News In Brief - Monday 14 September 2026
Thank you for tuning in to another instalment of News in Brief with important updates and news highlights of all that is happening over the coming week.
This week is Recycle Week
Monday 14 September marks the start of Recycle Week 2026. This year’s theme is Rescue Me, Recycle – make sure to keep an eye out on our Facebook page where we’ll be sharing top recycling tips throughout the week. Remember to put the Right Stuff Right Bin. Check what you can recycle on our recycling webpage or in the what goes in each bin video.
Also on Monday: National Emergency Services & Resilience Week
This week highlights the work of emergency responders and resilience partners, such as North Ayrshire Council across the UK, while also raising awareness of the work we can do to keep our communities safe. Find out more in our Staff News article on Resilience Week.
Tuesday 15 September: Getting more from Co-Pilot training
The second session of the three-part ongoing Co-Pilot training takes place this Tuesday from 3pm. It will focus on Co-Pilot chat and how to create well-formed prompts and safely include work data. Register for the Co-Pilot Teams session here. If you missed the previous Introduction to AI training, the session will repeat again on 28 September so stay tuned for updates. For more support visit the new Copilot Chat support section on Connects.
Wednesday 16 September: Full Council meeting
The September Full Council meeting will get under way at 2pm on Wednesday. You can read the agenda for the meeting online and watch the live proceedings via the webcast, thereafter the proceedings will be followed by a Special Meeting of Council on the Review of the Scheme of Establishment for Community Councils also available on the webcast here.
Thursday 17 September: Official opening Sea Monster Playpark
At the official opening of Sea Monster Park in Irvine’s Harbourside, Tom Arthur MSP, Minister for Business and Fair Work, will cut the ribbon and will be joined by young people from Glebe Primary, Provost Anthea Dickson, the Council Leader, community representatives and other guests including the Greenwood Academy pupil who named the playpark. The project is a key part of the Great Harbour plans for Irvine’s Harbourside area.
Important reminder! Check-in process Cunninghame House
Colleagues are reminded that a new check-in system has been implemented at Cunninghame House. This applies to all visitors, including members of the public and external partners. Read the check-in guidance and everything you need to know on Latest News. Please note that failure to follow the agreed process may result in visitors arriving late for, or potentially missing, their scheduled appointments.
Limited free gym memberships available for care experienced young people
Our Corporate Parenting team have managed to secure a limited number of 12-month free KA:Leisure gym memberships for care experienced young people, funded by the Scottish Government's Summer of Sport. Apply now via the Latest News article before the end of October deadline.
Head on over to the Café on 4
Another week, another delicious menu from the Café on 4 – head on up to the 4th floor this week to enjoy the choice of breakfast, lunch and treat items.
Cut costs and carbon with Warp It
With Recycling Week underway, this week is the perfect opportunity to consider using the Council’s furniture reuse portal. Be a part of the movement that has resulted in us reusing 2,465 items, saving 78.6 tonnes of carbon dioxide, avoiding more than 31.1k tonnes of waste.
Celebrating focus, passion and inspiration
Colleagues have been celebrated as part of 10 years of Woodland View – North Ayrshire’s dedicated integrated mental health facility at Ayrshire Central Hospital. Get the full story of those championed in the Health and Social Care news update.
Watch our latest Priority Council Plan video
11,500 residents have benefited alongside the staple programmes of Safer Shores, Youth Work, North Ayrshire Active Schools, Libraries and Arts and Culture sessions usually delivered during the summer period. Watch our recap video of the summer highlights and thank you to everyone involved for making a summer to remember!
Buying Additional Annual Leave
Don’t forget applications to buy additional annual leave for the calendar year 2027 must be submitted to your line manager before 5pm on Friday 9 October 2026. For more information on the scheme and guidance for managers, please see the Buying Annual Leave HR Guide. If you are interested in purchasing additional annual leave, you must talk to your manager before submitting your application at Buying Additional Annual Leave application.
That’s all for now! If you have news to share in News In Brief next week, share your story with us by midday on Friday by using the contact us button below. Have a great week everyone!
