow's High street - Greyfriars Garden.  The project is a great example of how a dedicated group of council officers and locals worked in partnership to transform a previously vacant plot of land into a stunning and productive food growing garden for locals, visitors and wildlife to enjoy and benefit from.

The original Greyfriars Garden was located in Shuttle Street as part of the previous Stalled Spaces initiative. However, this space was always a temporary location as the site had been earmarked for future development.  Once plans were agreed, officers worked with the community to find a new local permanent site.  

And what a location!

The new Greyfriars Garden is located in a beautiful council-owned site near the Victorian neo-Gothic style Barony Hall in High Street: 56 raised growing beds were built, (11 more than previous), including three accessible ones with space for wheelchairs. The attractive location is enclosed by a sandstone wall and also boasts a welcoming communal seating area and storage units. To support sustainability, items from the original site, such as barrels, have been repurposed into new planters in the garden. All the growing spaces were quickly allocated to growers ranging in age from mid 20s to over 80 years old - creating a real diverse, permanent,  community garden.  

Sandy Paterson, Assistant Manager (Food Growing) Greenspace and Biodiversity, NRS said: "The opening of this community growing space is both a wonderful example of what can be achieved through our city's Food Growing Strategy and also an important milestone in the revitalisation of our historic High Street area.

"The garden was a collaborative project involving support from both the community gardeners and also students at Strathclyde University in the development of a design to secure Vacant and Derelict Land funding. Transforming this under-utilised space has created a city centre oasis for both locals, visitors and wildlife to enjoy. It has created a social, welcoming space for like-minded gardeners to enjoy and support one another with their home-grown food. This project is providing a catalyst for similar local growing spaces to be developed with the support of the community."

Rachel Smith, Assistant Group Manager (Greenspace and Biodiversity) in NRS said: "Seeing the development of this garden really inspired and energised me as it has helped us to create a toolkit for other Vacant and Derelict land spaces across the city. We can now visualise what can be done. I was encouraged to see how well colleagues in our Design and Food Growing Teams worked with the community growers to bring this project to life- it was as a real team effort that will be enjoyed by many for years to come."

Alasdair McLeod NRS Project Officer, Glasgow's Vacant and Derelict Land Fund Manager added: "This is a great inner city example of the impact that the Vacant and Derelict Land Fund can have in bringing these sites back into productive, community use. It's great to see the regeneration and repurposing of vacant land to benefit the health and wellbeing of the local community and also support local biodiversity the same time."

6 December - Creating environments where 'Meaningful Connections' flourish (Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership)

Our Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership's Residential Care Homes for Older People strive to enhance the lives of their residents.

The staff at these care homes recognise the profound importance of meaningful connections in the lives of the residents - connections that span family, friends, staff, and the broader community.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it a host of restrictions, profoundly impacting the ability of individuals in residential care to engage with their communities and receive visits from loved ones.

In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, staff recognised the need to ensure that residents continue to thrive in an environment that nurtures these vital connections.

Robin Wallace, Head of Older People, Residential and Day Care Services, Glasgow City HSCP said: "During the pandemic our residents were restricted in the contacts and relationships that they could have so coming out of the pandemic, it has been really important that we re-ignite the approach we take to place our care homes and their residents in the hearts of our communities and provide opportunities for the residents' families to enjoy good quality time with them."

To ensure that this experience is not repeated, the staff came together and developed a policy document 'Meaningful Connections' that sets out how residents will be supported to maintain their personal relationships with friends and families as well as with one another.

Allowing connections is also helping residents transition to living in a residential setting easier by continuing the activities and interests they had when living at home, or trying out new things to stay active and independent for longer.

The staff recognise the importance of tailoring support to individual preferences, and this is reflected in the personalised support plans for each resident. By understanding and incorporating the activities that residents enjoy, the team ensures that the daily lives of those in their care are not only comfortable but also fulfilling.

In addition to individual pursuits, the commitment extends to fostering connections with friends and family members. One of the main aims of 'Meaningful Connections is to ensure that residents have unrestricted opportunities to spend time with their loved ones, provided there are no outbreaks of infection.

A great example of 'Meaningful Connections' is the community engagement efforts to connect with local groups, schools, and religious organisations important to the residents.

In Meadowburn Care Home, local school children were invited to listen to stories of Glasgow's past told by the residents as well as local collages delivering exercise classes and music classes for the residents.

Through their comprehensive commitment to supporting residents, engaging with families, and utilising innovative strategies, the team ensures that the elderly in their care not only receive high-quality physical assistance but also thrive emotionally and socially.

The resilience and compassion displayed by all staff in our residential care homes serve as a shining example in the broader context of elderly care, setting a standard for creating environments where meaningful connections flourish.

6 December - Team secure 150-year lease for Glasgow's historic Tontine Building (City Property)

City Property Glasgow (Investments) LLP (CPGI) has recently secured a 150-year lease to Tontine Properties Limited for the eastern part of the historic Tontine Building located on the city's Trongate, in the Merchant City.

The deal was secured by City Property's new Asset Maximisation team, which was established in early 2023 to realise income and capital opportunities, with this lease successfully securing a substantial premium and a long-term rental income for CPGI. The lease is for more than 154,000 sq. ft of both office and retail space and secures the long-term future of this significant heritage building and will contribute to the growth of opportunity and prosperity for Glasgow.

The Tontine Building, which was originally built as a hotel in the mid-18^th century has had a number of uses over the years including warehouse, retail and office space in four interconnected sandstone buildings which are a familiar part of the Merchant City's heritage, with extensive frontages to Trongate, High Street and Bell Street.

Speaking on behalf of the team, Allan McDonald, Asset Maximisation Manager said:

"Regeneration is one of City Property's core values - we're proud of the city and will continue to be ambitious when bringing forward property assets to the market. We're delighted to complete this deal, which will not only optimise the use of a historic and characterful building in Merchant City for years to come; it will also assist Glasgow in achieving its' ambitions for quality developments, regeneration and sustainable investment.

I'd like to thank the City Property team and our agency and legal advisors for their work during the negotiations, which were long and complex but ultimately helped deliver a substantial contribution to our vision, to positively invest in the inclusive growth of Glasgow's economy.

City Property will continue to bring forward their own development opportunities, and in partnership with the Council, with a number of new opportunities expected to be brought to the market in 2024".

With a number of tenants already in place in the building, property firm, Tontine Properties Ltd plan to further optimise the space to enhance the historic building including the delivery of office space, improved retail and additional leisure uses which will ultimately increase footfall to the Merchant City area. The refurbishment of the building provides a more sustainable development opportunity as well as safeguarding the future of this iconic heritage building. Final plans for the building are currently being finalising and further details are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

6 December - Staff going above and beyond - a 'Big Thank You' tea break (City Building)

There are a number of City Building's tradespeople who go above and beyond in the delivery of exemplary customer service.   The description of "above and beyond" is used widely but as an example there are individuals who delay the finish of their workday to complete the installation of a shower because there are young children in the house (without asking for overtime) or  another who works the four day on four day off shift  not only works on to 10 p.m. beyond her 8 p.m. finish but comes in on their non-working day just to check that the follow on work they requested for a customer has been done as the customer "is just like my granny" and she wants to make sure they have hot water.

As a way of thanking these colleagues we have set up a "Big Thank You" tea-break monthly.    This means they can have their "breakfast roll" and tea in the Conference Room at Darnick Street rather than in their van!  It also allows them to share their views on changes taking place or give suggestions for future improvements.

Graeme Watt, a lead plumber who has taken on several extra roles recently where as lead plumber he mentors the younger trades and assists them with any issues they may have on a job said "It's great to get a chance to sit down and chat and be recognised, but we are just doing our job."

6 December - It's creating happier and healthier citizens - Live Well programme (Glasgow Life)

Glasgow Life's innovative Live Well Community Referral (LWCR) programme is aimed at removing barriers and helping people to access a variety of local activities and services that can improve their physical and mental wellbeing. A recent independent study has shown that the programme is helping Glaswegians to live healthier and happier lives.

This includes arts and creative workshops, museum visits, walking groups, sports and fitness sessions, family activities, learning and skills classes, and volunteering opportunities.

The initiative has been working to tackle health inequality in some of the city's most deprived communities since launching in Calton in June last year. It has since expanded to include Bridgeton, Parkhead, Shettleston and Tollcross due to increased demand.

Participants are linked with a Live Well adviser who works with them to find local activities they're interested in, and even attend with them if they feel their first visit could be a bit daunting. Advisers provide structured support until the person feels comfortable accessing activities and services on their own, for up to 12 weeks. 

Glasgow Life's Live Well Community Referral Project Manager, Irene Cree, said: "Our initial evaluation shows the main reasons Live Well can help people improve their health and wellbeing are around personalised support and the accessibility of activities. Participants are finding out about activities they were unaware of, and also telling us that the help they've received is a major factor in their continuing attendance.

"People are supported in different ways according to their need; for example, as well as the existing range of wellbeing activities provided by Glasgow Life and community organisations in the pilot area, we have co-produced three new tailored programmes.

"Our Singing for Fun; Healthy Body, Healthy Mind; and Coffee and Culture initiatives were created in response to a local need for more accessible sessions and they have been really well received. Our Live Well programme reflects Glasgow Life's unique position as a connector, deliverer and co-producer of wellbeing activities."

Results

An independent evaluation of the programme has produced positive results. Carried out by partners, Social Value Lab, it shows 240 people received support as part of the pilot from June 2022 to September 2023 and found:

• 100% of participants felt their general happiness had improved.
• 98% said they felt listened to, and the information they received was relevant and useful.
• 98% said they were supported to identify individual wellbeing goals and 75% went on to achieve them.
• 97% agreed that taking part in activities had helped them to feel less lonely or alone.
• Crucially, 96% of participants agreed they would not have taken part without LWCR support.
• 96% were more physically active and 93% were better connected to people in their community.
• 93% indicated that the support from Live Well Health and Wellbeing Advisers was a key factor in finding out what was available to them.
• Overall, 95% indicated that, based on their own LWCR experience, they would recommend the programme to others.

Referrals into the Live Well programme have been received from a range of partner agencies, including Community Link workers within GP practices, Glasgow Helps and Police Scotland. Participants can also self-refer, and this has accounted for almost 50% of all referrals received. The main reasons for referral throughout the pilot phase were to increase physical activity; connect with the community; and improve low mood.

Evaluation data from the pilot showed 71% of all LWCR participants were female, 66% were aged 35-74, and 36 participants had a disability. Over half of the people receiving support lived in communities ranked among the most deprived 10% in Scotland.

Glasgow Life's ambition is to expand Live Well Community Referral to become a sustainable and mainstream, citywide initiative, which could support around 2,500 people each year. We are now engaging with local and national partners and stakeholders as we look to secure the external funding required to enable a phased roll out of the programme across Glasgow next year.

• For more information on the programme, click here.
• To read more about the evaluation, click here.
• To watch a short video about some of Glasgow Life's health and wellbeing activities, click here.

November

1 November - January 2024 pay: key processing deadlines for four weekly pay*

Your January 2024 pay is due on 9 January 2024.

Due to the reduced number of days over the Christmas and New Year period to process this January pay - the deadlines for submitting information/changes to CBS, to be uploaded to the system in time for this pay, have been updated.  

Please be aware of the new cut-off dates:

Mileage deadline

• The deadline for submitting mileage information will now be Friday 8 December 2023.

Overtime deadline

• The deadline for submitting overtime, including overtime worked on the 9 and 10 December will now be accepted up until close of business Monday 11 December 2023.

Other changes - deadline

• The deadline for submitting all other changes/updates to CBS, such as change of hours, work schedules, leavers, recruitment and absence paperwork will now also be Friday 8 December 2023.

Approval in MyPortal deadline

• Note that all changes must be input and authorised in My Portal by Friday 15 December 2023.

*Please note - that anything that is not submitted within these deadline dates noted above, will not be paid in the January 2024 pay. These four weekly pay deadline dates are not applicable to teaching staff in our Education establishments - who are paid on a monthly pay cycle. Teaching staff will receive a separate communication regarding their particular cut off deadlines.

1 November - It's hard to cope in a crisis: talk to us

Throughout our working lives many of us will have to deal with a crisis. It can often be very difficult to know what to do first and who to turn to for help. This can include just managing day-to day tasks or worrying about work commitments.

Whether the difficulties you have come from personal matters, or you are deeply affected by world events or concerned about loved ones, you can talk to your line manager to make them aware of your circumstances. You may need some flexibility around your work commitments to help you cope or need some counselling to get you through challenging times. The council has provisions to support you; your manager can often help to directly ease your situation or sign post you to other sources.

Employee Assistance Programme - completely confidential support

The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provided by PAM Assist, is a free and confidential life management and personal support service. You can contact PAM Assist for any concerns you have. This includes support for things like:

• Bereavement
• Emotional reasons
• Funeral arrangements
• Caring for relatives
• Anxiety and stress
• Dealing with an accident
• Terminal illness diagnosis

This list is just a few examples of support offered, go here for more information.

Support is available to you 24 hours a day, any day of the year.

• Free phone 0800 247 1100
• Webchat pam-assist.co.uk
• Email counsellingteam@pamassist.co.uk / info@pamwellbeing.co.uk

Register at www.pamassist.co.ukwith organisational code GCC.

Guidance for Managers

PAM Assist is also a useful resource for managers, find out more about guidance and resources for managers here.

Health and wellbeing handbook

Have you heard about this handbook? It's dedicated to supporting all staff - take a quick read here, you may find something useful for you right now.

Other support

No matter what you're dealing with, you'll find a range of support on our dedicated health and wellbeing web pages here.

1 November - Our City Chambers:take the virtual tour and learn more!

St Mungo's Primary School, based in the Townhead area of the city, recently worked with the Glasgow City Heritage Trust (GCHT) and our civic officers to help to create a fantastic digital learning resource for children.

The virtual resource has been created to help school children explore the architecture, design and social heritage of the City Chambers in George Square.

Andrea Reid, Senior Education Officer, Education Services explains: "This teaching resource is simply brilliant for helping our Glasgow pupils to learn more about the heritage of one of our most iconic buildings in the city. It is full of amazing facts and interesting information and brings the whole building to life as it takes them on a journey through key areas and rooms.  We are delighted to have been able to work with GCHT on this resource, which supports their amazing Gallus Glasgow work. It is a great resource to support any future class visits to the building and all our primary 7 pupils have received a leaflet with this information about how to access the site and take the virtual building tour.

"The detailed information will also be of interest to council officers as it could be used to support presentations on our city. We would encourage all staff to take time to check out the site and enjoy the virtual tour."

Please allow time for each section to download and then click through and learn as you go.

Take the virtual tour here and watch our civic officer avatar talk about the Chambers by clicking on about this resource.

1 November - About our Services: do you know how to contact us?

Glasgow citizens have more ways to contact us than ever before - we provide more online options that are available 24/7 and can be accessed from a PC, tablet or mobile device.  Our website, email, and live chat facilities are available to citizens as well as continuing to provide telephony and face to face channels for our customers who are unable to use online services.

If you need to direct citizens to our Registrars or Council Tax and Benefit services - you should refer them to the contact information below.

Registrars

Full details of the range of Registrars services, which includes death registrations; marriage and civil partnership ceremonies; British citizenship ceremonies, family history and ordering replacement certificates can be found by visiting our website www.glasgow.gov.uk/registrars

The Service Desk at 45 John Street is only open to the public for prearranged Registrars appointments to:

• register a birth
• produce and/or collect paperwork for a marriage/civil partnership ceremony
• complete an application for a re-registration of a birth/still birth

To make an appointment to register a birth, go to www.glasgow.gov.uk/birth

To order replacement certificates please visit www.glasgow.gov.uk/certificatesonline

If you have any issues accessing any of the Registrars services, after visiting our website, you can contact our Customer Call Centre on 0141 287 7655.

Council Tax and Benefits Services - including Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction.

Our Council Tax and Benefit Services can be accessed online at www.glasgow.gov.uk/payit and at www.glasgow.gov.uk/ct.

Online you can:

• Report, pay or make an application 
• Manage your claim and upload documents
• Manage your account
• Submit an enquiry form
• Use our "Live Chat" facility on the Council Tax website to speak to an advisor
• Use our telephone call back service where our customers can arrange a call-back themselves on the web or a third party on their behalf at Contact Us

How to contact us if you do not have internet access or cannot interact online

• For citizens who do not have internet access or cannot interact online and are experiencing financial difficulties a priority council tax telephone service is available four half days per week.

Details of the telephone number and hours of operation are:

Priority Telephone line                     0141 276 1118

• Monday                                   9:00am - 12:00pm
• Tuesday                                   9:00am - 12:00pm
• Wednesday                              1:00pm - 4:00pm
• Friday                                      9:00am - 12:00pm

Glasgow Life offer a face- to- face service from 19 Libraries across the city - this service provides citizens with assistance to:

• navigate our online services on the council website
• complete forms
• sign up for customer self-service
• set up direct debits for council tax 
• report a change of address.

This service is based in the Universal Credit Hubs in Libraries across the city and appointments can be made by calling the free phone number 0808 169 9901

For all other services

We are available to help with all other services online at www.glasgow.gov.uk

1 November - Council iPhone user? Fantastic new app available for download

We are pleased to let council iPhone users know that our Let's Get Communities Connected App* is now available from the Company Portal on your council iPhone if you wish to download it.

Let's Get Communities Connected is a partnership between Community Justice Glasgow and the Glasgow Girls Club - born from a shared desire to make it easier for people affected by a crisis to be able to connect with positive networks and opportunities quickly. Let's Get Communities Connected is a fantastic directory of interventions mapping more than 800 support services across Glasgow.

As Margaret Smith, Policy, Planning and Development Officer, Community Justice Glasgow, explains: "The information web directory was originally developed for use within the Community Justice community to help Services refer citizens to the right service within their area to support a reduction in the risk of re-offending. We then realised that it had immense benefits for our colleagues as a one stop shop to help them refer and connect people they may be working with, to wider support in their own communities. So, it was further developed into an App for use on council iPhones.

"It really is quick and easy to use, and you can search available services for each Glasgow Ward area - or by category. There are more than 800 dedicated service support routes listed including categories such as family services, housing and homelessness, arts and creativity, health and wellbeing, relationships and addictions and recovery services for example. I would encourage all staff who use a work iPhone to download it and browse its contents - as you never know when you may need the information to help support someone. If you don't have a work phone you can still get all the details online at Home | let's get (letsget.scot) or download it for free to your own personal device from the Apple Store or Google Play Store."

*Please note that as the App was originally developed for linking out to the web, it has a few limitations for council iPhone users. It is useful in identifying supports and calls can be made directly from within the App to those services.  However, you will be unable to link directly to websites from within the App due to data restrictions.

More information

• Understand more about the work of Community Justice Glasgow and the development of the App in this article  and their Annual Report for 2023.  
• Learn more about Glasgow Girls Club by visiting their website.

1 November - Remember remember the impact of fireworks: staying safe and the law on fireworks

While fireworks can be great fun, they can be dangerous if not used properly. During the bonfire season, most firework injuries treated at emergency departments happen at informal private displays. Over half of those requiring treatment are children.

Rockets are responsible for the majority of serious eye and hand injuries, however sparklers, fountains and firecrackers are also frequent sources of injury.

David McGill, Lead Clinician for the Care of Burns in Scotland (COBIS) network and Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Scotland's Burn Hub said: "Unfortunately we see a rise in burn injuries around Bonfire Night, in both adults and children. We carry out an annual audit of firework injuries across Scotland, and last year there were 41 injuries recorded over the four-week period around Guy Fawkes night.

"The majority of these occurred at private properties. Injuries reported ranged from minor, such as burns to the fingers, to severe including loss of fingers and complex eye injuries with loss of vision. "Children are frequently burned with sparklers. There's a misunderstanding of how hot they can get. They can cause severe burns to fingers and hands, or catch clothing alight. Sparklers should never be given to children under the age of five.

"Great care should be taken around fireworks, especially when children are near. To minimise the risks to you and your family, a publicly arranged event would be by far the safest way to view fireworks."

This Bonfire Night make sure you know the law and rules around the use of fireworks, which are in place to reduce incidents and injury.

This year a campaign by The Scottish Government, in partnership with The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, highlights the dangers associated with fireworks misuse:

The law on fireworks - know the rules

• It is illegal to buy, attempt to buy, give or in any way make a firework available to someone under the age of 18, other than category F1 fireworks.
• It is illegal to set off fireworks before 6pm and after 11pm.
• This extends to midnight on 5th November and 1am on Hogmanay, Chinese New Year and Diwali. It is illegal to set off fireworks in public places, including streets and parks.
• It is an aggravated offence to use a firework against an emergency worker.

Think of others- be considerate

• Scotland's fire and rescue crews are up to four times busier than usual on 5 November, wasting time and resources attending unsafe bonfires.
• Fireworks can be particularly distressing to pets and animals.
• Fireworks can be distressing for some people who experience sensory impairment.

Stay safe - acting responsibly around fireworks

• Most firework injuries treated at hospital happen at informal private displays.
• Over half of those requiring treatment are children.
• Sparklers can get five times hotter than cooking oil. Ensure you follow all safety guidance and never leave children unattended.

o   Never giving sparklers to a child under 5
o   Supervise children with sparklers
o   wear gloves
o   Light sparklers one at a time
o   Place used sparklers in a tray of water to cool before disposing of them
o   Find advice on how to keep your loved ones safe
o   Attend a local organised fireworks display- View a list of local organised displays across Scotland.

• Always follow the Firework Code and read the safety instructions on each firework.
• Not all fireworks are suitable for use in private gardens.

Anyone who is planning a private display at home is urged to reduce the risk and follow the Firework Code. View fireworks safety guidance.

1 November - For the Love of Baking: Janet's bakes raise money for charity

Since February, Janet Strain, Revenues and Benefits, Financial Services has been selling her homemade baking and chocolates to raise money for charity. Everyone looks forward to her bake sales and her home baked goodies sell out fast!

Janet's bake sales have raised an amazing £1754.94 with donations going to Breast Cancer UK, the Strathcarron Hospice and for the remainder of this year donations will go to the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Janet said: "I always enjoyed baking and taught myself how to make chocolates and lollipops. I started bringing baking into work and my colleagues said I should sell them - so I decided to do just that with all the money raised going to charity."

"I couldn't do all of this without the support from my colleagues who not only purchase my bakes but also bring me in baking supplies to make sure I don't run out as well as help to promote the bake sales within the George Street complex." 

"I want to thank all my colleagues and everyone who has contributed to help raise money for these great causes".

October

4 October - Reminder on SAP and Business Warehouse refresh - downtime

Staff are reminded that changes are due to happen to both our SAP and Business Warehouse servers this month - which will result in both systems being unavailable for a period of time.

Staff have been kept updated on this activity through Managers Briefings which outlined processes to follow during their downtime. Key information is summarised below as a reminder.

1. SAP

• will be unavailable for all users for 10 days, from Saturday 14 October 2023.
• users will be able to log on again from Tuesday 24 October 2023

Unavailable SAP systems during downtime:

• SAP
• My Portal *
• Fiori
• Supplier Portal
• Bizaps Employee Portal/Business Services
• Access Control/GRC Application
• SAP Process Integrator (SAP PI) affecting only SAP interfaces

SAP Users

• You will not be able to login to complete any activity during this downtime.
• Entries to SAP should be made before or after the downtime - a schedule of activities and cut off dates has been issued to key managers to help facilitate this.

* My Portal users

• Access- My Portal will be unavailable for all purposes during the SAP downtime.
• Annual leave - staff will be unable to view annual leave quotas and book time off using My Portal - please continue to speak to your manager about any leave requests during this time so that they can be recorded locally. 
• Overtime and expenses - requests for overtime, travel, mileage, and general expense claims should be held locally during the downtime.
• Absences- details of any sickness absence reported during the system downtime should be held locally.
• Payslips -CBS will be unable to provide copy payslips during the SAP downtime however, staff due to be paid on:
  • Tuesday 17 October (four weekly) will be able to view their payslip in My Portal on Thursday 12 and Friday 13 October before the SAP downtime starts.
  • Thursday 26 October (monthly) will be able to view their payslip in My Portal on Friday 13 October, or on Tuesday 24 October.
  • There is no change to current process forweekly paid employees.

Updating My Portal

From Tuesday 24 October- all users must make sure that My Portal is updated for all working time requests, expense claims, annual leave and absences that have been authorised during the downtime.

2.   Business Warehouse

• will be unavailable for all users,for 13 days,from Tuesday 24 October 2023.
• users will be able to log on again from Monday 6 November 2023
• Only Business Warehouse will be unavailable during its downtime. 
• SAP and the systems noted above will not be affected by BW downtime and will all be available to users.
• During the BW planned downtime, you will be unable to run ad hoc or scheduled reports from this application.

Key update for Business Intelligence and Business Objects users

We are pleased to confirm that Business Intelligence/Business Objects will be available for useas normal during this period.  Please note that data in the system relating to time management will be static as at close of business Friday 13 October 2023.

Please disregard the note in the previous communication which stated that it would be unavailable for your use during the downtime. All users have been communicated with and we apologise for any confusion this has caused. 

We would like to reassure all staff that everyone will continue to be paid as normal during the downtime - using existing business continuity processes where required.

If you have any queries about the project, please email CBSPMO@fs.glasgow.gov.uk

4 October - COSLA's pay negotiations and what this means for Glasgow staff

Over recent weeks, COSLA, the umbrella body that represents Scottish councils and trades unions, have been continuing their negotiations on a pay offer for staff - for the current financial year, 2023 to 2024.

COSLA Pay Offer

They have asked that we share their 'Your Pay: The Reality' document with all staff.

alongside their 'Your Pay: The Facts' which explains what the offer is.  

What does this offer mean for Glasgow City Council staff?

However, we are aware that it may be difficult for you to understand upon first glance, how this offer applies to you - as we currently have a pay scheme that is significantly different from most other local authorities.

For example, the COSLA offer is based on a 37-hour week, rather than 35 hours - and it uses a different scale, with no Working Context or Non-Standard Working Pattern payments.

So, in order to ensure that you have the same information as other local government workers, we have calculated what the impact of the COSLA offer would be to a range of Glasgow City Council roles.  The table below shows an example of what the current rates of pay are and what they would be for Grades 1 - 8 under the new offer. 

Non-Standard Working Pattern and Work Context and Demands payments 

• For staff in receipt of Non-Standard Working Pattern and Work Context and Demands payments - there is a proposed 5.5% pay increase across the board for all pay points.

For more detailed information please refer to the above linked COSLA documents.

Though life after work may seem far away, it's never too early to start saving for your future.  A pension is a great, low-cost way to build up cash to fund your later years to help you enjoy your lifestyle and meet future living expenses. By making regular and affordable contributions which build up over time - you can feel secure and have peace of mind for your future. So, are you in? 

The council is a member of the Strathclyde Pension Fund (SPF) which is part of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) - one of the most generous schemes in the UK and one of the biggest in the world.

Why join the fund?

Being part of the scheme provides you with many benefits including a future income which is independent of share prices and stock market fluctuations, at a low, tax-free contribution - as the council contributes most of the cost for you. You can also transfer previous public sector pensions into your fund too. 

Angie Simpson, Operational Manager at Customer and Business Services (CBS) has worked for the council for 37 years and joined the scheme on her 18^th birthday.  Angie explained: "I had a break in my pensionable service which I now regret and have been paying Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC's) to make up some of the short fall.  I also love having the comfort and security of knowing my family will be looked after should anything happen to me.  It's a difficult time as it is without having financial worries"

Angie continued: "The benefits are amazing - I have the flexibility to retire early and still have a steady income.  I always encourage younger staff to join the scheme, as the deduction comes straight off your pay, you don't miss the money and you get tax relief on your contributions, so it doesn't cost as much as you think."

Already a member?

If you are already in the scheme, you should have received an email or letter asking you to access your annual update which shows details of all the benefits for you and your family. It shows you how much your pension from Strathclyde Pension Fund will be and the pension you earned in 2022 to 2023. You should take the time to check it, as this is the amount that we will adjust for inflation until you retire. Final salary benefits increase in line with your current salary. 

Your 2023 pension update is available online. It is quick and easy to access this. Simply login or register for SPFOnline to be able to view your pension updates and see your retirement calculation documents. You can also calculate your benefits at your chosen retirement date, as well as see how much pension you could exchange for extra tax-free cash at retirement.  The online service is simple to use and allows you to update your contact and nomination details too. It is important that we have the right personal details to allow us to pay your pension benefits when they become due. The online user guide can be accessed here.

Angie manages her pension online and explains why it is a great tool, she continued: "I like looking at when I can retire, changing the year to get an idea of the approximate lump sum and pension I will receive.  The thing I like most about it is that it's instant, so whenever I want to, I can easily log in and run calculations to different dates."

Linda Welsh, Pension Scheme Manager concluded: "I would encourage all staff to join the pension scheme, the benefits are fantastic and it's so easy to join, just contact CBS and you can also manage your account online too.  Even if you are just starting out in your career, it's important to start saving for your future, as the longer you are in the scheme, the more you will build up."

For a small cost now, you are providing for a much brighter future - the longer you are in the scheme, the brighter that future will be.

For further information visit www.spfo.org.uk

You can use SPFOnline to view your own pension updates, carry out calculations and update your personal details.  You can also send secure enquiries through the contact us section on your SPFOnline dashboard.

Email spfo@glasgow.gov.uk  or phone on 0345 890 8999

4 October - Tell us what you think: to help make our communities safer

National Hate Crime Awareness Week takes place from 14 to 21 October 2023. You can get involved by responding to our Staff Hate Crime Survey and telling us what you think. This survey will help us understand what council staff thinks about hate crime, so whether you've had personal experience with hate crime or not we'd like to hear your views.

Danni Glover, Hate Crime Policy Officer said: "According to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), 29% of all hate crime in Scotland was reported in Glasgow last year, with the largest categories being race and sexual orientation hate crime. That's only part of the picture - according to Stonewall, only one out of every eight hate crimes are reported to the police.

"This year, Glasgow's campaign is focused on making sure the public can identify a hate crime, and that they are aware of their options to report if they experience or witness one."

Glasgow's campaign

Look out for daily posts on our council social media profiles drawing attention to each of the protected characteristics in multiple languages as well as BSL, and a new video produced in collaboration with LEAP Sports highlighting LGBTQ+ inclusion and how reporting hate crime can help the LGBTQ+ community. You'll also see our awareness campaign on the SPT Subway, in the Metro, on BT Hubs all over the city, and hear about it on GO Radio.

We're also taking our campaign to the community - you can find us:

• answering questions at the Riverside Museum on Tuesday 17 October
• at the Burrell Collection on Thursday 19 October
• at the Mitchell Library on Friday 20 October.

We also know that education about hate crime should start young - so we'll be speaking to the city's children and young people through Glasgow Life football camps, and in Glasgow schools' zine.

You can take our survey at Staff Hate Crime Survey

Or by clicking the QR code

More information:

• about hate crime and how to report it at hatecrimeglasgow.org
• about National Hate Crime Awareness Week at nationalhcaw.uk
• about Glasgow's Hate Crime Awareness Week, email danni.glover@glasgow.gov.uk

4 October - "It's the most enjoyable hour in my week"

Kathryn Farrow is a Quality Improvement Officer in Education Services; she started mentoring with MCR Pathways six years ago. She recently finished her mentoring journey with Cara who left school this year to begin college.

Kathryn said "I started mentoring as there was a lot of encouragement from our senior leadership team in Education to get involved, a lot of whom were mentors themselves. Volunteering was always something I'd been interested in but with a full-time job and family commitments I wasn't sure I had the time. However, our senior leadership team led by example -making time in their busy schedules to mentor. This really inspired me and so I decided to get involved. I requested to mentor in a school a short drive from my house and the mentoring session itself is only an hour each week, so the time commitment is not huge. It's the most enjoyable hour in my week- I really look forward to it!

"I started mentoring Cara three years ago, we kept in touch virtually during lockdown. When we were allowed to have socially distanced meetings, we had some outdoor catch ups and I'd bring along my Bichon Frise, Charlie. Cara loves dogs so she enjoyed having him join us, he really lifted her spirits.

"Although Cara recently left school we've kept in touch and at our last official session she gave me a card and a bunch of flowers to show her appreciation for encouraging and believing in her which was really touching. It just shows how as little as an hour a week can have such a big impact on a young person. I'm grateful I got the opportunity to be Cara's mentor, knowing I've helped her is very rewarding. It's been a real privilege to be a part of her journey.

"I'd encourage anyone to consider becoming a mentor it's not a massive time commitment and by choosing a school near your home or workplace you can make it work. The support you get from MCR, especially the in-school coordinator is fantastic. They are always there should you need any advice.

Cara who is soon to embark on a college course studying music and business, said "Kathryn has been a great support over the last three years, especially during exam time when I was feeling stressed. Because her own daughters had been through it, she knew how I was feeling.

"Speaking to her once a week helped clear my mind and keep me calm, we would chat about what Netflix shows we were watching and what we'd been up to, nothing ever felt forced.

"I loved when Kathryn brought, her dog Charlie to our meetings during lockdown, I am a massive dog lover so was always really excited to see him as well as Kathryn.

"I'm about to start college and hope one day to be a music producer. I'll keep in touch with Kathryn and let her know how I'm doing. I've really appreciated her support over the past three years."

Come along and find out more- in person or online...

MCR are hosting a staff information session in October, details of the sessions are:

• In person - 18 October, 3:30pm-4:00pm at 40 John Street, G1 1JE.  Please book in with Donna.cunningham@glasgow.gov.uk as numbers are capped due to room capacity.  Attendees should please report to reception on the day.
• Online- you can sign up and do the information session online any time at MCR Pathways Registration

4 October  - Young officers in training!

At the end of August, over 100 Glasgow primary schools took part in our Junior Road Safety Officer (JRSO) induction day held in the Banqueting Hall in the City Chambers.

On the day, two aspiring Primary 6 or 7 Road Safety Officers attended from each school to learn more about their duties and how they can help to promote road safety in their school community. They received a short presentation about the importance of their role, in helping to help keep everyone safe and the benefits of active travel to school. They also received a number of road safety resources to use in campaigns.

Pupils got the opportunity in the morning to meet our Lord Provost, Jacqueline McLaren and also Divisional Director of Operations,NRS, Jenny O'Hagan. Whilst our council Road Safety Team were on hand to answer any questions and share safety advice throughout the day.

Jenny O'Hagan, Divisional Director - Operations, Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability said: "It was great to see so many of Glasgow's primary schools taking part in this year's Junior Road Safety Officer scheme and for them to also meet the Lord Provost. The JRSO's are a key link to promoting road safety in our schools and provide fabulous support to our ongoing city-wide School Travel and Road Safety (STARS) education programme."  

Audrey Whitelaw, Assistant Road Safety Officer in Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability concludes: "This scheme helps us to directly promote road safety amongst our primary school pupils. The children really enjoyed visiting the City Chambers on the day to hear about their new role and to understand how their hard work can help to reduce road casualties and promote safer road use around their school. It was amazing to see such an uptake of schools in the scheme this year."

4 October - Data IS making a real difference: next steps

Data underpins everything we do as a council - it supports both our policy and operational decision making helping us to design, deliver and transform our services to citizens. Using better and accurate data can help to improve lives as well as drive efficiencies within current financial constraints.

We all need to better understand the value of collecting, processing and using data across the organisation as data really does make a difference and is at the heart of everything we do.

Kimberley Hose, Head of Business Intelligence, SIIT said:"As part of our Digital Glasgow Strategy and the feedback we received from staff who took part in our Data Maturity Assessment some of the key actions we are progressing include:

• working in partnership with the Scottish Government and other councils to pilot an introductory Data Course for staff.
• supporting services to access their data through analytical tools such as Microsoft Power BI - providing data in a visual format to inform decision making.
• working with Information Governance to identify and establish the role of local "Data Stewards" to support how we manage data - helping us maximise the potential of our data and improve services to our citizens.

"We will schedule a series of regular staff events around how Data makes a difference.Staff are invited to come along to our first event on Wednesday 11 October 2023, at 10am, Satinwood Suite, City Chamberswhere you can find out more about how we have been using data to make a difference. At this event Services from across the council will showcase real examples and there will also be live demonstrations on the day." 

You can find more out about the Data Makes a Difference event here Get involved this month with... - Glasgow City Council

More Information

You can read more about how staff who use data every day to make a difference from our catering assistants who make sure children are served healthy and nutritious meals to our carers who use data to make sure the right supports are in place, read more at Data Makes a Difference

4 October - Top Marks for Jack: recognition for excellence in public finance and accountancy

Jack O'Shea, from Corporate Finance, Financial Services- recently completed his Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) traineeship to become a qualified Accountant. To achieve this, Jack sat a number of exams over the last three years and during this time has won a staggering 14 prizes from CIPFA for having the top marks in these. This included 7 awards at a national level (UK wide) and 8 at a regional (Scotland wide) level covering subjects such as Financial Accounting, Audit and Assurance, Corporate Financial Reporting and Business and Change Management.

The icing on the cake was in June this year when Jack scooped not just one, but two national (UK) awards, for outstanding performance in his final CIPFA exams.

These awards were:

• The Arthur Collins Memorial Prize: for best overall performance in the Strategic Case Study and Strategic Public Finance exams
• The Richard Emmott Memorial Prize: for best performance in the Strategic Case Study

Jack was presented with the awards at the CIPFA Public Finance Live conference at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster on 27 June. Alongside Jack in the picture are (on the left) Jayne Owen - CIPFA President and (right) Suzanne Jones CIPFA Exam Panel Chair.

Jack said: "To have won these awards means everything to me, due to health issues when I was a teenager I had to drop out of school and college, and I felt my chance of becoming an accountant had passed me by. When I was given the opportunity by the council to do the CIPFA qualification it made me determined to succeed and I am extremely grateful that I can now pursue the career that I have been passionate about for many years."

Stephen Crichton, Head of Corporate Finance said: "On behalf of the Financial Services' Leadership Team, I would like to congratulate Jack on winning all these awards throughout his traineeship - this is an outstanding achievement. Jack should feel immensely proud, and it is a testament to all his hard work and dedication to his career.  I'm sure he has a bright future ahead of him." 

CIPFA Awards

These awards recognise excellence in public finance and accountancy for more information go to About CIPFA Awards.

September

6 September - Volunteering...it's the best!

The Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership's Local Area Coordination Team have been busy supporting adults with learning disabilities to volunteer at the UCI World Cycling Championships in Glasgow.

The volunteers, who were based in George Square, played a vital frontline role offering a warm and friendly welcome to the many visitors from all over the world who descended in the city for the cultural experience of the championships.  And they weren't disappointed!

From helping with directions to taking selfies and assisting with photos, the team of 15 adults were answering questions and giving advice to the hundreds of people in George Square.

This is the third large scale sporting event in Glasgow that the LAC Team have carried out this role with the Commonwealth Games and European Championships proving a huge success.

Raymond Traynor, LAC Team Manager, said: "From the moment they stepped on George Square until the moment they finished, our volunteers worked incredibly hard to make sure the visitors to the city were assisted. 

"Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their roles and were proud to play their part in making these events so successful for our city. We all had great fun and made lots of new friends. We didn't want it to end.

"It's not just about being part of a major city event - it's about making a positive difference to the volunteers' lives.  It improves their self-esteem, confidence and physical and mental well-being.  They gain invaluable work experience which may lead to future volunteering roles or paid employment and helps them maintain and develop new skills.  It really makes them feel part of something special."

Raymond, and seven members of his team, supported 15 adults with learning disabilities to volunteer throughout the championships.

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: "It's wonderful to see our staff from the health and social care partnership helping support adults with learning disabilities to volunteer at the UCI World Cycling Championships in Glasgow.

"The team of volunteers have been based in George Square since day one, and have played a vital frontline role, offering a warm and friendly welcome, answering questions and providing direction and advice where required.

"It's great to see them in action and it's clear they are thoroughly enjoying their roles.  They are clearly very proud to represent their city this way. And so they should be.  They have done a superb job. Well done."

6 September - Do you know how to identify one?

National Hate Crime Awareness Week takes place next month from 14 to 21 October 2023. This year, alongside our partners, we will be participating by raising awareness of what a hate crime is and how to report it online -, through an external advertising campaign, events throughout the city and an internal online campaign .

Danni Glover, Hate Crime Policy Officer in Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability  says: "According to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), 29% of all hate crime in Scotland was reported in Glasgow last year, with the largest categories being race and sexual orientation hate crime. That's only part of the picture - according to Stonewall, only one out of every eight hate crimes are reported to the police.

"This year, Glasgow's campaign is focused on making sure the public can identify a hate crime, and that they are aware of their options to report if they experience or witness one."

Activities

So, look out for daily posts on our social media drawing attention to each of the protected characteristics in multiple languages as well as BSL, and a new video produced in collaboration with LEAP Sports highlighting LGBTQ+ inclusion and how reporting hate crime can help the LGBTQ+ community. You'll also see our awareness campaign on the SPT Subway, in the Metro, on BT Hubs all over the city, and hear about it on GO Radio - and you may even notice a new set of screensavers across the council!

In addition to this we are  also taking our campaign out and into the community - you will find us answering questions at Kelvingrove Art Gallery, the Riverside Museum, and the Burrell Collection during the week in October..

Test your knowledge

Test your own knowledge by completing our GOLD training module on hate crime.

More information:

• Find out more about hate crime and how to report it at hatecrimeglasgow.org
• Find out more about National Hate Crime Awareness Week at nationalhcaw.uk
• For any queries about Glasgow's Hate Crime Awareness Week, email danni.glover@glasgow.gov.uk

6 September - Extended paid leave for parents with babies in neonatal care

New legislation is on the way to introduce statutory paid leave for parents of babies in neonatal care. Neonatal care is the type of care a baby born premature or sick receives in a neonatal unit.

This month the council approved a recommendation to provide paid leave to support parents of babies who need neonatal care now, ahead of the legislation, which isn't expected until April 2025.

To help families cope at such a challenging time, parents will be able to take much needed paid leave, up to 16 weeks, depending on individual circumstances.

Christine Brown Head of HR said: "I am delighted that this leave has been approved by the council ahead of any legislation. The HR team will now capture this decision in council policy and the support is going to be available with immediate effect. If anyone needs this support now, then they should talk to their manager and Service Strategic HR Team. I hope this arrangement can provide support to parents at what is an extremely worrying and stressful time.

"The council is fully committed to supporting its employees and this provision adds to the wide range of leave and flexible working arrangements in place to help employees balance their family and work commitments."

You can read the committee report here.

This new leave will be in addition to maternity, adoption, paternity, shared parental, and parental bereavement leave and pay provisions (inclusive of early pregnancy loss).

Council's policy on leave and flexible working arrangements

This new type of leave will be included in the council's conditions of service and guidance will be provided to managers.

The council offers many leave options and flexible working arrangements which all staff can consider and discuss suitability with their line manager. You can read the full policy here.

Free and confidential wellbeing support

You should always discuss your circumstances with your line manager in the first instance. You can also talk to your Strategic HR team for advice. You can also use PAM Assist.

PAM Assist is a free and confidential life management and personal support service that is available to you 24 hours a day, any day of the year. To use this service, call 0800 247 1100 or visit the PAM Assist Portal or app: pam-assist.co.uk, sign up with organisation code GCC.

A wealth of information, resources and support is also available on our workforce wellbeing support webpages at www.glasgow.gov.uk/workforcewellbeing

6 September - #Safe Glasgow - important information on the use of council passwords

This year we have witnessed a staggering number of innocent customers fall victim to cyber-attacks, as hackers get more and more sophisticated in their methods to steal our personal information.

Well publicised worldwide cyber-attacks for 2023 have included X (formerly Twitter) having 220 million users email records stolen and then published online - when they refused to pay a ransom. Whilst in the UK, JD Sports breached information of approximately 10 million unique customers back in January - which included their names, billing and delivery addresses, phone numbers, order details and the final four digits of payment cards! As a result, all these customers are at risk of potential future phishing attacks and identity fraud.

Staying safe online - simple precautions

• When your personal information is stolen and published online, cyber criminals are quick to find out that many of the victims use the same password across multiple sites. This then easily allows them to gain unauthorised access to the user's other platforms - such as email and social media accounts and even auction sites.
• It is therefore critical that you understand the importance of using a different password for each of the websites and platforms you use/visit - to prevent this from happening.  

Your council passwords

• You are also reminded that under no circumstances should you ever use your council email address and network login password combination to register for a service on a non-council website.
• This could result in a massive cyber-attack on our council IT infrastructure should such a site be hacked - putting the lives of our staff and citizens at risk if sensitive information is stolen.  
• Your council login password should be unique and only ever used to login to our council network.

Remember:

• Your password should always be difficult to guess
• It must be kept secret and not shared with anyone - even a colleague
• You must not use the same password you use to log in to the council network on any other service or website
• You should not write your password down anywhere
• You should get into the regular habit of locking your screen, when away from your device, by holding down CTRL, ALT , DELETE and selecting Lock - to help keep information safe.

Staff support - to creating a strong password

• Please read our council  Guide to Managing Your Passwords for top tips and support on how to create memorable and strong passwords.
• For more staff support guides visit #Safe Glasgow

6 September - Tax Credits are ending. Get ready for Universal Credit

Tax credits are ending, and most people in receipt of these credits will need to apply for Universal Credit (UC) instead.

If you are in receipt of tax credits, look out for a letter called a Universal Credit Migration Notice from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) explaining what you will need to do, and by when.  

If you are claiming tax credits and are aged 65 or over, DWP will write to you to ask you to apply for Universal Credit or Pension Credit, depending on your circumstances.  

You won't be moved automatically. It's important to act quickly and follow the instructions in the letter, otherwise your benefits will stop. If you are unsure about what this means for you, you should seek advice as detailed below.

To continue to receive financial support, you will need to claim Universal Credit by the deadline stated in your Migration Notice letter, even if you have just renewed your tax credits claim.

Helping you prepare now

We want to make sure that employees who are affected by these changes receive the right support and guidance needed to navigate the change.

There are plenty of things you can do to prepare, find out more about the support available to help you switchover.

If you are unsure about when to make your claim to UC, or you have received notification from HMRC or DWP and need assistance to understand what this means for you, you can phone Help to Claim on 0800 023 2581. This service is delivered by the Citizens Advice Bureau and are independent of the council.

If you require support to make your claim online, including uploading any documents this is available at Glasgow Life UC Hubs located in libraries across the city. Please see below for link to further information on UC hub locations:

www.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/1/glasgow-life-universal-credit-support

Free and confidential financial and wellbeing support

PAM Assist is a free and confidential life management and personal support service that is available to you 24 hours a day, any day of the year.

To take advantage of this service, phone 0800 247 1100 or visit the PAM Assist Portal or App: pam-assist.co.uk - sign up with organisation code GCC.

6 September - Such an easy thing to do - it's life changing!

Our Chief Executive, Annemarie O'Donnell first started mentoring with MCR Pathways back in 2018. She decided to get personally involved after working alongside them to promote the initiative to our staff. Annemarie said "I was really impressed by the positive impact MCR was having on the city's young people and specifically by reports of increased attainment and improved confidence of those young people involved with MCR. Their approach and work have had an enormous impact on career paths and life achievements of young people involved with them.

"One of our council values is 'to be fairer and more equal, giving everyone the chance to flourish and improve their life chances and choices'; mentoring with MCR gives us a real opportunity to put this into practice. It provides an avenue for us to support young people in the city who need it the most - and it is such an easy thing for us to do - but it is life changing for the young people involved.

"I would encourage staff to consider getting involved as it not only benefits the young person but enhances your own personal skills.  As a mentor you will develop your listening and communication skills and your awareness of the challenges faced by young people today. Within your own network of friends and colleagues it is usually possible to identify opportunities that would benefit your young person, such as job shadowing or workplace visits. As a mentor, I get immense satisfaction seeing my young person grow in confidence and open up about their challenges and ambitions.

"If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a mentor, I would encourage you to please speak to your MCR ambassador. You can find their details on our MCR Staff Page. The council fully supports MCR Pathways and where possible staff will be given the time needed to meet with their young person. Why not have a chat with your manager and see how it could work for you."

Come along and find out more- in person or online...

MCR are hosting a staff information session in September, dates of the sessions are:

• Online - 12 September, 9:30am-10:00am on Microsoft Teams,.  Please email Donna.cunningham@glasgow.gov.uk to advise you will be joining.
  MS Teams link:Click here to join the meeting Meeting ID: 354 043 012 950 Passcode: Jjdh7n
• In person - 20 September, 3:30pm-4:00pm at 40 John Street, G1 1JE.  Please book in with Donna.cunningham@glasgow.gov.uk as numbers are capped due to room capacity.  Attendees should please report to reception on the day.

6 September - Older people day care: a great way to spend the day - watch our video!

Did you know that we operate 10 day care centres for older people in Glasgow? Have you ever wondered what a day care centre is all about? Watch the Day Care in Glasgow video and find out what it's all about.

Our centres run Monday to Friday and provide older people in Glasgow aged 65 and above with practical assistance and a chance to socialise in their community with support from trained staff. These facilities are helping to relieve loneliness and enabling people to live more independently in their communities, by offering those who need a little more care and support a great way to spend the day.

All that attend the day care centres are assessed and given an individualised support plan to ensure that they're well cared for and that their specific needs are met. 

Mandy Downs, Meadowburn Day Care Manager said: "It makes me so proud to be able to welcome our service users. Day care services are not just for the person attending, they're also really important for the family to have some respite. Having the knowledge that their loved ones are looked after and happy is really important."

A typical day

A day care centre starts with a wheelchair accessible minibus picking the service user up from their house to take them to the purpose-built centre.

Upon arrival, a lovely spread of tea, coffee and toast is available in the dining room. After some refreshments, the service users are given the opportunity to decide what activity they want to participate in. This could involve making crafts, using a reminiscence box, playing board games, joining an exercise class, bingo, listening to music, watching a film and more.

Marie, a day care service user who has been attending the centre for over a year, said: "I come here three days a week because I stay in a block of flats so you hardly see anybody."

Once the morning activities have concluded, lunch is served in the dining room for all service users. The menu changes daily and caters to all diets and needs. 

Alec, a day care service user, said: "I've made new friends. I don't always remember their name, but I enjoy talking to them."

He added: "Before coming here I used to just sit in my chair all day and snooze, now I'm so happy to come here and do all the activities."

After lunch, more activities take place until the service users make their way back home safely. 

Every week at the day care centre is different as activities and events vary from day to day. The centres also organise outings such as a river cruise and museum visits.

Mandy Downs continued: "We notice a big difference in the service users who attend the centre. They become more independent, their spirits lift and their mobility improves."

The day care centres currently have vacancies available across the city.

Robin Wallace, our HSCP's Head of Residential and Day Care Services, is urging people to spread the word for those who might need a little more care and support to maintain their independence in their community. 

He said: "Day care centres are a fantastic way to ensure your loved ones are taken care of while maintaining their independence. We have 10 state of the art facilities that are ready to welcome new service users and make a difference in their life."

To access a day centre, you can be referred by a social worker, a relative, GP, or you can self-refer. For those interested in attending the centre, we may be able to arrange a taster day.

To make your application, or to find out more, visit www.yoursupportglasgow.org/daycare.

6 September - Know a young person aged 16-24 in Glasgow?

Do you know a young person in Glasgow who is maybe feeling overwhelmed, struggling socially, or just not feeling like themself? Togetherall is a safe, anonymous, online community to support their mental health - please tell them about this free and confidential service open to them.

Togetherall can be used for anyone experiencing concerns with their mental health, low level anxiety and depression, common life stressors or anyone who would like to gain community and professional support online 24/7 - to help enhance their own wellbeing.

It is an evidence based, clinically moderated, 24/7 online peer to peer Mental Health Community, commissioned by Education Services in April 2020, and it is freely available to young people aged 16 to 24 years who live in Glasgow. 

Please share this service with any young people you know in Glasgow - so they know what free support is available to help their wellbeing

You can read more about Togetherall

August

2 August - Get Ready Glasgow - it starts tomorrow!

George Square has now been transformed into a focal point as the Official Fan Zone of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. It will be a hive of culture and sport activity as well as the venue for both the opening and closing ceremonies, cultural programme and finish for all of the road races. The free opening ceremony takes place tonight, Wednesday 2 August from 5pm to 8pm.

Running every day of the championships George Square will also include the hospitality marquee, merchandise unit, broadcast compound, podium, screen and food and beverage area allowing all Glaswegians and visitors to enjoy the Championships and its atmosphere. On sport days - medal presentations will be shown on the big screen with a live feed and commentary of the Road Race progress.

Join in and check out the GO LIVE! Fan Zone programme for George Square and also the citywide programme of events.

Reminder - car park closures and local parking suspension

Staff are reminded that parking restrictions apply to a number of roads around the City Chambers during this event. If these arrangements cause issues for you, please discuss your concerns with your line manager.

Restrictions include:

• Until Saturday 19 August - there is no access to parking in John Street.
• From Monday 31 July to Monday 14 August - Cochrane Street will be closed and there will be no vehicle access to the Quadrangle
• From Monday 31 July to Monday 14 August - Montrose Street will be closed and there will be no access to 231 George Street Carpark.
• Staff who will be working in the Chambers are advised to leave their car at home and use public transport where possible - using Get Ready Glasgow to plan ahead and allow extra time to make their journey.

Road closures

George Square is closed from Monday 17 July 2023 until Sunday 20 August,along with the south carriageway.

There are further road closures in place around the City Chambers Complex to facilitate the event that staff need to be aware of. These are not currently shown on the Get Ready Glasgow maps.

These include from 31 July to 14 August:

• Cochrane Street - full length
• South Frederick Street - full length
• Hanover Street - full length
• Montrose Street - from Ingram Street to George Square.

Again, if these arrangements cause issues for you, please discuss your concerns with your line manager.

Detailed maps have been created for road race routes and descriptions of all road closures are available on the Get Ready Glasgow website.

Reminder: City Chambers Access and Operations during the event

Security

• Security arrangements - it will be business as usual to enter/exit the buildings using your corporate council ID badge and green lanyard.
• During race competition days - please be aware that you may be asked by onsite security to wait at barriers until it is safe to cross.
• Searches - council staff going about their normal working day in the buildings will not be subject to security searches.

Rooms

Several rooms will be in use by the UCI Cycling World Championships for operational activity and are not available for staff to usefrom Monday 31 July until Sunday 13 August. These include:

• City Chambers West - Rooms 1, 2,3 and 13. Committee Rooms 1, 2 and 4.  Banqueting Hall and the Satinwood Suite.
• City Chambers East - John Street Café, Burgh Court, Rooms 8, 10 and 11. Learning Academy B6, B14 and B20.

The City Chambers URE café will be open for business as usual to staff throughout and there will be no public tours of the Chambers for the duration of the event.

Changes to Building Procedures

Fire alarm activations on non-race days:

• City Chambers East Buildings (Montrose, Cochrane and Exchange House) - evacuation procedures, reporting process and assembly points will remain the same as usual for staff on these days.
• City Chambers West Building - if your fire assembly point was at the Cenotaph, this has been relocated to the pavement opposite 40 Cochrane Street. All other assembly points remain the same as usual.
• Fire alarm activations on race days, Friday 4 August (part trial day), Saturday 5 August, Sunday 6 August, Tuesday 8 August, Saturday 12 August and Sunday 13 August:
• City Chambers West Building - your assembly point will now be on the pavement at 8 Cochrane Street and the pavement at 229 George Street. Reporting officers process remains the same.
• City Chambers East Buildings -your assembly points are the pavement at 285 George Street and 78 Cochrane Street. Reporting officers process remains the same.

Mail collections/deliveries

Royal Mail and Whistle have both agreed that they will do their best to deliver and collect mail from the City Chambers throughout the period of road closures around the buildings from 31 July to 13 August. Our Facilities Management staff will assist with carrying mail to their vehicles to keep the service operational.

Please note: it is unlikely that there will be a mail collection on Tuesday 8 August as it is a race day and staff are asked to take note to accommodate this change.

More information

• For more information on road closures and parking restrictions visit Get Ready Glasgow
• For full schedule and event information visit 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships | Glasgow and across Scotland (cyclingworldchamps.com)
• GO LIVE! Glasgow — Glasgow Life
• Go Live! Official Fan Zone - George Square | 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships (cyclingworldchamps.com)

2 August - Dedicated travel information for all event locations

From 3-13 August 2023, the inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships will be hosted in Glasgow and across Scotland. It will be the single biggest cycling event in history, bringing together for the first time 13 existing UCI World Championships into one mega event.

With events taking place in 13 local authority areas across Scotland, the transport network will be busier than usual and will operate differently due to various road closures, diversions and restrictions in place to allow for the event to run smoothly.

It's important people are aware of the main dates and changes to how transport will operate across key locations. Please plan ahead by visiting the event specific Traffic Scotland page and be prepared to adapt your travel arrangements.

To note: the UCI Cycling Worlds include several road events with road closures and diversions. Some public transport services (bus, subway, tram and rail) will be busier than usual and some bus routes will be impacted with potential diversions, timetable and stop changes.

Remember to plan ahead and consider your travel options during the event. Consider how you can rethink your travel - you might want to travel on a different day, at a different time, by a different mode or by a different route to avoid disruption. Leave the car if you can. Using public transport, walking or cycling may be the best options to get you to your destination.

View key dates and location maps

• To find out more and plan ahead for all event locations visit the event Traffic Scotland page
• For dedicated Glasgow traffic and travel details visit Get Ready Glasgow

2 August - Info regarding on street parking and road races:event time

Parking will be suspended from the 31 July from 6am until the 14 August at 6am for streets on the race route or any adjoining roads,  however the following has therefore been put into place:

Residents who have off street secure parking and require to use their car throughout the event but are within the race route can contact getreadyglasgow@glasgow.gov.uk with their car registration details and their preference of council car parks to use at no additional cost.

Car parks at Duke Street, Charing Cross, Cadogan Street, Cambridge Street and Concert Square are all available.

Any residents who have off street parking and are affected can also email Get Ready Glasgow with their car registration information, this will allow them to park in another area or close to their home without being penalised.

Residents who have a permit and are affected can also park in any other permit zone during the championships without being penalised.

For further information please contact getreadyglasgow@glasgow.gov.uk alternatively phone on 0141 276 2014.

2 August - Businesses and residents are gearing up to welcome the world to the city: hospitality offerings and fun events.

A number of very popular Glasgow venues have announced a series of hospitality offerings and fun activities for all the family that are set to take place across the duration of the Championships.

During the 11 days of competition, spectators and championships family will be able to enjoy a number of special offers and events at 16 venues around the city, all of which are part of The Scotsman Group.

The Corinthian Club will house a static bike to raise funds for Maggie's, the national charity partner of the event, where anyone can have a go at competing to win prizes, with giveaways taking place throughout the event.

Venues such as The Social, The Corinthian Club, Committee Room 9, Grosvenor Café and Òran Mór are getting behind the action by offering discounted food and drinks, family activities and late-night entertainment, showcasing the city's infamous hospitality to the thousands of visitors expected to arrive in Scotland.

Kids can eat free at all participating venues, while spectators get 20% off all food. Social, The Corinthian Club, Committee Room 9, Grosvenor Café, Òran Mór and The Gardener will have special breakfast menus and £1 coffee on offer, with some venues also hosting live bands during the event.

Highlights and action from the championships will be shown at The Corinthian Club, Grosvenor Café, Committee Room 9 and Òran Mór, with a £15 burger and beer deal available from The Corinthian Club, Grosvenor Café and Committee Room 9 to enjoy alongside the sporting action.

Arta will have face painting for kids during both weekends of the event, as well as samba dancers, while Polo, Delmonicas and SpeakEasy will host live drag nights during the Championships.

The city is planning for tens of thousands of people along the road race routes and up to 15,000 people across the duration of the day are expected to visit the official fan zone in George Square. Venues will also be buzzing with activity as competition takes place across the city every day of the Championships.

As a result, Glasgow will be busier than usual in the lead up to and during the event, with business, residents and commuters being reminded to plan ahead and familiarise themselves with the ways in which their usual journeys around the city may be impacted.

The busiest days across Glasgow are expected to be on road race days, which will be Saturday 5 August, Sunday 6 August, Tuesday 8 August, Saturday 12 August and Sunday 13 August. Businesses, residents and visitors are being encouraged to use public transport including rail and subway networks and active travel routes on these days.

For businesses located in the city centre, an access and egress plan has been developed to allow them to service their premises during the period of the road closures. This access will allow for businesses to receive deliveries and complete waste collection. Some roads will be open from 2000 hrs to 0600 hrs to allow for this entry.

2 August - Did you get caught hook line and sinker with our test?

During June we carried out a Phishing exercise with a random sample group of 100 staff across the corporate email network - to see how they would react to receiving a 'phishing email'(non-malicious).

Staff sample

The majority of the staff sample was selected on a random basis, with a small portion being specifically selected due to their role - for example where they may be in a position to process high risk financial transactions or of a senior level where they may be in a position to approve/authorise high risk transactions.

As John McCallum,Audit Manager explains: "This test was carried out using a well-known Phishing Tool so that we could analyse how staff responded and interacted with a suspicious email - based on their existing knowledge of what to do when they receive something unusual, such as a phishing email.

"Our test email had the subject heading 'Change of Password Required Immediately' - which is a simple, yet effective way to test how staff would react to a direct request like this.  It also tied in with some recent messaging that we'd issued corporately about updating your password."

So how did staff react?

• 16.3% of recipients unfortunately clicked on the potentially malicious link included in the email! 
• 11 users reported the email to CGI (a further 2 after 24hrs)
• 16 users reported the email to Integrity (a further 2 after 24hrs)
• 4 users reported the email to both CGI / Integrity (a further 1 after 24hrs)

So how could you have identified this as a Phishing email?

This test email contained five key things that staff should have been aware of to help them identify that this as a potentially malicious Phishing email.

They included:

1. A generic IT email address in the address header
2. A general sense of urgency throughout the email
3. It outlined severe implications if action was not taken
4. The underlying URL which was covered by the Change Password hyperlink looked suspicious when you hovered your mouse over it.
5. No business email footer text was included in the email.

John continues: "This initial exercise has been really useful, and the feedback is helping us to tailor our future information security training and communication materials - based on staff actions.

"If this had been a genuine Phishing attempt and the malicious link was clicked - this could have led to all sorts of problems for the council and compromised our systems and the information they contain. This in turn could have potentially put both staff and our citizens at risk. Therefore, I would like to remind all staff to continue to be vigilant and take the time to review emails that they receive. Please report anything that you think is suspicious or unusual immediately to integrity@glasgow.gov.uk. And watch this space - as we are also considering a future Phishing exercise with a greater number of pc facing staff!"

Report it

• Remember - please report any suspicious activity or emails you receive immediately to integrity@glasgow.gov.uk
• More information is available at #Safe Glasgow  - How to report a suspicious email/text message you have received
• We profile the different types of phishing on our #Safe Glasgow pages - understanding the different types of cyber-crime.

The Burrell Collection was announced as Art Fund Museum of the Year 2023 on Wednesday evening at a ceremony at the British Museum in London and on the BBC. Duncan Dornan, Head of Museums and Collections for Glasgow Life, was presented with the £120,000 prize - the largest museum prize in the world - by the artist Sir Grayson Perry.

Duncan Dornan said: "It is an honour to be the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2023. It is recognition of the dedication, skill and imagination hundreds of people gave to the project and of the wonderful staff and volunteers who make a visit very special. The Burrell Collection is a people's museum that will continue working closely with everyone in Glasgow on more amazing projects and to enhance the diverse public and schools programme we offer.

"It is endorsement of Glasgow Life's approach at The Burrell Collection of working with local people to inform the refurbishment of one of the world's greatest collections of fine and decorative arts. Becoming The Art Fund Museum of the Year will help make The Burrell Collection even more accessible, allowing visitors to engage in culture in a way that is meaningful to them. We are excited to welcome them to Pollok Country Park."

More information at  The Burrell Collection

2 August - Spotlight on Paul - a true inspiration

Paul McKenzie, a driver at Dawsholm Recycling Centre, Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability,has worked for the council for over 35 years and has jive danced as a hobby since his teens, raising thousands of pounds for charity. He was very proud to be chosen to represent Scotland in both European and World Championships.

13 years ago, Paul had a mini stroke but that didn't stop him dancing and he was soon back at work and raising money for good causes.

Paul said: "I have always done charity work but since my mini stroke, I wanted to give back to society and to continue to raise money for various causes close to my heart, including the Glasgow Children's Charity, Beatson Cancer, Erskine Veterans, British Heart Foundation, Scottish Mountain Rescue, Cash For Kids and numerous other less well known charities".

Running classes three times a week with Boogie Box Jive Dance Club, Paul also danced at the European Championships in Glasgow in 2018, as well as performing free of charge at Gala Days and in care homes across the city and beyond.  The dancers give up their time for free to help others and as a result are asked back on numerous occasions.

As a reward for his dedication to dancing and great charity work, Paul attended the King's Garden Party at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh last month.

Gary Elder, Manager at Dawsholm Recycling Centre, Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability said: "Paul is a true inspiration to us all, he has even visited the stroke ward at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital to give encouragement to the patients and show them that you can get better.  He is always looking to help others and his family are very proud of him, as are we at the Centre".

Paul added "Although l run Boogie Box Jive, we are a team and I couldn't do it without all the pupils from my dancing classes who give up so much of their free time to help others, I am so proud of everything that we have achieved."

2 August - Have you taken it yet?

Last month we launched our new GOLD course 'Accessibility Guidelines: How to Make your Content Accessible'. All staff who use a computer at work are encouraged to complete this core course - so that they can learn top tips on how to create accessible information, so that it meets both accessibility legislation and the needs of the reader.

Kirsty Fereday, Senior Communication Officer said: "Accessibility is about making the information you are creating clearer and easier for everyone to understand. It is about removing barriers for the reader so that they can access and interact with it easily - this includes both our colleagues and our citizens.

"We should all get into the habit of producing accessible content every day - no matter who we are sharing it with. Not only is it a legal requirement for all documents and forms published on public sector websites/intranets to be accessible - but as a local authority we have a duty to make sure that our customers can easily engage with us, and that our material is inclusive and accessible to their needs. I would encourage all staff to run a quick accessibility check before they share any information - this makes sure you can fix any issues before it is sent/shared."

Taking the course

All staff are encouraged to complete the course by the end of August 2023 -it should take you no longer than 20 minutes.

• Log in to your GOLD account and look for 'Accessibility guidelines- how to make your content accessible'under Core Programmes, Council Style and Standards.
• You can also access the course directly at 'Accessibility guidelines- how to make your content accessible'
• For information on logging into GOLD visit Glasgow Intranet - Online Resources and GOLD

More information

The course content supports and reinforces all the guidelines and resources on our staff web page about creating accessible content

2 August - "The bond gets stronger as the weeks go by..."

John Hampson is a Social Care Worker in Social Work Service's Community Homelessness Team. He became a mentor with MCR Pathways five years ago, after first reading about it in the Staff News and deciding that he would like to get involved.

John said "Having read about mentoring, I thought that I had some skills which would make me a good mentor for a young person. My manager at the time was Alison, she was very supportive and didn't need convinced to allow me to sign up. Once I expressed my initial interest, she encouraged me to get involved.

"I'm now in the early stages of mentoring my third young person, I am just starting to gain their trust. The key is to go at their speed and not force anything, allow them to lead the conversation and provide an ear to listen to as and when they want it.

"I know from my previous experience it will pay off. The bond gets stronger as the weeks go by. You develop a vested interest in your young person and your visits soon become a part of each other's weekly routines.

"Mentoring has given me another opportunity to develop my people skills which are so important to my job. It offers a real-life experience that no amount of training can compare with.

"I would say even if you're only 10% considering it, then go along to an information session and find out more. A lot of people have the skills to be a great mentor without even realising that they do."

Alison Watson, Case Work Manager was John's line manager when he first started mentoring, she said "When John first approached me about mentoring, I didn't need convinced. I knew we could make it work alongside his day job and that he'd be a great mentor; John is such an optimistic and approachable person.

"The young people get a lot out of having a mentor, but I know from John's experience that mentors get a lot out of it too. Working in a high-pressure environment, this is something that John looks forward to each week and his confidence as a mentor has really grown over the years.

"He has inspired others in the team including myself to start our own mentoring journeys as we can see first-hand how rewarding an experience it has been for him."

Rose McDowell, Senior Homelessness Worker is John's current manager, she said "Mentoring has been such a positive experience for John, he's so friendly and easy to talk to so I know young people will benefit from having John in their lives."

"His job can be full on so mentoring gives him something else to focus on for an hour each week. I know he looks forward to meeting his young person and chatting about something other than work."

Find out more...

John and his colleagues Alan and Ruairi recently featured in a video for MCR Pathways about their mentoring experience, you can watch it on our staff page.

MCR are also hosting some staff information sessions in August, to book a space please email donna.cunningham@glasgow.gov.ukThe dates of the sessions are:

• Wed 9 August, 9:30-10:00am at Gorbals H&CC, C&F Reception, 1st Floor, 2 Sandiefield Road, Gorbals, G5 9AB
• Mon 21 Aug, 3:30-4:00pm, City Chambers East, 40 John St, G1 1JL. 
• Or you can undertake the virtual information session at any time by visiting MCR Pathways Registration

July

5 July - From Peacekeeping to Planning - spotlight on Liam

Armed Forces Day takes place every year on the last Saturday in June to acknowledge the dedication and efforts of those who serve in the Armed Forces.

Did you know that this includes some of your colleagues who serve in a Reserve capacity in their spare time?

Meet Liam Herbert, Head of Planning and Strategy, HSCP and a Major in the Reserves.

Liam explains his Army career path and his transition to the Reserve service following his move to the council in 2022: "I joined the Army as a full-time Officer in 2013 after completing the leadership course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. This is where they taught me how to lead and manage soldiers and become a soldier myself. Following this I joined the Black Watch, third Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS) and was fortunate enough to deploy almost straight away, spending 6 months as a UN Peacekeeper.

"My career then took me through a series of other jobs commanding more specialist soldiers, working in various Headquarters. Most notable was probably my time in Afghanistan in 2021 when I was part of a large team that planned the evacuation of British personnel and Afghan civilians during the fall of Kabul to the Taliban. I then finished up my time in the regular Army (after nearly a decade) working as a Strategic Policy Lead in the Ministry of Defence in Whitehall, which was fascinating."

Liam explains how he left the regular Army service in 2022 and returned to Glasgow full time with his young family - securing his current role with the council: "I knew I wasn't quite ready to hang up my Army boots when I took up my role within HSCP, so I joined 6 SCOTS - the local Reserve Infantry Battalion and part of the Regiment I had served in as a regular.

"Since joining I was selected to take command of Charlie Company, a force of 100 soldiers, based out of Maryhill and Motherwell. Alongside my council day job, I now spend my Tuesday evenings and roughly one weekend a month training my soldiers and ensuring they are ready to deploy should the need arise."

Reserves - host of opportunities

The Reserves offers a host of opportunities for those with a sense of adventure. The annual commitment is 27 days training, generally split between evening and weekend training and a two-week annual exercise. This will be spent completing a variety of military training. Liam explains: "In the last month my Company spent a sunny Saturday firing pistols and working on our marksmanship. We have completed various team physical training sessions, delivered lessons on new equipment such as drones and later this summer we are deploying 30 soldiers to Croatia to take part in a multi-national exercise. I also currently have soldiers deployed on Operation INTERFLEX, the UK's training operation for Ukrainian soldiers."

photo credit: Iain MacLennan

In addition to this, the Army takes sport and adventurous training very seriously. This year Reserves will undertake mountain biking, rock climbing, mountaineering and skiing trips - all paid for by the Army with the Reservists being paid the pro-rate rate of their regular counterparts for the time they spend training.

Liam concludes: "The support I receive from the council to be a Reservist is excellent. Both the council and NHS are Armed Forces Covenant employers, so Reservists are afforded two weeks additional paid leave to complete their annual exercise. Having a supportive employer has certainly eased my transition from regular service. Though, you don't need to have served before and most of my soldiers have only ever served in a Reserve capacity.

"All service people are trained to be soldiers before specialising in a role, in my case Infantry. Officers are expected to be leaders from the outset and have a greater involvement in planning and then supervision of military tasks. I've found my time as an Officer to have been critical in preparing me for my current planning role in the HSCP. I think Armed Forces Day is hugely beneficial for morale to see gestures of appreciation by the community. Service is synonymous with sacrifice and whilst we have Remembrance Sunday, for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, it is appreciated when the ongoing sacrifices of serving personnel are acknowledged."

To find out more about joining the Army Reserves visit https://jobs.army.mod.uk/army-reserve/

5 July - Get Ready Glasgow: the countdown is on - have you met Mike?

The countdown to the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships is well and truly on.

Have you met Mike? The unlikely star of the latest advert for the event.

Watch here to see Mike explain some of the cycling disciplines that will make up the 13 World Championships coming to Glasgow and Scotland from 3 to 13 August. There's even a kind of football...but they're on bikes.

Strap in, get set, and experience the #PowerOfTheMike

Tickets

Visit cyclingworldchamps.com to secure your tickets today.

23 Million Mile Challenge

And don't forget, there is still time to sign up to the 23 Million Mile Challenge, so grab your bike and start logging those miles.

Get Ready and Plan Ahead

Modes of Active travel, such as walking, wheeling and cycling are a safe and sustainable way to get around the city during the Championships. You can find more out about Active Travel in Glasgow on Smarter Travel - Home (smartertravelgla.co.uk) and cycling in Glasgow

Visit Get Ready Glasgow for information on traffic and travel during event time.

5 July - Helping young people to flourish: Rowan's story

We have a number of Youth Employment Initiatives which provide young people and young adults with the opportunity to get workplace experience and gain industry recognised qualifications.  Rowan Bennett joined the council's Supported Employment Service (SES) - which helps young adults with a learning disability and/or autism into the workplace.

Rowan said: "About two and a half years ago, I joined SES and as part of this I started working with a Job Coach on the Improving Transitions to Modern Apprenticeships Programme - which provides work experience for up to 26 weeks. At first, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do but after deciding I would like to get more admin experience I completed a course to update my skills. My Job Coach then asked if I would be interested in a work experience placement in the Catering and Facilities Management (CFM) section of Financial Services."

"Before I started my placement in October 2022 I met with Karen McCourt, CFM Area Manager, who was very reassuring about the support I would be given.  I started working three days a week and from October 2022 I increased my hours.  In March of this year a Modern Apprenticeship became available in CFM, and I successfully secured a place on the full-time apprenticeship programme."

"I really enjoy working in a busy office environment and have developed a lot of new skills. I love working in an area that supports over 3,000 employees and my duties are very varied. I also now feel more confident talking to people - this wasn't the case before I started my work placement."

"This journey has totally changed my life. I'm now earning my own money and will be able to support one of my future goals - to live on my own." 

Kath Samson, Business Advisor, Chief Executive's Department said: "We have developed a successful partnership with the Supported Employment Services, providing young people placements.  It's great to see our Service areas participating in these initiatives and seeing how the young person thrives within the working environment."

Karen McCourt said: "It has been a joy to watch Rowan grow from a shy quiet girl to an out-going valued member of the team - Rowan has a very bright future ahead of her."

Janice Quinn, Job coach with Supported Employment Service, GCHSCP said:"The partnerships we have developed with CFM in Financial Services, the Strategic HR team and Rowan's work coach at the job centre have been essential to making these placements happen.  The transformation I've seen in Rowan is unbelievable and her Mum said she is a different person. The feeling of coming in to meet Rowan and seeing her sitting working away at her desk is brilliant.  For some young people the journey to their first job takes a little longer but they all deserve to be supported on this journey."

Work, Earn and Learn 

If you live within the Glasgow City Council boundary, and you have a young adult in your family who is unsure about what career path they want to pursue, an MA could be the right choice for them. Visit Home - Glasgow Guarantee to find out more about the MA opportunities right across Glasgow - including those within the council.

5 July - Staggering stats!

Did you know that Phishing is one of the most common and dangerous forms of cybercrime in the UK? All it takes is a well-crafted email, social media post or phone message, and someone who is too distracted or unaware to spot its true nature.

Phishing emails target our online activity to try and find our information (log on details, passwords, account numbers) that can then be used to steal money from us on line. They usually target individuals pretending to come from HMRC, or DVLA or banks or phone companies. They use triggers like potential refunds, or the risks of a service being cut off, to try and persuade you to check or correct their information by clicking on a link and entering all your personal details.

Did you know that:

• The UK is the biggest target for phishing attacks in Europe, according to Proofpoint. It found that 96% of organisations in the UK were targeted by phishing last year. Spain was the second worst affected (94%), while France and Italy were among the least affected, at 85% and 79%, respectively.
• A UK government study found that half of adults said they had received a phishing message in the previous month.
• Amazon Prime Day is the most active period for phishing attacks, according to an AtlasVPN study. It found that in the 90 days leading up to last year's sale, 1,633 fake sites targeting the event were detected.
• According to Verizon, 82% of data breaches involve a human element, such as phishing and the use of stolen credentials.
• Verizon's report also found that the most common target in phishing attacks are victims' login credentials, which are compromised in 63% of successful attacks. Cyber criminals also target internal data (32%) and personal data (24%).

You can read all 51 Must know Phishing statistics for 2023

So how can you protect yourself, our data and our systems?

While spear phishing emails often target finance officers everyone is at risk from phishing and ransomware attacks. We should all take care when opening emails and report anything we are not sure of - as prevention is better than cure!

Remember to CHECK, STOP and REPORT IT

Read our Glasgow Intranet - Top tips to help prevent a potential cyber attack

For example:

CHECK - Be aware of the titles of email attachments which are incentives to get you to open them. Check the sender, the time of the email and for unusual grammar.

STOP - Stop and check any urgent or unusual, email payment requests until you speak directly to the sender. Don't open any links or attachments.

REPORT IT - Report any suspicious emails to integrity@glasgow.gov.uk

More information

• Latest email scams information - including 'zip' website domains and cryptocurrency
• #Safe Glasgow - Glasgow Intranet - Prevent cybercrime
• #Safe Glasgow - Glasgow Intranet - How to report a suspicious email/text message you have received

5 July - From coffee to compost - take part!

From 25 July-13 August, you can cycle over to a #GroundsForRecycling venue, grab a cup of coffee, and know those coffee grounds are being turned into something better for the planet.

In collaboration with the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, the campaign will see over 50 of Glasgow's most loved hospitality venues divert 100% of their used coffee grounds from landfill. Instead, the grounds will be collected by e-cargo bike provider Urb-it and taken to the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, where they'll be turned into compost to capture carbon, rehabilitate soil and support biodiversity.

Glasgow Life venues involved in the project and will be having their coffee grounds collected during the campaign include, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Kelvingrove Museum, Kelvin Hall Leisure Centre, Scotstoun Leisure Centre and The Tearoom at the Botanics.

If you're a keen cyclist, coffee drinker, or sustainable change maker, you can find out more at groundsforrecycling.co.uk

5 July - Make the most our membership - sign up for key local government information

The council is a member of the Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) - a not for profit information service providing practical, up-to-the-minute intelligence to their members on policy issues important to local government in Scotland.

They work with an international network of councils, associates, academics and other sector practitioners to help address policy challenges and influence public debate around topics such as improving healthcare, reforming the criminal justice system and environmental and economic change. Supporting councils across the world for over 40 years.

So how can you join and benefit?

LGiU content is available to all staff at member councils and can be accessed through email or from the website by signing up.

Becoming a member will provide you with direct information to become better informed, engaged and connected through:

• Daily News bulletins summarising what the media saying about local government across Scotland
• a weekly policy summary
• the Global Local Newsletter giving international insights on a different local
• government theme each week
• Weekly policy briefings, reports and other contentwritten by sector colleagues, academics and international associates
• participation in events such as the Global Local Executive Panels;
• full access to an extensive online catalogue of Scottish, UK and international local government content.

Get involved and showcase your projects

LGiU also regularly promote member councils' projects and people through short case study articles like this one from Argyll and Bute.  Sign up and join today to share your projects with other LGiU members.

Tips for website access

From the main navigation bar you can:

• click Topics to find published briefings, publications and research, sorted by topic, to help you in your role
• from the Resources drop down click:
  • Briefings to access the entire briefings catalogue. Use the side bar to filter by country, topic or date
  • Newsletters & Daily News to access the last months archive of Daily News to see what's been happening in the sector,
  • Global Local to explore previous editions of our popular Global Local Bulletin
  • Publications to find curated content such as Executive Panel writeups, COP27 resources, research centre outputs for example
• Click Comment> Articles to read our in-house and guest articles from local government practitioners in Scotland and across the world

You can also manage your preferences to make sure what lands in your inbox is tailored to your needs.

For more information visit https://lgiu.org/ or email info@lgiu.org

5 July - Burrell Collection scoops top prize at prestigious Scottish Design Awards

The Burrell Collection is celebrating its great success in the prestigious Scottish Design Awards, announced last week.

The museum not only won the coveted Judges' Grand Prix Award, it also won Gold Awards in four categories: Design for Good; Architecture: Public Building; Moving Imagery Design; and Experiential, Incorporating Audiovisual, Graphic and Object-based Displays.

Dr Samuel Gallacher, Keeper of the Burrell Collection and Museum Manager, said: "We are absolutely delighted by The Burrell Collection's wonderful success at the Scottish Design Awards. Competition for these renowned awards is always fierce so winning not just one, but five - including the coveted Judges' Grand Prix Award - is a huge achievement for the museum and an acknowledgement of its world-class quality. Since its inception some forty years ago, The Burrell Collection has always stood out for its radical design, unique aesthetic, and modernity. These awards demonstrate how the refurbishment project has sustained this distinctive legacy. It is also a fabulous testament to the dedication to excellence, tireless commitment and great enthusiasm of our whole team, as well as to the superb contribution made by all the project partners who worked with us on the museum's redevelopment."

June

13 June - Loneliness Awareness Week runs from 12 to 18 June 2023

We can all feel lonely at times. Loneliness and feeling isolated can have a major effect on our health and wellbeing - both physically and mentally. 

Making even one connection matters and that's why we're promoting Loneliness Awareness Week from 12 to 18 June. There are things you can do to help yourself or someone you know who is feeling lonely, whether it's someone you support through work or a friend or family member.

Our flyer and short film and the Your Support Your Way Glasgow website show some of the signs to look out for, some things you can do to help and sources of support.

The Socially Connected Glasgow Strategy shows how we can all work together to reduce social isolation and loneliness.

7 June - 'Phishing Exercise' to take place this month

As you will be aware the term phishing generally refers to email correspondence from a cyber attacker which attempts to trick users into doing 'the wrong thing' - such as clicking a bad URL link that will download malware to your device or direct you to a malicious website.  It can also be used to trick users into processing a payment to a fraudster, through impersonating a senior person in the organisation.

We profile the different types of phishing on our #Safe Glasgow pages - understanding the different types of cyber-crime.

Keeping our staff and systems safe

Cyber attacks are becoming more and more sophisticated and it is therefore essential that we continually keep you informed and educated on information security- so that you are aware of phishing and can identify the key characteristics of suspicious emails.

All staff should be completing our annual Information Security Essentials course on GOLD - if you haven't already done so for 2022 then please complete this on GOLD as soon as possible.

Phishing simulation exercise - during June

A key way to educate you on what to do if you receive a suspicious email is by undertaking a phishing simulation exercise.  Therefore, during June we will be carrying out an exercise with a random sample group of staff - across the corporate email network.

This sample group of staff will receive a non-malicious 'phishing email' at some point during the month. How they respond and interact to this test email will help us to better understand their knowledge on suspicious emails - in particular a phishing email.

Please note that as part of this exercise - if you are selected to take part, no personal data will be collected out with your corporate council email address and feedback from the exercise will only show us how many staff interacted with the email, not individual names.

Following this initial exercise - further council wide email simulation exercises may be carried out to include all pc facing staff, to help us tailor our information security training and communication materials.

Report it

Please report any suspicious activity or emails you receive immediately to integrity@glasgow.gov.uk

More information is available at #Safe Glasgow  - How to report a suspicious email/text message you have received

7 June - Giving a PowerPoint presentation?

Just like individuals, every organisation, company or brand has its own 'identity'. As a council, our 'identity' helps our citizens, suppliers and staff to recognise and understand our organisation.

However, the 'identity' of any organisation can be complicated - it can include the effectiveness of its services or the shared values of staff, as well as the corporate tone of voice and how it communicates. Naturally, its visual appearance - or 'corporate identity' (brand/logo) - plays a critical role.

Corporate Identity

For the council important parts of our own corporate identity include how we display and use our visual brand - for example on vehicles, publications and presentations, as well as how we communicate and behave - for example our tone of voice when keeping our citizens engaged and informed.

Our existing corporate identity was introduced in 1996 when Glasgow City Council was formed and we have a set of formal guidelines on how to use this - to make sure we always have a consistent professional appearance.

Council branded PowerPoint presentations

To help deliver on our guidelines we have a  council branded corporate PowerPoint slide [600kb] (which can be downloaded from our Corporate Identity Page) that all staff should use if delivering a presentation - internally or externally.

It includes an agreed and approved layout format and style using our council logo, brand colours and current Strategic Vision tag line. Instructions are given on how to use it.  No other PowerPoint presentation template should be used. 

It is important that we use a corporate branded template when presenting as it helps to build the right impression of our council in a professional and consistent way. It helps your audience to easily recognise who we are and what we do and elevates the professional nature of our services whilst building a positive brand experience.  

More information

• Read our  Corporate Identity Guidelines
• Download the template  council branded corporate PowerPoint slide [600kb] which is on our  Glasgow Intranet - Corporate Identity Guidelines page

7 June - Glasgow's Low Emission Zone now in force

Glasgow's Low Emission Zone (LEZ) is now in force.

The LEZ scheme will protect public health by tackling unacceptably high levels of harmful air pollution that has long persisted in the city centre.

Since 1 June, all vehicles entering the city centre zone must meet the less-polluting emission standards or face a penalty charge.

There are some exemptions however, such as for blue badge holders and emergency vehicles. Those who live in the zone area have an extra year to prepare.

Glasgow's Low Emission Zone operates continuously. It covers an area of the city centre bounded by the M8 motorway to the north and west, the River Clyde to the south and Saltmarket/High Street to the east.

To see if your vehicle meets LEZ requirements, you can enter your vehicle registration number into the national online vehicle checker hosted by Transport Scotland.

Glasgow's LEZ is being enforced using ANPR cameras linked to a national vehicle licencing database. When a non-compliant vehicle is detected in the zone, a Penalty Charge Notice (initially set at £60) will be issued to the registered keeper. 

Gavin Slater, Head of Sustainability (Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability) said: "We've made really good progress in tackling air pollution in recent years thanks in no small part to the first phase of Glasgow's LEZ which has significantly improved the emission standards of the city's bus fleet.

"Some parts of the city centre however continue to have stubbornly high levels of harmful air pollution, which is why restricting access to those vehicles that pollute the most is vital to protect public health.

"Whether it's through the enforcement of Glasgow's Low Emission Zone, or strategies that support and encourage travelling actively or more sustainably, we'll continue to strive for better, air quality across our city."

In addition to combating harmful air pollution, Glasgow's LEZ is also expected to boost the uptake of more sustainable forms of transport and increase the attractiveness of our city centre.

Find out more by visiting www.glasgow.gov.uk/LEZ

7 June - All roads lead to Glasgow - further routes announced

Loch's, castles, iconic monuments, and stunning towns and cities from across Scotland will provide the perfect backdrop for 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships as further details of the World Championship Elite road routes were unveiled during May.

This announcement builds on the initial overview of road routes revealed last September during the 2022 UCI Road World Championships in Wollongong, Australia. It includes new details and full routes for the road races (Men Elite, Women Elite and Men Under 23), Individual Time Trials (all categories) and Time Trial Mixed Relays.

Maps of the routes and more information can be found on cyclingworldchamps.com with detailed road closure maps on getreadyglasgow.com

Hosting eight championships across five venues, including road races, will impact our travel network and we will experience changes to the movement of traffic around the city.

Detailed maps, such as below, have been created for the Mixed Team Time Trial Relay as well as both of the Elite Road Races and published on the Get Ready Glasgow website https://www.getreadyglasgow.com/cycling-worlds/traffic-and-travel

Road closures on the Road Race City Centre Circuit will come into effect from 0001hrs, Friday 4 August until 2359hrs, Tuesday 8 August and then again on 0001hrs, Saturday 12 August until 2359hrs, Sunday 13 August.

Road closures on the Mixed Team Time Trial Race Route will come into effect from 0001hrs, Friday 4 August until 2359hrs, Tuesday 8 August.

Parking restrictions and road closures will be in place to allow athletes to familiarise themselves with the route, to race safely across the city, and for the safety and enjoyment of the tens of thousands of people who are expected to line the route in support of the riders.

Modes of active travel, such as walking, wheeling and cycling, are a safe and sustainable way to get around the city during the Championships.

Find out about active travel in Glasgow on the Smarter Travel Glasgow website and cycling in Glasgow on the Glasgow City Council website.

7 June - Register your trees: Clyde Climate Forest 'Tree Count' gets underway

The Clyde Climate Forest (CCF) launched its Annual Tree Count last month, with organisations and community groups encouraged to register trees planted since this time last year to contribute to this year's grand total.

Last year, 1.2 million trees were planted across Glasgow City Region and this year it's hoped even more will be registered.

The Tree Count has been launched just weeks after CCF received confirmation of a £200,000 funding boost from the eight local councils across the Region as part of a dedicated allocation from each of the member councils' UK Government Shared Prosperity Funding.

Councillor Susan Aitken, Chair of the Glasgow City Region Cabinet and Leader of the council, said: "The Clyde Climate Forest has the potential to provide a significant response to the climate and ecological emergency. Our ambition to plant 18 million trees across the City Region over the next decade will bring multiple benefits to our local communities, to Scotland and to our planet."u

Added to the funding boost from the eight councils in the Region, Scottish Forestry also confirmed its commitment to continued support of the CCF's ambitions with an extra £70,000 of funding.

All of this adds up to more trees in the coming years, trees which will help soak up rainwater in downpours, create cooling effects in heatwaves and provide vital wildlife habitat.

In the past year alone, around 50,000 trees have been planted in urban areas by local schoolchildren and community groups working with the CCF team.

However, there are many local community groups, schools and other organisations who have planted trees in our region who may not have registered with Clyde Climate Forest and these are the focus of the Tree Count campaign.

Max Hislop, Director of Clyde Climate Forest, said: "We want everyone who has planted a tree or woodland to come forward and register their trees with us.  Whether it's a single tree in your garden, a dozen trees in your school grounds or a small woodland on your landholding, we want to know about it.

"Every tree registered will help us get a better understanding of how close we are to reaching our '18 million trees' goal and provide us with a tree map of all individual, community and organisational tree plantings."

As part of a Concordat agreement, the eight regional councils also formally pledged to help deliver the CCF's 18 million trees over the next decade to help tackle both the climate and biodiversity emergencies. Local authorities also pledged to register their tree plantings with the Clyde Climate Forest team.

The Clyde Climate Forest is delivering part of the Glasgow & Clyde Valley Green Network, with support from Green Action Trust, TCV, Glasgow City Region, Trees for Cities, Scottish Forestry and Woodland Trust Scotland. Following last month's announcement, the CCF will receive £200,000 from the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund.

To register your trees visit:https://www.clydeclimateforest.co.uk/tree-counter-form

7 June - Clean up our air to look after your mind

Clean Air Day is a great opportunity to find out more about air pollution, share information with friends and act to make the air cleaner and healthier for everyone.

Air pollution disproportionately impacts upon older and very young people, and on those with existing heart and lung conditions.

Led by Global Action Plan and co-ordinated in Scotland by Environmental Protection Scotland, Clean Air Day brings everyone together to:

• Focus attention on air pollution
• Explain the easy actions we can all take to tackle air pollution
• Build awareness of how air pollution affects our health
• Showcases that a cleaner air future is both possible and desirable

This year's theme is Clean up our air to look after your mind this #CleanAirDay.

Cleaning up our air is good for us in many ways - it not only benefits our physical health and the environment but can also protect our mental and brain health. The physical health impacts of air pollution - such as asthma, heart disease and cancers - have been recognised for decades. More recently, researchers are beginning to understand how air pollution can affect the brain and the mind.

To stay up to date ahead of Clean Air Day 2023, sign up to the newsletter or for more information on how to protect your health from air pollution, head to the Clean Air Hub. 

7 June - Glasgow Royal Concert Hall refurbishment

Over the last few months Glasgow Royal Concert Hall has been refurbished and is looking great! The team has been welcoming back customers and showing off all the improvements. Pictured are some of the Concert Hall team in the refurbished Main Hall - left to right are Donald, Matthew, Harjit and Kieran, Megan, Gordon and Fionn, and Alistair and Denis.

All seats have been replaced and the choir stalls have new benches. The accessible areas are now in a new position to improve views of the stage and are bigger for greater comfort for customers using larger, modern wheelchairs. New carpets have been fitted in the auditorium, box office area, mezzanine foyer and grand staircase and the venue has been freshly painted throughout. There is also new LED lighting in the foyers and the seating in the Clyde foyer and Island bar areas has been newly upholstered. Additional improvements will be completed during the summer months in the Café and Lomond foyer area, including new flooring and a new accessible lift.

Encore Hospitality Services, part of Catering and FM in Financial Services, have also introduced STACK-CUPs to reduce single use plastic in the Concert Hall. Customers pay a £1 deposit on the cup when they buy a drink, which is then refunded when they return them at the end of the event.

Check out the improvements at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall yourself by planning your next event at glasgowconcerthalls.com

7 June - Rare Orchid's trip to London

Rare orchids from Glasgow's Botanic Gardens were on display at Chelsea Flower Show last month.

Glasgow City Council's orchids, ferns, begonias and other plants were part of an exhibition stand at the world's most famous flower show in London at end of May.

Tiny rare West African orchids were among the plants on loan for display on a stand by J.P Wright & Company of Florida and Grow Tropicals highlighting the vital role orchids play as indicators of the health of wider ecosystems.

The display showcased the beauty and diversity of orchids while highlighting the importance of conserving their natural habitats. Visitors were able to witness efforts to find and protect the rare Florida Ghost Orchid by a renowned global conservation team, along with endangered orchids from The Republic of Cameroon. A special highlight also featured some of the 52 orchid varieties native to Britain.

Glasgow's Botanic Gardens were gifted a huge collection of orchids by Isobyl La Croix of the Royal Orchid Society in 2008 and we were happy to have some of them included in the display at Chelsea. Plants loaned to the exhibit include a Resurrection Fern which grows in swamps alongside the Florida Ghost Orchid in the wild and Angraecum podochiloides which has tiny flowers smaller than a thumbnail. Numbers of this plant are declining in the wild and it is rare to find it being cultivated in the UK.

Christine Nicholson, Orchid Propagator at Glasgow's Botanic Gardens said: "I was excited to see pictures of the display and get feedback from those at Chelsea.  People were pleased to have the opportunity to see some of Glasgow's Botanic Gardens African orchids and I am glad that we could help out.  It was also a chance to make new connections.  Johanna Hutchins, my counterpart at Chicago Botanic Gardens who brought the ghost orchid over from America to Chelsea, visited Glasgow's Botanic Gardens today.  I had a very interesting morning showing her around our collection, swapping growing tips."

May

3 May - City Building help donate Easter underwear packs

The Joint Trade Union Committee at City Building, have shown their support for Glasgow's No. 1 Baby and Family Support Servicethis Easter by donating over 1,000 Easter packs to the charity's annual donation drive last month.

The Springburn-based charity supports people in financial hardship and working poverty by supplying a variety of everyday goods needed to meet their most basic daily needs.

After consulting with local parents, Glasgow's No. 1 Baby and Family Support Servicerecognised that this year, underwear and socks are increasingly sought after by struggling families.

Traditional donations of Easter Eggs received at this time of year were less important to families as local schools often ensure that pupils receive a chocolate treat as an end of term gift.

Thomas Glavin, Chair, City Building's Joint Trade Union Committee said: "The donations collected by employees of City Building serve a practical need in our local community, taking the pressure off struggling families under increasingly difficult circumstances.

"Our goal at City Building is to build a sustainable future and that is not limited to our construction practices. Our support and dedication to the local communities in which we work is equally as important to us as we work towards this goal."

Audrey Dempsey Founder of for Glasgow's No. 1 Baby and Family Support Service said: "As a charity that depends on donations from businesses and individuals, the support from City Building's Joint Trade Union Committee is appreciated beyond words.

"Necessities like underwear and socks are things most take for granted, but to know that there are children out there whose parent's finances cannot provide such a basic thing in 2023 is heart breaking.

"The families we support will be delighted with their Easter underwear packs and we are absolutely thrilled that City Building's Joint Trade Union Committee have chosen to support this cause. Together we can ensure these children feel equal to their peers."

3 May - Meet Alan: bonding over humour and banter

Alan Speirs, Corporate Policy Officer in the Chief Executive's Department started mentoring five years ago and is now a Glasgow City Council ambassador for MCR Pathways. He says "I decided to get involved with mentoring because I could see the benefit of sharing my time and experience to help nurture a young person.

"The team at MCR are really supportive and I felt well equipped with the training they delivered before I was matched with a young person. They are there for me throughout my journey with advice and support. My own manager was supportive too and encouraged me to get involved.

"I'm currently mentoring my third young person. He is a refugee and while his English isn't the most fluent, we have still managed to bond over humour in our lack of cultural references. We have a lot of banter; I feel like we both learn from each other, and I enjoy my weekly visits with him.

"I'd say if you are considering getting involved then don't let anything hold you back. We all have the ability to connect with a young person and by becoming a mentor you can help change their life. If you have any questions or want to learn more, speak to your service's MCR ambassador who can tell you about their experience as a mentor and what you can expect on your own mentoring journey."

Find out more...

Alan and his colleagues John and Ruairi recently featured in a promotional video for MCR Pathways, to watch it and find out more about mentoring a young person more visit our staff page.

MCR are also hosting a number of staff information sessions in May, to join them

please email laura.mckechnie@mcrpathways.org at least 2 days in advance to book your place.

• Live Information Session on Wednesday 10 May, 1-1.30pm, City Chambers East, 40 John St, G1 1JL (please report to reception before the session starts)
• Live Information Session on Monday 15 May, 9.30-10am, City Chambers East, 40 John St, G1 1JL (please report to reception before the session starts)
• Virtual Information Session on Tuesday 23 May, 11-11.45am (book in with laura.mckechnie@mcrpathways.org  in advance, Laura will then send over joining link)

3 May - Seeking young people to help Trading Standards

The council, through our Trading Standards team, have the responsibility to make sure retailers are selling age restricted goods in accordance with current guidelines/guidance and regulations.

To assist the council in ensuring compliance from retailers, we are looking to recruit young people to act as 'Test Purchasers'.  These young people, once recruited will undertake training to allow them to attend premises to attempt to buy age restricted products such as:

• Fireworks
• Tobacco products
• Nicotine Vapour products
• Solvents
• Spray Paints etc.

This can be a fun and rewarding opportunity.  During any period of training or carrying out test purchasing, refreshments will also be provided. Those who are recruited will also receive gift vouchers in recognition of their role in assisting the council's Tobacco Control Team.  Participants will also receive a Certificate of Participation and a reference which can be used for future employers or further / higher education.

To apply, young people must be:

• Aged between 13 and 16 years old
• Permission from their Parent / Guardian

Gary Walker, Head of Community Safety and Regulatory Services, NRS said, "This is an excellent opportunity for young people to volunteer for a very worthwhile cause. We are looking to recruit several young people who can assist the council in test purchasing and will be looking for new recruits on a regular basis."

If you know a young person who would be interested in getting involved, please fill out the form at: www.glasgow.gov.uk/testpurchasing

3 May - Home Carer Giri reaches for the stars!

Hard work, and dedication has paid off for talented Home Carer Giri Yaduvashni, who recently found out she has been accepted by Jordell Bank Research Centre to study for a PHD.

After completing Masters' Degrees in both Astronomy and Astrophysics Giri secured a place at the research centre to undertake a PHD. She will specifically be researching 'expoplanets', which are planets beyond our solar system.

Giri said "I am thrilled and can't wait to execute my idea into a full project. It is amazing to think I will be working as an astronomer by next year.

"I intend to continue doing shifts in home care at the weekend while I study during the week as I will still be based in Glasgow initially. I love being a home carer, it feels great to help people and lots of our service users don't have anyone else which I can empathise with, as I am originally from India which is where all my family are. My team mean the world to me, they are like my family in Glasgow and have been so supportive of me pursuing my goals. I'm sure their motivation and encouragement will spur me on through my PHD studies.

Giri's manager Angela Currie said "Giri has worked as a Home Carer since 2020, she is a fantastic asset to the service and gets on well with everyone she meets- both colleagues and service users.

"We are so proud of her achievements and that she will soon be an astronomer proving that you can literally 'reach for the stars.'"

3 May - "The allowed me to be me!" : First Domestic Abuse Strategy Launched in Glasgow

The Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership's (HSCP) have recently launched the Domestic Abuse Strategy 2023 - 2028.

This Strategy is the first of its kind in Glasgow and it describes what we'll do over the next five years to ensure people affected by domestic abuse receive the best possible care, and how we'll continue to seek the involvement of people with lived experience in the design and evaluation of domestic abuse services. 

Pat Togher, our HSCP's Assistant Chief Officer Public Protection and Complex Needs said: "The need for the Strategy was first identified during our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, when domestic abuse emerged as a risk factor across multiple care groups prompting a need for strategic planning and engagement. We realised that we needed to sharpen our focus on ensuring better outcomes for people affected by domestic abuse and to work in partnership in order to achieve those goals."

Pat continued: "Glasgow City HSCP are delighted to have been able to work together with Police Scotland, Glasgow City Council, third sector partners and leading academics to create the first Domestic Abuse Strategy in Glasgow."

"This Strategy aims to improve the knowledge and confidence of our own staff to be able to identify people at risk using evidence-based approaches, but it also ensures that victims of domestic abuse are supported for their whole journey.

Once implemented, the Strategy will make a difference for our service users and patients, for our own staff who provide services and support, and it will also make a difference to the way we engage and work with our partners in statutory and non-statutory sectors. All of this will ensure a more joined up, consistent, compassionate and timely approach to domestic abuse across the HSCP. 

As part of the launch of the Domestic Abuse Strategy, a short video has also been developed. The video showcases the need for this Strategy by telling the story of domestic abuse victims and perpetrators, highlighting some of the services that are available to those affected by domestic abuse. You can view the video on the HSCP's Youtube Channel.

If you think you're suffering from domestic abuse or feel scared of your partner or if you are worried about someone you know, then get in touch with Scotland's 24-hour Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline on 0800 027 1234 or visit sdafmh.org.uk for more support.

For information or more detail on the Strategy please visit Domestic Abuse Strategy 2023 - 2028.

3 May - One month to go : Glasgow's Low Emission Zone 

With enforcement of Glasgow's Low Emission Zone just one month away, people are being urged to prepare ahead.

Glasgow's LEZ will protect public health by tackling unacceptably high levels of harmful air pollution that has long persisted in the city centre.

From 1 June, all vehicles entering the city centre zone must meet the less-polluting emission standards or face a penalty charge.

There are some exemptions, such as for blue badge holders and emergency vehicles - and zone residents have an extra year to prepare.

Generally, diesel vehicles registered after September 2015, and petrol vehicles registered from 2006 onwards will meet LEZ standards. To be certain however, you can enter your vehicle registration number into the national online vehicle checker hosted by Transport Scotland.

Glasgow's Low Emission Zone will operate continuously. It will cover an area of the city centre bounded by the M8 motorway to the north and west, the River Clyde to the south and Saltmarket/High Street to the east.

ANPR cameras will be used to enforce Glasgow's LEZ. When a non-compliant vehicle is detected in the zone, a Penalty Charge Notice will be issued to the registered keeper. 

In addition to reducing levels of harmful vehicle emissions, Glasgow's LEZ is also expected to accelerate the uptake of more sustainable forms of transport and increase the attractiveness of our city centre.

You can find out more by visiting www.glasgow.gov.uk/LEZ

3 May - Changes to requesting Security Services: from 1 May

Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability's Security Team, are the main providers of security services to all council family premises across Glasgow - this includes over 500 properties such as schools, libraries, museums, community facilities and sports venues.

They are supported by our Alarm Receiving Centre and Glasgow Operations Centre and their services include:

• Mobile patrols - visible deterrent to high profile sites
• Static guards - to protect individual properties or construction sites
• Key holding and incident response - to out of hours alarm activations
• Security site surveys - reviewing current risks and solutions available.

Current process

The current process for requesting security services, for your council location, is to complete a request form and email this to a dedicated team based within Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability for processing.

New process

From Monday 1 May 2023 this process is changing and you will need to complete an online form to request this service instead.

The online form can be accessed at Security Services Request Online Form.

You should note that all mandatory fields will need to be completed for the form to be submitted - for example details of the cost centre.

For continuity, the current process will remain in place for a period of four weeks before being phased out and replaced solely by the online form at the end of May.

More information at Security Services

April

5 April - It's quicker and easier:enrol today

Last year we launched Self Service Password Reset (SSPR) to help staff reset their own passwords if you use a Windows 10 device - without the need to contact the CGI Service Desk.

All staff are encouraged to review the process on how to do this and enrol - as it is a quicker and more efficient way to reset your password and get back up and running.

Visit our dedicated staff support page on Connect for details on how to enrol for SSPR - it includes a link to briefings and frequently asked questions with answers.

5 April - Job Evaluation: is your job listed?

Over 850 staff have now participated or are scheduled to participate in job evaluation interviews as part of the process to evaluate jobs in the council. These evaluations will support the development of a rank order of jobs, laying the foundation for a new pay and grading scheme, to make sure everyone in the council is paid equally for equal work.

Staff who do what we call benchmark jobs (the most common jobs in the council that represent around 80% of the workforce) are being evaluated first and this information will support the early design phase of the new pay and grading scheme.

There are still some benchmark jobs that need more volunteers to complete this part of the process. If your job is listed below and you've not already volunteered, then we need you to tell us about your job. You can volunteer by talking to your line manager and emailing the job evaluation team at JE-SUPPORT@glasgow.gov.uk

To take part, you must have been in the same job for at least two years, this is to make sure that you have experience of the full range of demands of your role including any seasonal or cyclical work.

Every job holder doesn't have to be interviewed, we need a representative sample of our workforce, therefore it is possible that if you volunteer you may not be needed to attend an interview.

Group interviews - take part with your colleagues

From April, evaluations will be conducted through group interviews, with no more than five people in a group. You'll be asked to complete a questionnaire before the interview and come along to one of the job evaluation offices to talk about your job in your own words, together with some colleagues who do the same job.

Each group interview will be facilitated by trained job analysts and participants will discuss the demands of the job being evaluated, based on the 13 factors in the scheme.

Before an interview, you will be invited to a briefing session to tell you more about the job evaluation process.

For more information about evaluation interviews read the questions and answers section on the website at www.glasgow.gov.uk/jobevaluation

Evaluating other jobs

There are thousands of jobs in the council family and all jobs will fall into these three categories:

1.     Benchmark jobs, the most common jobs currently being evaluated.

2.     Secondary benchmark jobs (sometimes called generic) jobholders who do broadly the same work, these jobs will be evaluated next in group interviews, with a representative number of staff being interviewed for each job.

3.     Unique jobs (carried out by one person or fewer than five people) - these will be the final group to be evaluated.

We are nearing the end of the evaluation of benchmark jobs and preparing to move onto evaluating secondary benchmark jobs. Information about which jobs are secondary benchmarks or unique and the evaluation process will be explained in future communications through your line manager.

More information

Go to the job evaluation webpages at www.glasgow.gov.uk/jobevaluation

Is your job listed below? Volunteer now

5 April - Happy Birthday to the Burrell!

The team at the Burrell Collection were joined by pupils from St Conval's Primary this week to celebrate one year since the museum reopened to the public after its refurbishment.

To mark the anniversary, the pupils helped to make a giant birthday card, covered in drawing of some of their favourite objects from the museum. Pictured are Gallery Assistants Catriona McLaughlin and Rowan Lamont Chalmers with the beautiful card the pupils created.

The Burrell Collection has welcomed more than 600,000 visitors since it reopened last year, with almost three-quarters visiting the museum for the first time. 45% of visitors were from Glasgow, 45% from outside of Scotland, and the remaining 10% came from the rest of Scotland.

Feedback from visitors has been overwhelmingly positive, with many saying that the museum is inclusive, well-designed, family-friendly, and has displays that convey clear information to many different audiences.

Glasgow Life colleagues worked with more than 15,000 people from community groups across the city to help shape the design of the new museum. Comments from visitors show they feel connected to the objects and artworks on display. Congratulation to all at the Burrell and happy anniversary!

5 April - Does yours look like this?

Just like individuals, every organisation, company or brand has its own identity. Our corporate council identity helps our customers, suppliers and staff to recognise and understand our organisation.

Our identity is not just about a logo and the services we deliver - it also extends to our staff and our communications play a key role in this. As an organisation we need to make sure that we consistently give out a clear and quality image and our corporate identity guidelines help us to deliver on this.

Email signatures

As part of our guidelines, we have an approved email signature format which all staff must use. Your email signature should follow the example shown below and should be set up for all your email correspondence - including replies and forwarded emails.

If you have a council iPhone you should also set up your email signature as per the format in the guidelines.

You are reminded that you should only use black font, minimum font size 10 and there should be no pictures or logos included as stated in the corporate identity guidelines.

Approved corporate email signature format:

Name

Job Title

Department / Service

Glasgow City Council

Street Address

Glasgow

Postcode

Phone

Email firstname.surname@glasgow.gov.uk

www.glasgow.gov.uk

social media @GlasgowCC

For full details of how to use our logo and format your email signature visit our corporate identity page on Connect.

5 April - Supporting young adults into the workplace: Lord Provost lends support to Project Search

UK DFN Project Search is part of the DFN Charitable Foundation and a franchise model where we, the council, are the license holders.  It is a transition to work programme committed to transforming the lives of young adults with a learning disability and autism or both.  It is delivered by the following partners in Glasgow - Supported Employment Service; NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde; University of Strathclyde; Clyde College Glasgow and City of Glasgow College.

Angie Black, Service Manager, Glasgow Supported Employment Service, GCHSCP said: "Everyone deserves the right to aspire to the very best future, yet only 4.1% of people in Scotland with additional educational needs and/or disability go on to secure full-time paid employment.  This project provides these young adults with the opportunity to complete a full year of work experience."

"This year we have been delighted to work with Catering and Facilities Management (Financial Services) who offered a ten-week work rotation with the City Chambers Attendants for one young adult - Mitchell Walker. This is a transformational programme for those participating but we couldn't do it without the commitment from departments offering rotations and for the buddies who work alongside participants.  Mitchell's buddy, James Currie, has provided the most incredible support and it has been great to see Mitchell thrive in the Chambers"

Mitchell Walker said:"This has been such a great experience for me.  The work has been really varied which has enabled me to deal with uncertainty more, and although the day can be structured, no one day was the same."

"One of my key goals was to learn everything about doing the Chambers Tours so that I could take my friends and family on a private tour led by me, and on Monday 13 March I successfully achieved that goal and even got to meet the Lord Provost."

"At the end of April, I take part in a Reverse Job Fair in the Chambers - this involves me providing a summary of the work I have done and then delivering a 60 second pitch to potential employers."  

The Lord Provost, Jacqueline McLaren said: "It was a pleasure to chat with Mitchell and organise a tour of the Chambers for him. Covid has been so tough on young people. It's good to know the council is reaching out to help."

James Currie, Attendant said: "My manager asked if I would be interested in mentoring Mitchell for Project Search. He identified that I had the right qualities: patience, genuine wish to help young people and transparency."

"Mitchell being here has been very interesting. It's been quite challenging addressing the way I think and approach things and the way young Mitchell thinks and accommodating that. It's been a learning curve and it's also been very rewarding and enjoyable."

Stephen Sawers, Head of Facilities Management, Financial Services said: "I'm really pleased our team has taken the opportunity to be involved in these employment initiatives.  The success of this placement has been a result of the collaborative working with Strategic HR and the Supported Employment Service to make it a reality.  Well done to everyone who was involved.  I would like to thank James, Mitchell's mentor for all his support and dedication throughout Mitchell's 10-week placement and to all the Attendants who made Mitchell feel welcome."

5 April - Come along and join them. An hour a week: a lifetime of impact for a young person

"A lot of people didn't realise why I wasn't interested in school. I wanted to become a footballer and that was it. My mentor helped me see why school was a good thing."

Imagine the difference you could make to a young person's life in Glasgow. Just one hour of your time each week could transform their future forever.

MCR Pathways is a national, award-winning mentoring programme that focuses on providing support to care-experienced and disadvantaged young people in Glasgow. These young people have unlimited potential, but their circumstances often make it impossible for them to realise it.

In 2017, MCR Pathways and Glasgow City Council formed a groundbreaking partnership to address this issue. The council committed 10% of its staff to mentoring, and while significant progress has been made, there are still 500 young people across Glasgow who desperately need your help.

We are looking for compassionate volunteers who are willing to devote just one hour each week to listen, support, and encourage these young people in their school. You don't need any special skills or experience with young people; all you need is a big heart and a willingness to help.

"My mentor is a great guy. Just talking to him has made me more confident. It's taught me how to talk to people too. MCR matched me with a mentor who I really get on with and who understands me."

Listen to Jack's story here.

Mentoring is incredibly flexible and can be adapted to fit around your schedule. The council is fully committed to making sure that volunteers have everything they need to participate in the programme. As a volunteer mentor, you'll gain a sense of immense satisfaction and pride as you help a young person develop their self-esteem and confidence.

The rewards of becoming a mentor are immeasurable. You'll have the opportunity to develop important skills, such as communication, time management, negotiation, and influencing, and you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that you're making a positive difference in the life of a young person.

MCR Pathways urgently needs more volunteer mentors in the East End of Glasgow. Your involvement could be truly life-changing for a young person who needs a little guidance and support. Join us today and experience the joy of transforming a young person's future.

Want to learn more? If you have any questions or would like to hear your colleague's experience of mentoring please get in touch with your service's MCR ambassador - their contact details are here.

You can also join MCR for one of their upcoming information sessions. For the live information session on the 19th April please email laura.mckechnie@mcrpathways.org at least 2 days in advance to book your place.

• Virtual Information Session on Monday 17 April, 4.30pm
• Live Information Session on Wednesday 19 April, 9:30 am, City Chambers East, 40 John St, G1 1JL

Share an hour and change a life today at www.mcrpathways.org

March

1 March - An hour a week, a lifetime of impact

We are proud to support MCR Pathways in their new campaign to recruit mentors for young people in the city. The charity is asking for volunteer mentors to 'donate an hour a week' of their time in return for a 'lifetime of impact' on a young person.

Donna Cunningham, Head of Glasgow MCR Schools Programme said "There are still so many young people who need someone to chat with, to listen to and to encourage them. The programme transforms lives, there's so much talent in our young people that's often hampered because of difficult life experience. By volunteering an hour each week mentors can help bridge that gap between talent and opportunity."

"In support of MCR's new campaign, we have recruited service ambassadors across the council to tell their colleagues about their experiences as a mentor and answer questions that those considering getting involved may have.

"You can find your service ambassador's contact details on our new MCR information section on the Staff website, as well as case studies and details on how to apply.

"We are particularly appealing to staff who live in the North-East of the city to consider getting involved as that is where there is the highest demand for mentors. If you would like more information or to find out who your MCR service ambassador is, visit our new staff pages"

Find out more...

If you would like to find out more about becoming a mentor, MCR Pathways are running 30 minute information sessions to tell you everything you need to know before signing up. The sessions take place on:

• Wednesday 22 March,9.30am-10am (City Chambers) - Check in at reception City Chambers East, 40 John St, G1 1JL
• Monday 27 March, 12.30-1pm (City Chambers) - Check in at reception City Chambers East, 40 John St, G1 1JL

To book your place in one of these sessions email laura.mckechnie@mcrpathways.org at least two days in advance.

1 March - People Urged to 'Plan Ahead for the LEZ'

With three months to go before enforcement of Glasgow's Low Emission Zone (LEZ), a campaign urging people to 'Plan Ahead for the LEZ' is underway.

The city centre LEZ will be enforced from 1 June, meaning that all vehicles entering the zone area from this date must meet the less-polluting emission standards or face a penalty charge.

To increase awareness of Glasgow's LEZ, why it's required and how it will operate, the current publicity campaign includes advertising on television and radio as well as across social media.

You can see the TV advert by clicking on this link.

You might have also noticed Low Emission Zone signage appearing on the main approach routes into the city centre. The signs, which will be consistent in appearance across all LEZs in Scotland, are designed to let motorists know they are heading toward the zone area. LEZ road markings will also help to increase the zone's visibility further.

Gavin Slater, Head of Sustainability at Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability said: "Glasgow is introducing a Low Emission Zone because we need to reduce levels of harmful vehicle emissions in our city centre. These emissions can cause health problems, particularly for those most vulnerable including the very young, and those with existing heart and lung conditions.

"We're encouraging people to make themselves familiar with how the LEZ might affect them, and this awareness campaign will help to do that.  Meantime, NRS colleagues and indeed other staff across the council are all working hard to ensure that the infrastructure will be in place to ensure a successful delivery of the operational phase of Glasgow's LEZ from 1 June."

There are some exemptions to LEZs in Scotland, such as for blue badge holders and emergency vehicles. Zone residents also have extra time to comply.

Full details about Glasgow's LEZ and how it will operate can be found by visiting www.glasgow.gov.uk/LEZ.

1 March - Tickets now on sale. From roads to ramps, tracks to trails, and everything in between

It's time!

Tickets are now on sale for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, and some events are expected to sell out quickly!

Buy your tickets, and secure your place now at http://bit.ly/3IwSRUt

This mega-event coming to Glasgow and across Scotland, is the biggest cycling event ever to be staged!

With over 8,000 athletes, representing 120+ countries, across 13 UCI World Championships, over 11 breath-taking days in August - it'll be like nothing you've ever seen before.

Be part of something extra special, and head over to the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships website to buy yours at http://bit.ly/3IwSRUt 

Now WE ride!

#GlasgowScotland2023 #PowerOfTheBike

• 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds website: www.cyclingworldchamps.com  
• Tickets: https://tickets.cyclingworldchamps.com

1 March - Partnership helps deliver food parcels

Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership along with the British Red Cross are working to help support those identified as being at risk of food poverty. Since December they have partnered on a project delivering emergency food parcels to the city's most vulnerable and socially isolated service users.

Robert Murray, Home Care Service Manager says: "Our community-based workers including home carers and wider HSCP partners are well placed to identify service users who are struggling and at risk of food poverty. We have a straightforward referral process that highlights the service users in need so that the British Red Cross can organise a food parcel delivery for them.  As part of the process, it has also been recognised there is a demand for a specific food parcel tailored to families.

"The food parcel is an immediate short-term solution providing two days of food. Signposting details to 'Glasgow Helps' are included along with the parcel, so the service user can access further longer-term support. The project is due to run until the end of March and since launch has delivered over 500 food parcels around Glasgow."

1 March - Do you do this? Your role in preventing a cyber-attack

Our Protective Monitoring Security Operations Centre (SOC), managed by CGI, helps to protect our IT estate by monitoring our most critical applications and IT services. Whilst it provides a constant level of reassurance against the threat of potential cyber-attacks - all staff who use a computer at work also have a key role to play.

As Kenny Meechan, Head of Information and Data Protection Officer explains: "To help keep our IT systems and our information, safe and secure, we all need to make sure that we allow our computers/laptops to regularly install critical security updates. This is done by making sure that your device is shut down each evening, to allow updates to take place once it is turned back on."

"We are aware that some staff are not regularly shutting down their laptop devices to allow these important updates to take place - they are just closing the lid on the device and putting it into sleep mode. This is thereby making our IT systems vulnerable to a potential cyber-attack as the device and network are not properly protected. So, to enhance our security processes, from 27 March - all council devices will become part of a planned 'forced reboot' programme to help continually protect our IT estate and infrastructure. This will be key to making sure our network and systems continually remain safe against the ever-changing cyber-attacks we face as an organisation."

Please refer to the Managers' Briefing issued on Friday 10 February for more details on the 'forced reboot' programme and the key actions you need to take.

Kenny continues: "In particular, all staff who use a laptop are reminded that they should get into the habit of regularly shutting down and re-starting their device. Shutting down your device each night will generally mean that you are not presented with a forced re-boot. This simple behavioural change can help to protect our networks and reduce the risk of our information being exploited by a cyber-criminal, which can have devasting consequences for both our citizens and the council."

More information at #SafeGlasgow - keeping our information safe

February

1 February - Deadline soon: Objective Connect closing 14 February, take action.

At the council we recognise we have a strong need for collaboration with partners outside of our organisation.

We frequently have to share a variety of information with external organisations often of a sensitive, personal, financial, commercial and political nature.  Historically we used Objective Connect as our secure external file sharing platform, to exchange files with partner organisations which were too sensitive, or too large, to email.

From 14 February 2023  the council will no longer use Objective Connect for this purpose, as our contract expires. This provides us with the opportunity to move to use SharePoint - an existing product within our Microsoft 365 software suite. This will result in significant savings and an enhanced user experience for the council. 

All staff who use Objective Connect need to take action before this date - to move items that they need to keep across to SharePoint and also delete items that are no longer needed out of Objective Connect.

We have a series of  staff support guides to help you with these actions. You can also find a copy of briefings issued here.

1 February - Marc's story: helping young people to flourish

We have a number of Youth Employment Initiatives that provide young people and young adults with the opportunity to get workplace experience and gain industry recognised qualification.

Read about Marc Stewart's workplace journey  

"I started with the council through the Improving Transitions to Modern Apprenticeships Programme (IMAP) -which provides work experience for up to 26 weeks. The placement introduced me to working in the Chief Executive Departments Web Management Team - who are responsible for looking after the main council web site and the Connect Intranet site.  As part of this short-term placement, I supported a number of work areas and developed my skills and knowledge in an area that I've always been really interested in." 

"In February 2022, I progressed onto the Kickstart programme, which was launched by the Government during the pandemic - for people like myself who wanted to improve their chances of securing long-term employment.  However, a few months into this placement, a Modern Apprenticeship (MA) in Digital Applications Support, was advertised in the Web Management Team.  This seemed like an ideal fit for my skills and knowledge so I decided to apply for it and I was delighted when I successfully secured the position - the MA will provide me with around 2 years' work experience with the opportunity to get an industry recognised qualification (SVQ)."

"The council is in the process of upgrading its website, so since I've started my MA, I've been learning how to use the web content management system software (GOSS) so content can be moved from our existing website to the new one.  I've also been getting experience updating the content, building online forms and working with images and video for the website." 

"I am so pleased to have secured an MA and for all the employment initiatives that are available within the council, as these have really helped me to kick-start my career and provided me with the springboard to take the next steps.  I'm looking forward to continuing to develop my knowledge and skills in an area that I'm passionate about."

Work, Earn and Learn 

If you live within the Glasgow City Council boundary, and you have a young adult in your family who is unsure about what career path they want to pursue, an MA could be the right choice for them - do they want the opportunity to earn while they learn?  If so, they can speak to the Careers Officers or the Developing Young Workforce Officers in their school to find out about the MA training programme or get guidance about what options are available to them.

Anyone considering an MA should create an account with Guarantee@glasgow.gov.uk and this will give them access to MA opportunities right across Glasgow, including those within the council.

1 February - The awards keep coming!

Congratulations to CPU who won Best Procurement Delivery Award for the introduction of the Education Counselling Framework at the GO Excellence in Public Procurement Awards 2022 - held in the Crowne Plaza Glasgow on 27 October.  Since 2002, the GO Awards have recognised the achievements of procurement teams from organisations in the public, private and third sector.

The Award recognises the efforts of CPU who, along with stakeholders from Education Services, Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership were tasked with developing the Sourcing Strategy to deliver the Education Counselling Framework - which supports the Scottish Government's initiative for all Primary 6, Primary 7 and Secondary school students to be given the opportunity to have access to a counsellor and appropriate support services as well as being extended to provide support to families and key adults in a student's life."

The team were also finalists in the following award categories, Collaborative Procurement Initiative and Best Procurement Delivery.

Maureen Fitzpatrick, Head of Corporate Procurement said:"What a tremendous night, we were thrilled to be shortlisted for 3 awards - I am delighted the team received this well-deserved recognition and prestigious award."

"Achieving this Award is a team effort and it highlights our close working relationships as well as successful collaborative partnerships with not only Education Services but other key council teams such as Legal Services and Financial Services."

For more information

• Meet the CPU team and learn more about their work here
• Read case studies that demonstrate how the goods, services and works contracts awarded by the Corporate Procurement Unit benefit our citizens, communities and the city.

1 February - Support and guidance is available for Scottish hosts

Scotland is a safe place for people fleeing the war in Ukraine. The Scottish Government is looking for households to welcome people in Scotland.

Homes for Ukraine Scheme

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and the movement of displaced people across Europe, the UK Government launched the Homes for Ukraine Scheme on 14 March 2022 to assist Ukrainian nationals and their families to be sponsored to come to the UK, alongside a call for UK households to become hosts.

The Scottish Government launched the Super Sponsor Scheme, which is part of the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, and is designed to help displaced people from Ukraine apply for visas by removing the need for applicants to be matched to a host prior to being given permission travel to the UK.

At present, new applications naming the Scottish Government as the sponsor are paused but all existing visa holders can travel and be supported as planned. Now the Scottish Government are running a new campaign to recruit potential hosts specifically in Scotland.

Could you help?

• Scotland continues to stand with Ukraine and is offering a place of sanctuary to those who need it.
• If you are able to, you can help a person or family fleeing the war in Ukraine by providing accommodation for six to twelve months.
• You are able to claim optional 'thank you' payments ranging from £350-£500 for up to two years.
• The amount of payment is linked to the guest and the length of time they have been in the UK.
• Each experience of hosting someone from Ukraine is different. Help and support is available to you.

More information and to apply

If you think you can help and become a host - visit www.mygov.scot/offer-a-home to find out more information and to apply. It includes details on the checks that take place to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

1 February - We did it again : over 30,000 served a day!

For the second consecutive year, we have been awarded the 'Food for Life Served Here' Bronze award for our efforts in serving up fresh, local and sustainable school meals to pupils across our 130 primary schools and seven ASN schools.

The 'Food for Life Served Here' award is a nationally recognised mark of food quality for meals served up in schools accredited by Soil Association Scotland.

The Bronze level award certifies that Glasgow's school meals are free from trans fats, sweeteners and additives, and use free range eggs, higher welfare meat and ingredients from sustainable and ethical sources.

At least 75% of dishes served up to pupils across the city are freshly prepared from unprocessed and seasonal ingredients from local suppliers like McLays. The award also recognises Glasgow for providing pupils with the opportunity to participate in cooking and food growing activities. 

Stephen Sawers, Head of Catering Facilities Management was overjoyed at the renewal of the award. He said: "Every day our hard-working staff provide healthy and nutritious food and this award is further recognition of the standard of their work across School settings. Well done to everyone who is involved."

Funded by the Scottish Government, the Food for Life Scotland programme aims to make good food the easy choice for everyone, emphasising the power of public food to have a positive impact on health, the environment and the local economy. The programme supports local authorities across the country to serve up healthier meals which are better for the environment and benefit the local economy and wider community.

Glasgow's well-established partnership with Soil Association Scotland - through the Food for Life initiative - was recently recognised at the 2022 Scottish School Food Awards with the Healthy Living Innovation Award which celebrated their achievements in encouraging pupils to eat more healthily.

Sarah Duley, Head of Food, Soil Association Scotland, said "Congratulations to Glasgow City Council for achieving their Food for Life Served Here Award for a second year."

"Achieving and maintaining the award means every primary school in Scotland's biggest city is serving food that's good for pupils' health, good for the environment and good for the local economy. With 34,000 Food for Life meals being served daily in Glasgow, this is having a huge impact. We would like to thank catering teams across the city for the determination and care they put into their work every single day, particularly within the context of the cost-of-living crisis."   

Read more on our website here

1 February - Launch Delayed: Buying IT Equipment through My IT

Please note that the launch of buying IT equipment, which was due to start on 31 January as previously communicated in a Managers' Briefing, has been delayed.  This is due to a minor process issue which is currently being worked on. You can continue to place orders using the existing process until further notice.  Look out for a further update in the Staff News as to when the change to buying IT equipment through My IT will begin.

1 February - Watch our GB riders in action: live physical final in Glasgow this month

2023 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships return to Glasgow hosting a live, 'In real life' final for the first time.

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and Zwift along with partners EventScotland, Glasgow Life and the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, are delighted to announce that Glasgow will play host to athletes from British Cycling as they vie for the chance to win the UCI Cycling Esports World Champion's Jersey on Saturday 18 February at the 2023 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships 'In Real Life' (IRL) Final.

Kicking off from 4.30pm (doors open) with racing due to start from 6pm, audience members will have the chance to watch ten British Cycling athletes (5 men/ 5 women) take part in the 2023 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships, bridging the gap between the real-world physical efforts of the riders and the virtual race.

Ticket Prices:

Standard Ticket - £30.00

Concession Ticket (Age 14-16) - £25.00

Event Timings:

4.30pm - Doors Open

6.00pm - Racing Begins

9.30pm - Racing Expected to End

Location

The Engine Works 23-25 Lochburn Road Glasgow G20 9AE

Book your ticket at 2023 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships Physical Final Tickets, Sat 18 Feb 2023 at 16:30 | Eventbrite

More info at https://www.cyclingworldchamps.com/get-involved/2023-uci-cycling-esports-world-championships-physical-final/

1 February - New Xerox Printers : top tips to get started 

There are new Xerox Printers in the city centre campus - you may have already started using them.

These printers still have the same benefits as before such as staff being able to login and retrieve printing from any council device. However, in addition to this you can now use your council ID badge to login to the printer as well as your network login.

Read our getting started top tips guide for staff here.

1 February - Glasgow community projects secure funding

The council has accepted an award of over £3.2 million for 11 community projects across the city from the Scottish Government's Place Fund.

The Place Fund is a Scottish Government capital fund for local authorities to allocate - working collaboratively with local communities, businesses and the third sector - to develop projects that support shared local plans and aspirations under a variety of themes.

These themes include: 20-minute neighbourhoods; town centre regeneration; community-led regeneration and community wealth building; achieving net zero; food inclusion; and well-being and inclusive economic development.

The latest funding will support 11 projects in Glasgow, including The Braes Shopping Centre in Castlemilk, Bridgeton Library and the North West Community Pantry Allotment Development.

As Ewan Curtis, Group Manager, City Regeneration in NRS explains: "The Place Fund allocation is a crucial part of the regeneration of the city and allows both the council and third sector organisations to deliver small but meaningful interventions around the city - improving infrastructure and public realm, increasing access to affordable food, and contributing to greenspace and sustainability. The projects it supports make a direct difference to people's lives and communities."

For a list of all projects included click here.

January

12 January - I actually didn't need to be a chatterbox

If you live or work in the North East, North West or South of the city would you consider giving up an hour of your week to help mentor a young person? MCR Pathways are looking for more volunteers in these areas, particularly the North East where demand is high, to join their programme and give a young person a little extra support.

Paul O' Grady, Architect at Neighbourhood Regeneration Services has been mentoring for four years and would encourage anyone considering it to get involved "Initially I wasn't sure I could be a mentor. I thought it would help to be really chatty, which I'm not - so I thought that might be awkward. It turns out, it wasn't at all. The matching system works really well and means you're paired with a young person you can support and get on with. Whether it's the same hobbies or career interests, you connect quickly.

"I've been a mentor to three different young people now, and it's been a rewarding experience each time. It isn't about tutoring them academically.  It's much more about just listening, and sharing life experiences.

"I choose to keep coming back because it's great to see these young people get where they want to go. I genuinely feel that I get something out of it too. It gives me real satisfaction.

"There's great initial support, and there's a school coordinator always available to check in or to give you ideas. I've learned a lot from these young people, and you will too. You just need to try it and see that you can overcome any worries you might have. It's easy not to do it, but keeping going really gives you a good sense of fulfilment."

Find out more...

If you would like to find out more about becoming a mentor, MCR Pathways are running 30 minute information sessions to tell you everything you need to know before signing up. The sessions take place on:

• Thursday 19 January, 4.30-5pm (Mitchell Library) - Check in at Anderston Library Door
• Monday 23 January, 9.30-10am (City Chambers East, 40 John St) - Check in at reception
• Wednesday 08 February, 12.30-1pm (City Chambers East, 40 John St) - Check in at reception
• Monday 27 February, 4-4.30pm (City Chambers East, 40 John St) - Check in at reception

To book your place in one of these sessions email laura.mckechnie@mcrpathways.org at least two days in advance.

We need you...

12 January - Wow! Nearly once round the world: council step count challenge

Our Glasgow City Council Step Count Challenge has come to an end, and we would like to thank all of our participants and congratulate everyone who took part!

We hope all our participants have enjoyed keeping active and staying connected over the last 6 weeks - and that everyone has enjoyed hearing our updates on the challenge.

Our 33 teams who took part have recorded an amazing 59,418,345 steps overall. That is 24,758 miles, which is about as long as the circumference of the Earth!  Overall, participants have help to save an estimated 1,204kg carbon!

Challenge Winners

We are very excited to share our Team Winners of the challenge!

First Place:

Congratulations to team Wrong Direction who won first place, coming in at the top of the leader board with an incredible 3,876,774 steps. The team have won a £100 Glasgow Loves voucher to enjoy.

Second Place:

Congratulations to team Technical Trekkers who were leading the way throughout the challenge and have won second place with an incredible 3,822,758 steps. The team have won £75 Glasgow Loves Voucher to enjoy.

Third Place:

Congratulations to team Gary and the Pacemakers who put amazing efforts in, coming third place with an incredible 3,509,337 steps. The team have won £50 Glasgow Loves Voucher to enjoy