News In Brief - Monday 17 August 2026
Thanks everyone 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.
Monday 17 August: Participatory Budgeting applications go live
PB is back! If you know someone who runs a local community group or you’re part of one that could do with a boost, our Community Planning Partnership is delighted to announce that Participatory Budgeting is back! Applications open today, Monday 17 August and there’s £82,157 funding up for grabs including a contribution from the UK Government’s Pride of Place Fund. Read all about it in the PB Latest News article.
Tuesday 18 August: Financial health checks are back!
A senior personal banker from The Royal Bank of Scotland will be visiting Cunninghame House to offer colleagues a free financial health check on 18 and 19 August. The advisor will also be available this week from the Irvine RBS branch if the dates for HQ don’t work for you. Find out everything you need to know in the financial health checks news article.
Thursday 20 August: Schools return for new academic year
North Ayrshire Schools return this week and pupils will begin on Thursday. If you want to keep organised and plan ahead, see the school term dates webpage. Look out and help us to spread the word on social media too as we’ll be sharing information about free school meals for primary pupils and signing up for cashless school payments.
Marymass celebrations this week
Don’t miss out on the fun of Marymass, with all kinds of events and activities for all the family running right through until August 26, including the major celebrations this Saturday with crowning of the Queen and parade through Irvine.
Annual Review under way for Data Protection Impact Assessments
If you are a Service Lead, Project Lead or the named officer responsible for a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA), you should expect to receive an email requesting that you review your DPIA and advise the Information Governance team of any changes to the associated processing activities. Find out everything you need to know in the latest Information Governance team news update.
Become a short break carer
Could you be a Short Break Carer for children and young people in North Ayrshire who require supportive and caring adults to provide essential support via weekend or midweek short breaks? Read the Families for Children team’s news update for more information and how to get started…
Work smarter with CoPilot chat
Did you know that every employee has access to Microsoft Copilot Chat? Whether you are completely new to AI or already using Copilot regularly, now is the perfect time to explore how it can help you save time, reduce repetitive tasks, generate ideas, and make everyday work a little easier. Over the coming weeks Copilot Chat will be relaunched across the council with a range of new resources, guidance, and learning opportunities designed to help everyone get the most from this powerful tool. Find out what you need to know about CoPilot Chat on Connects.
Become an MCR mentor ahead of new school term
Could you dedicate just one hour a week to support a care experienced young person in North Ayrshire? If so, MCR Pathways want to hear from you. Volunteering just one hour a week can spark a life-changing connection and mentors are in demand as we approach the new academic year. Online staff information sessions are planned via Microsoft Teams as follows – sign up to find out more or check out the become a mentor webpage.
- Tuesday 1 September – Book now: MCR Pathways Information Session morning 10:30am
- Wednesday 2 September – Book now: MCR Pathways Information Session afternoon 2:30pm
- Thursday 3 September – Book now: MCR Pathways Information Session afternoon 12:30pm
Head on over to the Café on 4
Another week, another delicious menu to be tempted with from the Café on 4 – head on up to the 4th floor this week to enjoy the choice of breakfast, lunch and treat items. Remember if you bring your own cup, you can also get a hot beverage discount! Get the latest menu here.
Can you offer work experience?
Sign your service up for offering a work experience placement The deadline to help support a young person via work experience is fast approaching. Read the Employability team’s news update to find out about the benefits of offering a work experience placement to a young person in North Ayrshire.
Upcoming neurodiversity support sessions
NEST, Ayrshire's Neurodevelopmental Empowerment & Strategy Team are holding a host of sessions in September to support parents, carers and the neurodiverse community. A small NHS Ayrshire & Arran team, supported by the three Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnerships, the Ayrshire team provide in-person workshops throughout the year. See the full schedule in the NEST news article.
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!
