News In Brief - Monday 28 September 2026

Thank you for tuning in to another instalment of News In Brief, giving you news and events from across our services, happening over the next seven days. Have a great week everyone!

Watch the latest video message from our Chief Executive

Head on over to the video on Take Two to hear from Craig’s update on the Scottish Government’s initial proposals to replace the existing 32 councils with a new two-tier system of regional authorities and local community authorities. Further info in the Scottish Government: proposals for public sector reform news update.

Challenge Poverty Week 2026

Colleagues are – once again – proudly backing Challenge Poverty Week next month to help anyone who is living in crisis. The week-long drive (5 to 11 October) shines a light on poverty and what we can do to help make life better for people in our communities – and staff - who are struggling to make ends meet. This year, a staff-only event is taking place at The Volunteer Rooms in Irvine, and you can read more here on Staff News.

Monday 28 September: Scotland’s Climate Week also begins

Over the coming days, our Sustainability team will be exploring how small changes can make a big difference to our environment, our communities, and our future. Whether you're passionate about sustainability or simply looking for a few practical ideas to try at home, there's something for everyone. Get the run-through of drop-in and online events happening here.

Also on Monday: Bake Sale to raise funds for MacMillian

Colleagues in our Finance team are raising money for Macmillan Cancer Research. Head up to the large meeting room on 2nd Floor West, Cunninghame House from 10.30 until 11.30 to grab a cake or two!

Tuesday 29 September: Cabinet Meeting

The next meeting of Cabinet gets under way from 2.30pm on Tuesday. You can view the agenda for the meeting on our website. Follow the proceedings live online via the webcast.

Wednesday 30 September: Free financial health checks

Colleagues are reminded that financial health checks are being provided by RBS this week at Cunninghame House. Find out the available slots left in the Financial Health Checks Latest News article.

Thursday 1 October: Parking changes at ASDA Irvine take effect

The new three-hour stay time limit will take effect from this Thursday as the carpark adjacent to Asda and the Rivergate Shopping Centre introduces new parking limitations. Despite the limit being introduced, colleagues wishing to use the car park can still do so for free, as long as they do not exceed the time limit. Those wishing to park for a length of time beyond three hours are being asked to use the Rivergate's multi-storey facility as a ticket can be purchased here. Alternatively many colleagues may consider using the long stay car park next to the Maritime Museum – free, and only a five minute walk from the office.

Also on Thursday: Restart A Heart online training

The live stream event will take place throughout the day on Thursday 1 October and is hosted by the Resuscitation Council UK alongside partners. Aimed at schools and employers – but open to all, the goal this year is to help train 1 million people between now and 2027. With your support, we can help to build a movement where anyone, anywhere, can feel ready to save a life. Go to the Restart A Heart website to register to watch the livestream training session.

Important update on Sundry Payments process

A new Integra Sundry Request eForm will go live on Monday 5 October 2026. Managers and Staff who raise sundry requests should read the Sundry Payments Latest News article for full details of the change, key dates and action required. All staff who raise sundry requests must familiarise themselves with the new eForm and begin using it from Monday 5 October 2026. Managers are asked to ensure their teams are aware of the change and that any local guidance, bookmarks, templates or process documents are updated before Monday 12 October 2026.

Spaces available on upcoming Adult Support and Protection training

Colleagues can book now for the following training opportunities with spaces still available:

• Tuesday 29 September Commercial Sexual Exploitation (Training Suite, 4th Floor West, Cunninghame House, Irvine) 9.30am to 12.30pm
• Wednesday 30 September Hoarding Disorder Awareness (Training Suite, 4th Floor West, Cunninghame House, Irvine) 9.30am to 12.30pm
• Wednesday 16 December Understanding Domestic Abuse (Training Suite, 4th Floor West, Cunninghame House, Irvine) 9.30am to 4.30pm

To reserve a place, please contact ASPTraining@north-ayrshire.gov.uk

Time running out to buy Additional Annual Leave

Don’t forget applications to buy additional annual leave for the calendar year 2027 must be submitted to your line manager before 5pm on Friday 9 October 2026. For more information on the scheme and guidance for managers, please see the Buying Annual Leave HR Guide. If you are interested in purchasing additional annual leave, you must talk to your manager before submitting your application at Buying Additional Annual Leave application.

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!