News in Brief – Monday 16 February 2026
Thank you for tuning in to News in Brief for important updates and highlights of all that is happening over the coming week.
Appointment offer reminder: Scottish Parliament Election
All appointment offer emails for staff working at the Scottish Parliament Election May 2026 have now been issued. Please ensure you submit your response by Friday 20 February. The Elections team kindly ask all staff to check their spam/junk folders in case the email has been filtered there.
Tuesday 17 February: Cabinet meeting
The February meeting of Cabinet gets under way at 2.30pm. You can view the agenda on the Council’s website and remember you can also view proceedings live online via the webcast.
Also on Tuesday: Travel Smart information stall
The Travel Smart team will be back with their latest information drop-in stall in Cunninghame House at the Large Meeting Room 2nd Floor East. Held between 11.30am and 1pm, drop-in to grab walking and cycling maps, get freebies, learn about e-bike loans and the Cycle to Work Scheme and get a personalised travel plan.
Wednesday 18 February: Menopause webinar for managers
‘Menopause in the Workplace – Managers’ Guidance’ will be delivered on Microsoft Teams by PAM Wellness on Wednesday 18 February from 10.30am to 12pm. This session is recommended for all managers, regardless of gender, and places can be booked online. If you have any queries relating to menopause in the workplace, please contact HROperationsTeam@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
Also on Wednesday: How to Become a Councillor workshop
The Council is holding a workshop on Wednesday evening in the Council Chambers to encourage people to get more involved in local democracy. Whether you’re up for making a change in your local community or you want to put yourself forward to be a councillor, come along and find out how to get involved. The event begins at 6pm, full details and booking via the Become a Councillor news article.
Sunday 22 February: Temporary suspension of EV parking
To facilitate the installation of a new Fleet Electric Vehicle charge point and drain cleaning works at Cunninghame House, a section of parking in front of Marress House will be coned off from Sunday 22 February until Wednesday 4 March. EV points nearby will also be affected. Full update in the Cunninghame House parking restrictions update with locator map.
Alcohol and Drugs Partnership Engagement sessions
North Ayrshire Alcohol and Drugs Partnership is holding engagement sessions this week, where people can come along and have their say on local alcohol and drug services. The sessions will be held at the Recovery Hub, Unit 12, Rivergate Shopping Centre in Irvine (next to Freckletons), and will be held on Wednesday 18 February and Friday 20 February from 10am to 3pm. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Changes to speed limit
As many colleagues will already be aware, the speed limit on hundreds of roads across North Ayrshire has started to change to 20mph. This is part of a national drive by the Scottish Government to reduce speed limits on certain roads. Read more about the 20mph limits on Staff News.
Could you spare one hour a week to mentor a young person?
National mentoring charity MCR Pathways are currently searching for volunteer mentors across North Ayrshire secondary schools. This is your chance to support a young person and fulfil your statutory duties as a corporate parent, so check out the MCR Pathways recruitment news article (includes details of upcoming information sessions) to find out more and take the leap to help shape the future of a young person in North Ayrshire.
Our Time to Talk: Important reminder for managers!
Schedule in your Our Time to Talk conversations now as the end of March deadline is fast approaching. Read the OTTT news update on how these important conversations allow your team members to share their valuable contributions. In addition, colleagues should be reminded to complete their mandatory training modules before end of March deadline.
Reset your mind with Nordic Walking
Why not DrEAM (Drop Everything and Move) and come try a lunchtime Nordic Walking Session? Wednesday sessions start at 12 noon and will last approximately 45 minutes as follows:
- Wednesday 18 February - This walk will visit The Powder House via Low Green Bridge
- Wednesday 25 February - This walk will visit Irvine Beach Park
With poles provided all you need to do is bring yourself and a colleague! This is a brilliant opportunity to reduce stress, increase energy and improve posture, mobility and overall fitness. Sign up via the Nordic Walking Register.
Last few spaces! Staff training and information sessions
A few spaces remain for several training sessions next week including on Fuel Poverty and Energy Efficiency courses delivered by Energy Action Scotland and Rehabilitation of Offenders and Conviction Disclosure Training at Lochshore Hub on Wednesday 25 February. Find out more and sign up via the staff training round-up on Latest News.
Share your views on proposed changes to social care
North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership recently ran a six-week consultation to gather the thoughts of residents, community groups, staff, and partner organisations on their priorities around how NAHSCP delivers social care services within budget. Find out more in the budget survey news article. As a follow-up to our previous consultation, we are now inviting staff, residents and partners to take part in a short survey, where you can share your views on a number of proposed changes to social care services. You can take part in the survey online until Wednesday 25 February.
That’s all for now. If you have any updates you would like the team to share, please click the button below to email the Communications team. Your updates will be required by midday on Friday this week. Email: communications@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
