7 August is national day for play!
Keeping you informed
June 2013
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Keeping you informed
Welcome Welcome to the June edition of ewords. This edition contains essential information on key projects being delivered throughout the Council, including the new Vibrant Communities service, and lots of ideas for fun days out during the summer. ewords is your magazine – get in touch if you or your colleagues have any good news to share! Please do not print this magazine.
Disclaimer… East Ayrshire Council makes no claims about the suitability of the information contained via links or connectivity to third party websites contained within this publication. We do not accept responsibility for any loss which may arise from reliance on such information nor do we guarantee that these links will always be available.
June 2013
Contents Violence At Work Initiative Launches The future is…vibrant Happy half century! Household waste only at local recycling centres Cathy elected as President! Excellence Awards Ceremony 2013 Great Scot! Wig Wednesday Award success East Ayrshire Celebrates 5 Years of Mend Health and Safety news The Buzz Happy retirement John Bryson What’s On… Dick Institute Dean Castle Country Park Making a splash for charity! Certificate success
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Violence At Work Initiative Launches East Ayrshire Council employees have experienced a sharp increase in the number incidences of violence and aggression from customers in recent years, peaking at almost 180 reports in one single month. Violence and aggression has become the highest health and safety incidence report within the Council and in light of this, a new initiative has been launched. Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council said: “Violence at work is defined as any incident where an employee is abused, threatened or assaulted. Some of our employees are at greater risk due to the nature of their work
however; overall violence and aggression are reaching an inappropriate level. The Council is wholly committed to supporting employees who have been subjected to violence. “Violence towards our employees will not be tolerated and as part of this new approach any person abusing a Council employee, either verbally or physically, may be subject to legal action or will have the services delivered to them restricted.” The Council’s Health and Safety team will now establish focus groups which will identify and develop ways that help reduce violence and aggression towards employees.
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The future is…vibrant Taking a different approach to the challenge of changing times, the Council has launched Vibrant Communities a new service which is unique in Scotland. East Ayrshire’s pioneering initiative is already attracting attention from other local authorities, against the background of a drop in public sector funding and increased demand for services. The new approach to delivering community based services aims to empower local people and support neighbourhoods to manage local facilities and services. Strategic Manager Katie Kelly said: “Vibrant Communities works with, rather than for, communities. We aim to change a culture and unlock the knowledge, skills and experience of local people. Everyone has something to offer. We hope to harness the enthusiasm, talent and ‘can do’ spirit that exists across East Ayrshire.” Vibrant Communities will deliver a range of services to help develop sustainable communities. They will also provide prevention and early intervention services, with a focus on reducing inequalities. Hosted in the Department of Educational and Social Services, the unit will work with other Council services to ensure a consistent approach. Katie Kelly is Strategic Manager, with Angie Bennett as manager of Early Intervention and Prevention and Dot Grieve as Sustainable Communities manager. The new team includes more than 90 employees from Leisure Development, Community Learning and Development, Planning and Economic Development, Democratic Services, Social Work, Community Care and Active Schools. In terms of prevention and early intervention, Vibrant Communities builds on existing work in Lifestyle Development and Wellbeing, Support for Older People, Play, Activity and Early Intervention, Sport and Diversion and Active Schools. Vibrant communities get together for the Big Lunch national initiative in Mauchline
Vibrant Communities’ Tiny Teachers - The Roots of Empathy programme encourages children to develop nurturing skills by bringing babies into the classrooms over the course of one year.
Working to empower local people, the new service is looking at community organisation, volunteering, adult learning and the potential of the voluntary sector. The team will focus on building strong social networks and will provide a single point of contact through a ‘community enabler’ to help people to engage with Council and partner services. Communities will be encouraged to harness local skills, knowledge and talents and to make best use of the use of local facilities. The aim is to encourage independence and create more opportunities for local people. Vibrant Communities will support the transfer of Councilowned community assets to voluntary or community organisations through transfer of management responsibility, short or long term lease, or transfer of outright ownership. Building on the strong relationship with East Ayrshire Volunteer Centre, a campaign is also planned to attract more volunteers. For more information contact katie.kelly@eastayrshire.gov.uk
Keeping you informed
June 2013
Only household waste at local recycling centres
Cathy elected as President!
Cathy will hold this office for three years and in 2015 will lead the celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the association, which is the oldest professional association in the country.
Happy half century! Democratic Services joined together recently to celebrate a very special 50th birthday. James Duncan, from Admin, is a well kent face within Council HQ and friend to everyone. James enjoyed a bowling party at the Garage with his colleagues and was presented with some fantastic presents on his birthday.
The household waste recycling centres at Western Road and Skares near Garlaff are provided to allow local residents to dispose of household waste and recyclate. Commercial and trade waste is not accepted at either site, as commercial waste is dealt with separately and re-charged to the business. Businesses can purchase a commercial recycling permit for Western Road which allows a wide range of recycling opportunities. However, it has become clear that many businesses are attempting to dispose of waste for free with large amounts of trade waste being brought to the recycling centres in commercial type vehicles, pickups or vehicles with trailers attached. To ensure that only household waste is sent to the recycling centres the Council will shortly introduce an appointment system for these types of vehicles. Householders will need to make an appointment and provide ID - a driver’s licence or recent utility bill, to the site attendant with a signed household waste declaration form. Further information regarding Recycling Permits and the appointment system for commercial type vehicles will be available on the Council’s website. Should you require additional information please contact Waste Management Services on 01563 554033 or email waste@eastayrshire.gov.uk East Ayrshire Counc il: Western Road Recyc ling Centre
Commercial Recycli ng Permit 2013/1 4
Application Form and Waste
This permit will be
Description & Transf er Note
valid between 1 April
2013 until 31 March
2014
This application form, once accepted, will constitute a Waste of the Environmental Description & Transfe Protection Act 1990 r Note for the purpos Section 34 (Duty of es Care). 1 DETA
ILS OF BUSINESS
Name of Business Business Address Postcode Contact Name Telephone Numbe r Email Charity Number (if
applicable)
2 TYPE OF BUSIN ESS (please
detail the main activity
of the business)
3 WASTE DESCRIPTI ON (please tick the approp
riate boxes for the
STANDARD PERM IT Paper/cardboard Cans: steel/alumimiu m
All standard permit
Plastics: Containers, bottles, bags &
waste types you will
be using your permit
to deposit)
CONSTRUCTION AND GREEN WASTE PERMIT
Glass bottles & jars
items
Garden Waste film
Timber (including
Scrap metals Textiles
mixed wood)
Soil and rubble
Cooking oils Automotive batterie s
4 WASTE CARRIERS LICENCE
Businesses are require d to with the Scottish Environ either hold a valid Waste Carriers License mental Protection Agency or be registered as a Professional to enable them to transpo rt waste. Please provide Carrier and Transporter of Waste the relevant numbe Waste Carrier Registra r below: tion Number Expiry Date Professional Carrier and Transporter of Waste Numbe
Ê
Congratulations to Senior Registrar Cathy Dunlop who has been elected to the position of President of the Association of Registrars of Scotland.
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Keeping you informed
June 2013
‘Playful Places’ Wednesday 7 August Kay Park, Kilmarnock 11am – 3pm Bring your card and build 5 points Messy Zone, Free Play Zone, Commonwealth Zone, Adventure Zone, Creative Zone, Fun Zone All activities are FREE! Why not bring a picnic and enjoy a fun filled day!
CONTACT: Allison Young, Play and Recreation Officer on 01563 576703 Email: vibrantcommunities@east-ayrshire.gov.uk Activities take place no matter the weather so please bring appropriate clothing. Car parking available at Kilmarnock College and St Joseph’s Leisure Centre, Grassyards Road.
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Keeping you informed
Great Scot! Brave teenager Susannah McWhirter celebrated overcoming challenges in her life when she scooped an award at the starstudded Young Scot ceremony earlier this year, where Alesha Dixon, X-factor and TOWIE stars praised the ‘incredible’ young winners. Susannah thanked her school – Grange Academy – for the help and support teachers and fellow pupils had given her in beating the bullies and standing up for herself, and others, against homophobia.
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Excellence Awards Ceremony 2013 On Thursday 24 October 2013 the Council will be recognising the incredible work carried out every day by you, our employees. The Excellence Awards Ceremony – Recognising Success – will acknowledge employees or teams of employees who have demonstrated innovation or excellent customer service. There will be ten awards presented at the ceremony. Seven of the awards are nominated by employees - Delivering Results, Customer Focus, Engagement, Working Together, Continuous Improvement, Health and Safety and Young Achiever. The remaining three awards are the Provost’s Award, the Chief Executive’s Award and the Leader’s Award for Excellent Customer Service.
PROVOST’S AWARD English teacher Katie Bolton, Year Head Kenneth Reilly and Guidance teacher Lorraine Egerton have all provided incredible support to Susannah, helping her to gain much needed confidence. Our TreMENDous Graduates were also finalists on the night in the health category. The group, which was established to provide additional support for young people who had completed the MEND programme, encourages children and families to lead healthy, active lifestyles.
The Provost will select the winner of this Award from amongst employees or teams who have been nominated for or gained external recognition.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S AWARD This will be awarded by the Chief Executive to an individual or team who have impressed by their innovation in terms of improving and delivering services.
AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE Nominations for this award, which is chosen by the Leader, will be sought from members of the public and service users.
Practical, fun learning programmes encourage young people and their families to make life changing improvements to their diet, fitness and overall health.
Nomination forms will be available from the Head of Human Resources office and online through the Council’s intranet site or www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk and should be returned by Friday 16 August 2013 to: Employee Recognition Judging Panel, Human Resources, Council Headquarters, London Road, Kilmarnock, KA3 7BU.
Keeping you informed
East Ayrshire Celebrates 5 Years of Mend A celebration of five years of MEND took place at Shortlees Community Centre recently when past graduates, with their siblings, entertained invited guests with a drama performance and, of course, a very healthy lunch prepared by the graduates themselves. MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do it!) is a fun-filled programme for local families and children aged 2 - 4 focusing on fussy eating, portion sizes and active play; and for children aged between 5 - 13 who are above a healthy weight for their age and height to support them to become fitter, healthier and happier. The celebration highlighted key achievements and successes over the past five years for the programme, the participants and local volunteers. MEND Graduate volunteer Kelsey Caldow delivered an excellent presentation on the Re-MEND-er programme which was designed by Kelsey and MEND Graduate Amy Johnstone. Re-MEND-er is a refresher programme for graduates, siblings, parents and carers reminding them about the importance of a healthy balanced diet and an active lifestyle. MEND programme manager Lesley Fowler said: “I am so proud of what we have achieved in East Ayrshire through the delivery of the MEND programme. MEND goes way beyond the physiological improvements and that’s why we’re so committed to it in East Ayrshire. We have MEND graduates and parent/carers volunteering at activities across the local authority as well as weekly within the TreMENDous Graduates Club. For all of us, MEND is about so much more than tackling obesity – as important as that is; the programme is a brilliant example of asset based health and community development – that puts participants at the heart of the solution.” If you think you and your family would like to learn more about nutrition and how to stay active or your child is above a healthy weight and you would like to register your family for the next MEND programme please contact Lesley Fowler on 01563 576684 or alternatively email your enquiry to MEND@east-ayrshire.gov.uk
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Award success Onthank Tenants and Residents Association have been awarded the 2013 Frances Nelson MBE Award from the Tenants Information Service. Recognised for developing a garden care scheme in partnership with the CVO and local companies, the group was congratulated for the excellent impact the scheme has had on the local community and the involvement of modern apprentices in delivering garden care. Congratulations to Administration Officer, Caroline Harte and the association as a whole!
Wig Wednesday Louisa McEvoy from the Young People, Sport and Diversion Team organised Wig Wednesday recently, encouraging staff from Vibrant Communities to don a wig for charity. A hair-raising sum of £156.08 was collected for CLIC Sargent, a charity which raises much needed funds for children and young people who suffer from cancer. For further information check out CLIC Sargent’s website. www.clicsargent.org.uk/content /wig-wednesday
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June 2013
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Master Safety File
Get the ety y safety biit habit Good health and safe safety is about teamwork, ork, everyone part to playy.. e can all help lp to impr imp ove ndards in the d we want to workplace and hear yourr suggestions. t Pleasee submit your ‘Ideas for or Change’ at http://eacwamp01/ideas/contact deas/con
Health and Safety Myth Busters The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has set up a Myth Busters Challenge Panel to investigate where health and safety has been given as a reason to stop low risk activities from going ahead. Examples include banning egg boxes and toilet roll holders in school craft classes and stopping officer workers from putting up Christmas decorations. Remember, good health and safety is about taking a balanced and practical approach to controlling risk in the workplace. For more example and guidance visit the HSE site at http://www.hse.gov.uk/myth/myth-busting/index.htm
Three newly revised Safety Standards have been issued recently: • Management of Asbestos (B6) • Control of Legionella in Water Systems (B15) • Control of Vibration (B10) All Safety Standards available at: http://eacintranet/ChiefExecutiveOffice/HealthandS afety/MasterSafetyFileReview2012.aspx
Safety Flash Exposure to dust Where Council work processes involve cutting, drilling or sanding it is important to protect employees against the effects of dust, which can be a risk to health. Water suppression, on tool extraction or local exhaust ventilation will control the amount of dust in the air. Appropriate respiratory protective equipment must also be worn.
Vehicle safety checks All employees who drive Council vehicles are reminded that they must carry out checks to esure vehicles remain in a roadworthy condition. Vehicle safety checks must be carried out daily in accordance with B21 Management of Road Risk Standard and the Driver’s Handbook. All Safety Flashes are available at http://eacintranet/ChiefExecutiveOffice/HealthandS afety/SafetyFLASH/SafetyFlash.aspx
Health and Safety In the News Fall risk from unrestricted windows An NHS trust has admitted safety failings after a vulnerable patient died when he fell out of a first floor hospital window. It was found that the restrictors on a number of windows were missing or broken. This case highlights the importance of ensuring window restrictors are in place and maintained within schools and residential homes occupied by young or vulnerable people.
Keeping you informed
June 2013
Happy retirement John Bryson In April, John Bryson, Head of Roads and Transportation bid a fond farewell to East Ayrshire Council, swopping his high vis jacket for golf attire. John, with wife Marilyn, was invited to a special retirement presentation at Council Chambers. Heartfelt thanks were expressed by Chief Executive Fiona Lees and Depute Chief Executive and Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services, Elizabeth Morton, for John’s 17 years of dedicated service to local government and in particular, his service to East Ayrshire.
Highlights of John’s career include the Pennylands Railway Bridge at Cumnock, the Rock Protection Scheme at Glenapp on the A77, the A70 Wee Torhill alignment, the Muck Bridge replacement and most recently the reintroduction of two-way traffic and footway upgrade at Glaisnock Street, Cumnock.
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the John and colleagues also enjoyed speeches from Councillor Jim Buchanan, who announced that he had been in the same class as John at school, Councillor Tom Cook and Councillor Gordon Cree. We wish John a long and very happy retirement.
Active, connected & vibran t com Sport an d activit ie
The Buzz
s fo fo r c h i l d ren
munities
and you ng peop le
The summer edition of The Buzz is out now! Full of exciting activities, it’s summer’s must read guide to all things active. www.eac.eu/thebuzz
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A celebration featuring song, dance, storytelling, drama and much more Saturday 14 September
Family fun day with activities and storytelling followed by a party in the Grand Hall that will take you on a musical journey through the decades.
Sunday 15 September
A historically themed concert celebrating the theatre through the years. An exhibition celebrating the history of the Palace and Scottish Variety Theatre will be displayed for the month of September. Take part in a guided tour as part of Doors Open Day on Sunday 8 September.
www.enjoyeastayrshire.com Box Office on 01563 554900
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Keeping you informed
Certificate success Food Safety Training Officer, Suzie Dunlop, from Onsite Services put a group from Riverside Centre, Cumnock through their paces recently with a two day food safety training course. The group all require food safety certificates for the work they undertake with Onsite Services in the Buttercups Cafe at Riverside and also Buns-R-us, a baking group which caters for the local Farmers Market and provides hospitality for events like Learning Disability Awareness Week. This was the first time the course had been rolled out to people who use services and was carefully adapted to meet the learning needs of the candidates. It proved to be a huge success and the group were very pleased to be presented with a certificate to mark their achievements.
What’s On… Arts, entertainment, museums and events
Dick Institute A Sense of Place: Legacy of Lace The Dick Institute until Saturday 7 September Tuesday to Saturday 11am – 5pm. FREE
James Gilmour: A Wider View The Dick Institute until 7 September Tuesday to Saturday 11am – 5pm. FREE
Dean Castle Country Park Summer Symphony: Much Ado About Nothing Dean Castle Courtyard, 14 July 2013, 7pm. £12/£10
Summer Symphony Festival: Fringe Events King Street, Kilmarnock Friday 5 and Saturday 6 July 2013, 11am – 3pm
Back to Basics Dean Castle Country Park Sunday 23 June (Flowers), 11am – 3pm Sunday 21 July (Bats), 4am – 7am (breakfast included in this event)
Summer Nature Camp
Making a splash for charity! Congratulations to David Cook, Neale Harrow, Tom Wilson, Billy Gardiner and their Support Worker Michael McGinn who all completed a swimathon at Visions Leisure Centre, Cumnock in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. The charity team were supported weekly to swim at Visions and all the practise certainly paid off as they managed to complete 20 breadths of the pool! Well done to everyone involved.
Dean Castle Country Park Monday 1 July to Friday 5 July Monday 15 July to Friday 19 July Monday 29 July to Friday 2 August 11am to 3pm. £50 per week
Palace Theatre Sally Morgan Enterprises Ltd proudly presents:
Psychic Sally on the Road Wednesday 25 September 7.30pm, £23 East Ayrshire Youth Theatre
5-7 Years Summer School: A Rumble in the Jungle! Monday 29 July – Friday 2 August 2013 Time: 9am–12pm Age: 5 – 7 years Cost: £45 per person
Full details of all these events and much more can be found in the current issue of The Guide…
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East Ayrshire Leisure On Monday 1 July East Ayrshire Leisure, the new leisure trust, will officially launch.
British Cycling Time Trial Championships Stewarton
Transferring to East Ayrshire Leisure are: • Venues, facilities and tourist attractions including Dean Castle, Dick Institute, Burns Monument Centre, Baird Institute, Doon Valley Museum, Burns House Museum, Palace and Grand Hall complex, community libraries and mobile libraries.
A record breaking crowd of 3,500 people lined the streets of Stewarton to cheer on the country’s elite cyclists last night for what has been described as the best British Cycling Time Trial Championships ever! The country’s top cyclists rolled into town to a rousing welcome from local people and cycling enthusiasts. The Under 23’s started first and Councillor Ellen Freel, local member for Annick had the honour of presenting the winner’s jersey to Sam Harrison. Up next were the women, including London 2012 medallists Laura Trott and Lizzie Armitstead, who powered through the course with the lead changing many times as riders set off. Councillor Eoghann MacColl, Spokesperson for Improving Community Health and Wellbeing was on hand to congratulate winner, Joanna Rowsell. The Men’s race stretch late into the evening, the weather had started to cool and conditions were perfect for an excellent competition. Favourite Alex Dowsett suffered a bad crash with out on the course and there was a nail biting wait to see if the Giro winner was going to be able to make the time back. He powered over the finishing line to grab the Time Trial Championship winner’s jersey for the third year in a row. Provost Jim Todd, resplendent in his kilt, congratulated the top three and presented Alex with his winner’s jersey. Highlights of a truly fantastic day are available here. Congratulations to Chris Murphy and the working group who worked incredibly hard with British and Scottish Cycling and Glasgow Life to make this event such a huge success.
• Through Dean Castle Country Park, the Core Path Network and River Ayr Way, East Ayrshire Leisure will provide a Ranger and countryside development programme which includes informal and formal outdoor learning programmes, events, activities, education packages and volunteering opportunities. • Sporting venues including the Ayrshire Athletics Arena, Auchinleck, Doon Valley, Loudoun and Stewarton Sports Centres, Community Halls and Games Halls will promote and develop all areas of sporting activity. • East Ayrshire Leisure will offer an excellent golfing experience across three courses and will operate a range of grass and synthetic football pitches, ‘Body Station’ gyms and children’s parties. Coming soon - www.eastayrshireleisure.com For enquiries contact the Palace Theatre Box Office on 01563 554900 or Dick Institute on 01563 554300 or info@eastayrshireleisure.com