News in Brief – Monday 15 December 2025

Dear Colleague,

Thank you for tuning in to News in Brief with important updates and news highlights of all that is happening right across the Council.

Christmas message from the Chief Executive

Craig has shared his Christmas message to all staff on Take Two. Watch the Chief Executive Christmas Update 2025 as Craig shares his well wishes ahead of the festive season and thanks staff for their hard work in supporting communities this winter.

Monday 15 December: Launch of new Staff News website

Following engagement sessions with staff earlier this year, we have developed a new and improved Staff News website – please save and add to your bookmarks to keep up to date with news from right across the Council. Thank you to IT Services who have helped us on our journey to build the new website and make it more accessible. The website also coincides with the launch of Spotlight – a quarterly staff briefing which brings to life the work our staff undertake to deliver the priorities of the Council Plan.

Wednesday 17 December: Full Council

The final Full Council meeting of 2025 will get under way at 2pm. You can read out the agenda for the meeting which will also be broadcast live on our webcast.

Also on Wednesday: Music Service Winter Concert

The annual orchestral extravaganza at Dalry Primary School will take place on Wednesday evening from 7pm where the very best musical talent from across our primary and secondary schools will put on a music concert to remember and get everyone into the spirit of the season. Stay tuned to social media for a photo recap.

Friday 19 December: Deadline to have say on Budget

This Friday is the last day to ensure your voice is heard as part of the Council’s Budget engagement. The first survey is focused on schools and related services for young people while the second considers other Council services. The results will help inform elected members when they set the 2026-27 Budget early next year.

Be aware when sending emails

The Data Protection Team would like to bring your attention to the following security methods that should be applied when sending emails with content of an OFFICIAL or OFFICIAL PROTECT nature. Read the effective email security update now to ensure you exercise caution.

Be cautious when using fairy lights

Managers are asked to share the using fairly lights safely update their teams. Colleagues should exercise caution when using fairy lights in the workplace and ensure they are switched off and unplugged before going home each evening.

Parking at Cunninghame House

Fullarton ConneXions have contacted the Council to remind everyone that their private car park should NOT be used by Council staff to park their vehicles. Read the parking latest news article for alternative parking options if the Council car park is full. Please respect the wishes of Fullarton ConneXions staff and do not use their private car park.

Café on 4 festive closure

The staff café on the 4th floor east, Cunninghame House will be open from 8.30am until 2.30pm until Wednesday 24 December, where it will then close for Christmas from 2pm. No specials or main meals will be available, only breakfast rolls and bagels in the morning followed by soup, sandwiches, paninis, and baked goods in the afternoon. The café will reopen on Monday 5 January.

Last postal dates for mail room

The final date for sending any letters will require to be in Cunninghame House mail room for no later than 10.30am on Christmas Eve, Wednesday 24 December 2025. There will be no outgoing mail after this date until the office re-opens as normal, on Monday 5 January 2026.

Community food provision over Christmas

If you, your family or someone you know is struggling and in need of food support over Christmas, there is help at hand. Support is available across North Ayrshire from community larders and stores, emergency parcels and community food provision. Get opening times and locations via the Community Larder Google Map Locator and for more community food provision sources, including emergency food parcels, visit the Council’s Cost-Of-Living support webpage.

Green car scheme reminder

If you are thinking about buying a new car in the New Year, why lease a brand new electric or hybrid car through the Fleet Solutions Salary Sacrifice Car scheme. Find out everything you need to know in the Green Car Scheme news article.

Festive opening hours for council offices and contact centres

The below update has the key dates and times during the festive break. Many Council services can also be accessed online via the Council website.

Customer Services:

• Closed from 3pm on Wednesday 24 December
• Open 9am to 4.45pm on Monday 29 December and Tuesday 30 December
• Open 9am to 12.30pm on Wednesday 31 December
• Closed over New Year and will reopen as normal on Monday 5 January.
• While we are closed, emergency calls (repairs, faults etc) will be handled by our out-of-hours service via 01294 310 000.

Health and Social Care: For emergency enquiries or if you are concerned about the welfare of an adult or child, please call the Ayrshire Out-of-Hours Service on 0800 328 7758.

NHS Winter Health Hub

Information on how to access health and care services (including pharmacy opening times) in Ayrshire and Arran this winter can be found on the NHS Ayrshire and Arran Winter Health Hub.

Recruitment over the festive period

Any recruitment advert requests received after 12 noon on Monday 15 December will be advertised in the New Year. If the post is exempt from the Vacancy Scrutiny panel, the vacancy will be advertised by Friday 9 January (or within 5 days of submitting - whichever is greater). Posts which require consideration by the Vacancy Scrutiny Panel will be advertised following the next panel on Wednesday 14 January 2026. Please note the Talentlink system will continue to be available for progressing your recruitment throughout the festive period.

That’s a wrap for 2025

We’ll be back in the New Year! Thanks for reading and sharing your news everyone. Enjoy a well-deserved break over the festive period! If you have news to share for 2026, email the team using the button below.