News in Brief – Monday 8 December 2025
Dear Colleague,
Thank you for tuning in to News in Brief with important updates and news highlights of all that is happening over the coming week.
Important update: Help reduce viral infections
Staff across the Council are being asked to ensure they take utmost care to help prevent the spread of viral infections this winter. A sharp rise in viral respiratory infections, including flu, is placing significant pressure on hospitals and last week NHS Ayrshire & Arran suspended routine visiting across all hospitals. We all have a role to play in reducing transmissions. Please follow NHS advice.
Monday 8 December: Deadline to apply for annual leave
All annual leave must be booked on Kelio by Monday 8 December, please ensure that you submit your request today. Any 2025 leave not booked on Kelio will carry over to 2026 but will need to be used up before the end of January 2026.
Wednesday 10 December: Gift Giving tree deadline
More than 600 children received gifts that were donated last year via our Gift Giving Tree alongside a range of local community organisations and this will be the 8th year the project has been running. Located in our Cunninghame House reception area, you will find a range of gift tags on the tree this year representing a child in our local community who may not otherwise receive a gift this Christmas. If you wish to get involved, please take a tag and ensure to donate your tailored, wrapped gift by close of business on Wednesday. The Child Poverty Strategy Team will then take these gifts to the organisations coordinating the giving project for these to be delivered to children and young people before Christmas Day. If you require any further details, please email: donnamartin@north-ayrshire.gov.uk.
Budget engagement – time running out to take part
There are less than two weeks left to ensure your voice is heard as part of our Budget engagement. Please take a few moments to fill out our Budget engagement surveys before the 19 December deadline. The first survey is focused on schools and related services for young people while the second considers other council services. The results will help inform elected members when they set the 2026-27 Budget early next year.
Festive fundraising for Cash for Kids
North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson is encouraging colleagues to get involved in this year’s Cash for Kids fundraising Christmas campaign. Read the Cash for Kids news article for full details on how to get involved.
Double win at APSE awards
A huge well done to colleagues on their fantastic success at this year’s APSE awards in Blackpool. As well as being named winner of Best Performer in the Roads, Highways and Winter Maintenance, we were also celebrating after winning Most Improved in Refuse Collection category. As well as the two awards, our staff were also finalists in three other categories. The APSE Awards event underlined some sector-leading work being carried out across a range of services and teams.
PMI and Education colleagues are delighted with awards win
In addition, we picked up three prizes at the recent Learning Places Scotland Awards, which celebrate excellence and achievement in the education sector across Scotland. Congratulations to everyone involved. Two projects in Irvine were successful: Marress House and Montgomerie Park Primary School. Read more about the success on the Staff News website.
Latest accessibility guidance from the web team
With digital accessibility, it is often assumed only those with disabilities benefit. But accessibility is for everyone, making it possible for users to access the same information online. As a Disability Confident Employer, we have a diverse workforce as well as a diverse community in North Ayrshire. This is why we strive to include, not exclude. So read the latest accessibility guidance to ensure that you are putting accessibility at the forefront of the documents and webpages you create.
Works will begin soon on ground floor reception
Construction work to create the new customer service centre will now get under way early in the new year. Disruption and additional noise to the entrance area is to be expected and you can find out more on the office rationalisation update on Latest News.
Access digital learning all in one place
Did you know that our IT team has created a one-stop-shop for digital learning resources and opportunities? It is located on the desktop of your computer under the Digital Learning Hub icon. With everything from learning about Microsoft 365 to problem-solving and finding peer support, IT have got you covered. So, whether you’re new to the Council and need to upskill or have been here a while and need a refresher on the digital aspects of your role, IT have the support on hand to keep you digitally confident! Click the icon on your desktop or head over to the IT Digital Learning Hub on Connects to access the training and support now
Share your views on health and social care budget
North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (NAHSCP) has launched a six-week consultation to gather views of staff, professionals and members of our communities on their budget priorities. Share your views via the online staff survey. Further details in the NAHSCP budget news article.
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. Remember to stay tuned to the Staff News website to keep up to date with news from right across the council.
