News In Brief - Monday 24 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 24 August: Applications open now for buying additional annual leave
From today, non-teaching employees can head on over to the Buying Annual Leave latest news article to find out how to purchase additional annual leave for the year ahead. Applications close on Friday 9 October at 5pm. You must inform your line manager before making an application.
Wednesday 26 August: Last chance to have say on 20mph roads limit
Our Roads team’s public consultation to gather feedback on the recent implementation of the National 20mph speed limit concludes this week. You have until 26 August to have you say here.
Thursday 27 August: Steel signing Ardrossan Campus
Construction of the new Ardrossan Community Campus reaches a major milestone as pupils, politicians and esteemed guests take part in the official steel signing ceremony on Thursday. Provost Anthea Dickson is the special guest and will pen her signature on one of the last pieces of steel to be erected at the site. Pupils from Ardrossan Academy, Winton Primary School, the other cluster primary schools, will also sign the steel and the Council Leader, a range of partners, including construction contractors Morgan Sindall, who all had a part in the planning and bringing the plans for the campus to fruition will be in attendance too.
Also on Thursday: Migration to new Employee Account begins
Currently, services can submit a range of HR and Payroll requests through the Employee Account, including Special Leave, Contract Amendment and Contract Termination forms. HR are pleased to announce that we will shortly be launching a new and improved Employee Account platform. To allow for the migration to the new system, the current Employee Account will close at 5pm on Thursday 27 August 2026. Find out everything you need to know in the Employee Account news update.
Friday 28 August: Deadline to sign up for offering work experience placements
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.
Saturday 29 August: Book the NASA Christmas bash!
North Ayrshire Staff Association (NASA) have shared an exciting update over on Latest News and tickets can be secured this Saturday for the annual NASA Christmas bash. The famous party takes place on Saturday 19 December at the Volunteer Rooms, Irvine, and tickets are only £15 (members only). The event will include a top DJ, quality hot and cold buffet, NASA Club bar prices and a few extras on the night! Book your tickets on Saturday between 9am and 11am by phone or text via 07845580433. Limited spaces!
Sign up for absence management sessions
Managers are invited to the latest round of absence management training sessions, taking place from September. See the schedule and course module overview via the Absence Management latest news article.
Two weeks left for PB applications
If you know a local community group or are part of one that could do with a boost, encourage them to submit their PB applications now with a total sum of £82,157 funding up for grabs including a contribution from the Pride of Place Fund.
MCR Pathways information sessions on horizon
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. Online staff information sessions are planned via Microsoft Teams next week on Tuesday 1, Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 September – find out everything you need to know about becoming a mentor for a young person and how to sign up for the Teams sessions in the MCR latest news article.
Childhood vaccinations underway
North Ayrshire parents and carers are being asked to keep an eye out for consent forms for this year’s vaccine. Forms should be completed and returned to schools no later than Friday 4 September. Further info in the NAHSCP vaccinations news update.
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.
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!
