News In Brief - Monday 23 March 2026

Thank you once again for tuning in to News in Brief with important updates and news highlights of all that is happening over the coming week.

Monday 23 March: Mandatory training and development

There is one week left to have your personal development Our Time to Talk conversations and complete your mandatory training modules. Read a list of all mandatory modules requiring completion by 31 March. Tips on OTT conversations also on Latest News.

Also on Monday: Sessions on changes to mental health support

Trindlemoss Day Opportunities are holding upcoming information sessions on mental health support available since the closure of Woodland View Ward 7A. The first session will take place today from 10.30am until noon – this is for people with learning disabilities and their supporters. Then family, carers and other organisations are invited to an afternoon drop-in session from 3pm until 6pm.

Wednesday 25 March: Full Council meeting

The March Full Council meeting will get under way at 2pm on Wednesday. You can read the agenda for the meeting online. Due to the pre-election period, the meeting will not be broadcast live.

Also on Wednesday: UNISON AGM for all council staff

This March, colleagues can take part in the UNISON North Ayrshire Branch Annual General Meeting (AGM) in three different ways and the first session for Education was held last week. On Wednesday 25 March, an online MS Teams session will be held from 1pm until 1.30pm. Then, on Thursday 26 March, colleagues can attend the last council-wide AGM at Fullarton Connexions (5.30pm until 6.30pm). The in-person meeting will have guest speakers and soup, sandwiches, baked goods and refreshments available. Registration is required – book here for all of the above sessions.

Also on Wednesday: Mental Health Carers Forum event

A Mental Health Services Carers Forum event will be held on Wednesday (5.30pm until 7.30pm) at The Glade (1st Floor), Woodland View Hospital, Irvine. The drop-in for carers will have information from Carers Gateway North Ayrshire and NAHSCP around carers' rights and Adult Carer Support Plans. Refreshments will be provided, and there’s no need to book. The team respectfully request that organisations do not attend unless they have been invited to present information.

Thursday 26 March: Spring Recruitment Event

DWP and North Ayrshire Council’s Employability team – Your Next Move, Working North Ayrshire are hosting a Spring Recruitment Event on Thursday from 1pm until 3pm at Ardrossan Civic Centre. The event will offer attendees looking for work or thinking about progressing in their career the chance to discover local businesses and organisations. A list of partners are in the Spring Recruitment Event news release.

Also on Thursday: Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Awards

The annual awards ceremony will take place at St Matthew’s Academy Auditorium on Thursday evening as a special celebration of young people’s Duke of Edinburgh Award achievements. Look out for the bronze, silver and gold awardees on social media later this week.

This week’s café menu

Head over to the Café on 4 at Cunninghame House for delicious treats this week and tasty specials – read this week’s menu and specials here.

Support Sharan at Café on 4

Sharan Sibley from the Cunninghame House café will soon be striding forward to take part in The Glasgow Kiltwalk challenge in memory of her late daughter Debbie. She’s almost reached the £700 mark of her £1,000 fundraising goal. If you can make a donation, no matter how small – please head on over to Sharan’s JustGiving page to pledge your support. Read her fundraising article to find out more…

Get Re-Connected at Eglinton Country Park and Community Gardens

Volunteering provides the perfect opportunity to meet-up and re-connect outdoors. Check out the Get Re-Connected news article for upcoming volunteering opportunities with North Ayrshire Ranger Service at Eglinton Country Park and Community Gardens. From gardening to tackling invasive species, these are the perfect moments to connect with your team outdoors. Spaces are limited, book now! On completion the session will be recorded on CHRIS as part of our overarching employee volunteering programme which allows for up to two days a year per employee.

Sign up for Spring perks!

Discover exclusive savings on the Employee Perks website! Whether you're hunting for holiday deals, supermarket savings, shopping discounts, or fun days out, there’s something for everyone. To log in or sign up to Employee Perks and access these fantastic discounts, visit the Staff Benefits webpage.

That’s all 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!