eWords Spring 2013

Food for Thought‌

Where are you really eating?

On Monday 25 March, doors were flung open to kitchens throughout East Ayrshire with the launch of the Food Hygiene Information Scheme.

An African Adventure A life changing journey to Tanzania

Kilmarnock The Creative Town Kilmarnock is a very creative place and that’s official!

Keeping you informed

Spring 2013

Keeping you informed

Spring 2013

Contents

2

Welcome

E view it

3

An African adventure

4

Hair today gone tomorrow

5

Care enough to care

5

Childcare vouchers

5

Double success

6

New recycling collection

6

Macmillan cancer information

6

Global market

6

Where are you really eating out?

7

Kilmarnock The Creative Town

8

Top Award for Finance Director

9

White Ribbon Scotland

9

At a venue near you…

10

The Palace Theatre

11

Pirate Pandemonium

11

Out and About

12

Benefits are Changing

13

Health & Safety

15

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.

Welcome to the Spring edition of Ewords.

Today sees the launch of the local Food Hygiene Information Scheme, this means you can now check if your favourite restaurants have passed their hygiene inspection.

There is also information on the new eview roll out, essential Health and Safety updates and the low down on exciting events taking place locally over the next few months.

Proof is in the Pudding for Balmoral Baking Group For a mouth watering eight months the Balmoral Road baking group were busy in their kitchens creating delightful delicacies for their colleagues to enjoy.

Each week the selected baker would sell their cakes for 50p and together they raised an incredible £800 for charity. £162 of the grand total was raised by bakers Susan Corrigan and Ann Marie Fraser who, much to the surprise of colleagues and friends alike, also managed a sponsored silence!

The money was split between Ayrshire Cancer Support and Chloe’s Chemoo Cows. You can find information on both charities via the links below. www.ayrshirecs.org www.chloeschemoocows.com

Keeping you informed

Spring 2013

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e view it If you’re not already doing it, then hopefully you will be soon! Employees across the Council are being encouraged to ‘eview it’ - read documents on screen rather than print them out - as part of the Council’s Print Review which aims to make savings of £300,000.

It’s hoped that new office printing arrangements will ultimately ‘cut printing, not services’ and as part of this, new Multi Function Devices (MFDs) are being installed in all Council buildings. These machines are scanners, photocopiers and network printers and you can use any of the Canon machines throughout the Council to access your print job.

The first phase of MFD installations at the new Opera House council offices was very successfully completed at the end of 2012. Introduction has almost been completed within Council HQ and the next phase has begun at the Johnnie Walker Bond.

One employee who is based at the Opera House admits that the MFDs were viewed with scepticism by some staff before they arrived, but says that in operation, they actually work very well. He said: “The new printers work particularly well in an open plan environment as you can pick up your print- outs whenever you want. It saves me time because now I can print four or five documents in the morning and pick them up when I return from lunch in the knowledge that someone else won’t inadvertently walk off with them.

“With regard to savings, I believe the new printing system makes you think ‘do I really need to print this off?’ And how many times have we all printed a document more than once because the phone rings and you can’t remember if you printed it already? With the new machines, you can simply go to the printer and delete any duplicates.”

The aims of the print review process include obtaining a 33% reduction in the number of copies and print-outs over three years and in the amount of paper used. As well as cost savings, there are environmental benefits to be had if we use less electricity and less paper. With your help, we should be able to achieve these benefits.

If you click on the ‘eview it’ logo on the homepage of the intranet, you can find a Q&A which should answer any questions you have. There’s also ‘A Guide to Best Practice Printing’ which will give you some helpful tips. A special mailbox has been set up to deal with any enquiries or questions you might have about the new system.

Just send your email to: eviewEnquiries@east-ayrshire.gov.uk.

e view - it’s about doing things differently

it’s scan if you can and think before you print

Keeping you informed

Spring 2013

An African Adventure Heather Lauder, a teacher from Willowbank School, embarked on a life changing journey last year when she undertook an eight-week voluntary placement at Forever Angels Baby Home in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Forever Angels Baby Home looks after orphaned and abandoned infants aged between 0 and 5 years. The baby home provides love and stable care to little ones who arrive scared, dehydrated and severely malnourished. The staff, many of whom have been brought up in orphanages, create a very happy environment and the progress the little ones make in a short period of time is incredible, giving real hope for their future.

Heather worked extremely hard while she was in Africa. She worked from 7am to 7pm, five days a week. The baby home had a very strict routine which helped the little ones settle in quickly but Heather had a real challenge on her hands bathing, dressing, feeding and changing 76 babies in a 30minute timeframe.

She said: “While the babies and children at the baby home are truly loved, they rarely get the chance to enjoy and explore their local community; therefore I decided to make this one of my aims during my time there. The majority of the children hadn't left the grounds of the baby home for 1-2 years so I was delighted to be able to treat them to lots of trips to the beach, play parks, and walks around the village - as well as lots of tasty snacks too...ice cream, doughnuts and chocolate were big favourites. I hope that the baby home staff could see the benefits and enjoyment the children gained from these experiences and continue to arrange weekly outings.

“During my time in Mwanza, I stayed in a volunteer house with six other volunteers from all over the world. Together, we embraced the power cuts, water shortages, mosquitoes, ghekkos, goats and various other wildlife that Africa presented us with. We also enjoyed weekly Swahili lessons where we tried our best to pick up the basic phrases/language we needed to allow us to communicate with the locals!

“During my free time, I enjoyed exploring the local communities to try to catch a glimpse of real Tanzanian culture. I was delighted when I discovered an organisation called Tunaweza - a day centre for young people who have additional support needs. Tunaweza is a Swahili word which translates to 'I can’, and the organisation focuses on each individuals strengths and abilities. As Tunaweza is based in a third world country, they do not have access to many resources, yet each young person manages to achieve and succeed. I have exchanged contact details with the management team at Tunaweza and hope to be able to support them in the near future.

“On the last week of my African Adventure, I was very lucky to be able to go on a 3-day safari to Serengeti National Park. I had a great time and was able to see lions, giraffes, elephants, hippos, crocs and many more wildlife in their natural habitat this was the perfect way to end my trip!”

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Keeping you informed

Hair today, gone tomorrow…

Maxine before

Spring 2013

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Care Enough to Care?

Last year many of our children in care were placed with foster carers outwith their local area because there are not enough foster carers in East Ayrshire.

We are eager to recruit more foster carers who can provide respite care, temporary or permanent foster care for children of all ages. We particularly need foster carers for sibling groups and individual children over the age of six.

We are committed to ensuring that all carers are fully supported and given the opportunity to develop their caring skills. Training, support, supervision and equipment will be provided. On completing the training, carers are paid an allowance of approximately £171.20 £375.66 per child per week depending on the age and needs of the child.

So if you have children who have left the nest and are wondering what you’ll do with your time, or you’d like a change in career, are a good listener and enjoy caring for children and young people, give us a call on 0800 434 6633 or email fosteringandadoption@eastayrshire.gov.uk for more information.

We’re also holding two information evenings, so please come along and find out more: Tues 26 March, 6 - 8pm, Mtg Rm 10, Johnnie Walker Bond, Kilmarnock Wed 27 March, 6 - 8pm, Marriage Suite, Council Offices, Cumnock

Childcare vouchers You could be saving on childcare costs with childcare vouchers.

What are Childcare Vouchers?

Childcare Vouchers are a government initiative, allowing working parents to pay for registered childcare. Sodexo Motivation Solutions Ltd is the administrator of the Council’s Child Care Voucher Scheme.

Maxine after

Maxine Baird from Legal Services took a bold step recently and had her long hair chopped into a short bob!

Maxine didn’t just feel like a change though – she was donating her hair to the Little Princess Trust, a charity which provides real-hair wigs to boys and girls across the UK and Ireland who have lost theirs through illness.

Inspired by a young girl of just 11years who donated her hair to charity - Maxine had 7 inches cut off her hair and was sponsored by her Legal Services colleagues, raising £215 towards the cost of making a £350 wig.

The Trust relies solely on the efforts of enthusiastic community fundraisers, receiving no formal funding. More information on the Trust is available from the link below. http://www.littleprincesses.org.uk/fundraising/ sponsored-hair-cut/

How much could I save?

The amount you save will depend on your individual circumstances, the value of your vouchers, your earnings and your NI contributions.

Childcare vouchers are taken from your salary before your usual Tax and NI contributions are deducted, so each year you could save £933 as a basic-rate earner, £623 as a higher-rate earner and £606 as an additional-rate earner. And if you have a partner who also chooses to claim, you could make a joint saving of over £1800 a year!

Where can you use them?

Childcare vouchers can be used to pay for more than just nursery fees. You can use them to pay for childcare and kids activities up to 15 years old. This includes: • out-of-hours school clubs • sport, music and drama lessons • holiday clubs or schemes • activity holidays • certain elements of Independent school fees How do I sign up?

If you would like to find out more about our childcare voucher scheme, and how much you could save, see Per Circular 16/12; contact your Departmental Human Resources Team or visit www.sodexomotivation.co.uk/childcarevouchers-parent

Keeping you informed

New recycling collections coming to a kerbside near you Over the next year all households will benefit from changes to kerbside recycling and waste collection services.

New waste legislation in Scotland means that local authorities have to ensure that all residents have a dry recyclate collection by 2013 and a food collection service by 2015.

So later this summer, the Council will start rolling out a new extended kerbside collection service. All households, including rural properties, will have a collection service for paper and cardboard (blue bin); glass, cans, small electrical items, textiles and household batteries (black box) plus weekly food (small green bin) and plastics collections (red box).

From April 2015, once extended kerbside collections are well established, the fortnightly general waste collection service will be collected less frequently.

Finer detail of the routes and implementation dates will be published on the web in due course. All households will receive information on the new kerbside containers and will be invited to attend local information sessions before their new service is rolled out.

If you are involved in a community group and wish to receive information in advance please contact Waste Management Services on 01563 554033 or email waste@east-ayrshire.gov.uk

Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Service NHS Ayrshire and Arran, in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, the Council and the local Voluntary Sector, is developing a network of Cancer Information and Support Services within community libraries.

This service, staffed by experienced Macmillan Professionals and trained volunteers, provides vital information and support on living with cancer within a relaxed environment. Visitors are welcomed with a friendly smile and a listening ear.

Thanks to the kind support of Ayrshire Cancer Support the service can also offer access to counselling, facilitated support groups and complementary therapies.

The service is available at: Cumnock Library, Cumnock Offices Monday and Thursday between 2pm and 4pm For further information contact:

Shoana Connell Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Service Manager Tel: 01563.825726 Mobile: 07787152206 E-mail: shoana.connell@aaaht.scot.nhs.uk

Irene Wilson Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Service Development Manager Tel: 01563.825726 E-mail: irene.wilson@aapct.scot.nhs.uk

Spring 2013

Double success for apprentices Not one but two young apprentices were celebrating after lifting Student of the Year prizes recently.

Katie Burns, an apprentice joiner and Shaun MacPhail, an apprentice plumber were recognised

by Ayr College for being the very best students in their trade.

Katie has been with the Council throughout her apprenticeship, whilst Shaun gained employment with the Council to complete his apprenticeship, after being made redundant by his previous employer. Both apprentices have displayed exceptional skill and are highly motivated both at work and college.

Congratulations to Katie and Shaun on their incredible achievement.

For your diary‌ Kilmarnock town centre will come alive with sights and smells from around the world when the Global Market makes a welcome return from Thursday 30 May to Sunday 2 June.

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Keeping you informed

Spring 2013

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Where are you really eating out?

On Monday 25 March, doors were flung open to kitchens throughout East Ayrshire with the launch of the Food Hygiene Information Scheme.

The Regulatory Services team, managed by Paul Todd, has been hard at work inspecting over 1000 premises throughout East Ayrshire.

The results of these inspections are now available online from the Council’s website www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk; www.food.gov.uk/ratings - or the free Food Standard Agency app for smartphones which allows easier access on the move.

You can’t judge hygiene on appearance alone. The scheme is a way of seeing inside the kitchens of your favourite eating establishments and getting some behind the scenes information. The results can, at times, be very surprising.

There are two levels of ratings – Pass and Improvement Required. A pass means an establishment meets the basic legal standard of hygiene while an improvement required rating means that hygiene standards have not complied with the legal standard and improvement is required to achieve a pass.

Bryan Campbell, team leader for food safety/ health and safety, has been leading on the roll out of the FHIS, which was established by the Food Standards Agency in Scotland. He said: “The FHIS is extremely worthwhile. Everyone benefits from the scheme, businesses can promote their hygiene standards and you, the consumer, benefits from eating in premises that you know meet a good level of hygiene.

“Often we rely on restaurant reviews or word of mouth when we are choosing where to eat out but hygiene levels should definitely be a factor. The FHIS gives you the tools to make an informed choice, and avoid any unwelcome upsets!”

Well that’s food for thought!

Twitter #FHIS @foodgov

Keeping you informed

Spring 2013

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Kilmarnock - THE creative town!

Kilmarnock is a very creative place and that’s official!

The town beat off stiff competition to win a prestigious £150,000 award at the Creative Place Awards held in St Andrews at the start of the year.

A partnership project between Cultural and Countryside Services, Centrestage and the Town Centre Regeneration initiative made the award shortlist due to the wide involvement of the whole community, as well as the cultural track record and existing plans.

Kilmarnock has thriving arts venues and its year round calendar of events, including the Kilmarnock Edition Festival, has seen many big acts performing locally including The View, Seth Lakeman, Amy MacDonald, Calvin Harris, The Feeling and The Saw Doctors. The well-established Imprint Book Festival has attracted internationally renowned authors such as Alasdair Gray, Andrew O’Hagan, Alan Bissett and John McCarthy.

The town also hosts Kilmarnock Fair Festival, Summer Symphony, Harvest Festival and the Global Market - all of which present an ambitious range of cross art form programming.

The Award and funding will allow the partnership to promote and expand their festival programmes and include new work based in vacant shops in Kilmarnock as part of ongoing work to regenerate the town centre.

Creative Place Award winners

John McCarthy at The Imprint Festival

The View at The Kilmarnock Edition Festival

Keeping you informed

Top award for Finance Director Alex McPhee, Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Support was named Public Sector Finance Director of the Year 2013 at an awards ceremony in Glasgow last month.

The awards, supported by Scotland’s business magazine Insider, represent the most prestigious accolades available to Finance Directors in Scotland and honour the outstanding contribution and effort made

by Finance Directors towards the overall success of their organisations.

Alex was nominated for the award by Chief Executive Fiona Lees who said: “Alex performs his duties to the highest standard with the utmost integrity and commitment, and makes a significant contribution to the Council’s standing as a high performing council.

“I believe that Alex has won this award due to a number of reasons.

He has the ability to react to ever changing environments and circumstances, always with the best interests of the Council and its communities at heart. He is also a strategic risk taker and balances traditional ‘safety first’ stewardship with sound risk management assessment. He has key strengths in financial management and planning and has my total trust and confidence in delivering financial stability for the Council.”

After receiving his award at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow, Alex said: “I am delighted to get this accolade but credit goes to the very talented team I have within the department and the commitment we have seen from the elected members and from every service across the Council to tackle today’s economic challenges head on. That coupled with the leadership we see from the Chief Executive is what has been recognised. The community organisations we work with have also been very supportive as we have developed our strategy.

“In a climate where public sector organisations don’t always get the credit they deserve, it’s very encouraging to have our efforts and abilities recognised on the national stage by external business experts.”

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White Ribbon Scotland The Council proudly supports the White Ribbon Scotland campaign which is the largest effort in the world of men working to end violence against women.

The East Ayrshire Violence Against Women Partnership (EAVAWP) wants to inspire men in East Ayrshire to build community awareness by engaging them in tackling violence against women and challenging stereotypical negative masculinity. It is looking for male champions who are willing to be trained as White Ribbon Speakers. Whether you have five hours or five minutes to spare it could make a real difference.

If you want to find out more about how you can become involved, please contact joyce.campbell@east-ayrshire.gov.uk.

Further information regarding the White Ribbon Campaign can be found at: www.whiteribbonscotland.org.uk

Keeping you informed

At a venue near you…

Dick Institute

A Different Way of Working: The Prints of Wilhelmina Barns-Graham and St Ives Painting open until Saturday 11 May. Natural Sciences Gallery The Natural Science displays have now been updated and refurbished.

All the old favourites like Brian the Lion, Samantha the Deinonychus dinosaur and the huge whale’s jaw bones are still on display, but there are also loads more that haven’t been seen before.

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Dean Castle set to benefit from lottery funding Celebrations were aplenty at Dean Castle Country Park following the announcement that they are to be awarded Heritage Lottery Funding of £3.1m!

Plans are now progressing for a multi million pound rejuvenation of the built and natural heritage of this beautiful park. A new civic space will be created for outdoor theatre, music and crafts; the old laundry house will be restored to use as workshops and enterprise units; the designed landscape of the formal gardens will be restored and a new education centre and visitor centre will be created.

Your Country Park needs you!

Doon Valley Museum Ayrshire’s Reel History: Cumnock and Dalmellington now open until Saturday 25 May. Explore the history of both communities through a series of archive film clips chosen to highlight different events, people and industries throughout the twentieth century.

Baird Institute

What Presence! The Rock Photography of Harry Papadopoulos open until Saturday 13 April.

A retrospective exhibition by Harry Papadopoulos, a music photographer whose interest was inspired by taking photographs at gigs in the late 1970s.

A very important part of the project involves staff from the Country Park capturing as much information as possible about wildlife at the park and they need your help to gather this information.

Once a month training sessions will be carried out on a range of topics, including birds, bats, flowers, trees and pond life, which will give you the techniques and skills needed to help survey the park.

More information is available here www.deancastle.com or email rangers@east-ayrshire.gov.uk

Keeping you informed

The Palace Theatre Tickets from Box Office on 01563 554900 or

The Matchmaker Saturday 13 April 7.30pm £8.50/£7.50 conc.

Follow the riotous story of Dick Mick Dicky O’Connor who is determined to hook up a hotch-potch of lonely hearts in his rural town of Ballybarra.

www.ticketweb.co.uk Frank Pilkington Thurs 28 March 7.30pm £18.50/£17 conc.

Within This Dust Thursday 18 April 7.30pm £8.50, £5 conc.

The Scottish Sun’s astrologer and psychic has all the answers with his unique blend of psychic readings and astrology.

Smallpetitklein Dance Company present their hauntingly beautiful, programme of dance theatre. The performance includes 3 live dance works, film and animation exploring the events surrounding 9/11.

Jive Aces Friday 29 March 7.30pm £12.50/£11.50 conc.

Showaddywaddy Friday 19 April 7.30pm £18.50/£17.50 conc.

The first ever band to reach the semi finals of Britain's Got Talent.

The Train Wreckers Saturday 30 March 7.30pm £10/£8 conc. advance and £12/£10 conc.

The band have supported acts as diverse as 70’s hitmaker - Alvin Stardust, Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, Stiff Little Fingers and Counselled Out.

The Bon Jovi Experience Friday 12 April 7.30pm £16.50

Back due to massive public demand.

2013 marks a special year for the band as they celebrate 40 years of rock & roll.

Rumble in the Jungle Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 April 12 noon & 3pm £11.50, Family Saver £42, Groups 10+ £9, Adult & Babe £13.50 There’s a Rumble in the Jungle as the Singing Kettle set out on their greatest ever adventure. Visit www.singingkettle.com for more info.

Recreating Bon Jovi Live in Concert, performing all the great hits: “Livin’ On a Prayer”, “Keep the Faith”, “Bad Medicine” and many, many more.

Spring 2013 11

Pirate Pandemonium will have Kilmarnock shivering its timbers!

Pirate Pandemonium, a 30 minute live show, will be weighing anchor in Kilmarnock town centre on Thursday 4 April between 11am and 4pm.

There will be three free shows at 11am, 1pm and 3pm when the pirate Captain will be training some new recruits in essential pirating skills like walking the plank, sword fighting, counting doubloons and treasure map reading.

The Captain will also invite some members of the audience to try out their pirating skills.

Special guest Captain Jack Sparrow will be in the town centre between 11.30am and 1pm and 1.30pm and 3pm.

This event is supported by the Council and Burns Mall.

Burns Centre Blog

James Grant Friday 26 April 7.30pm £16, £14 conc.

2013 is a big year for James Grant, with the new Love And Money opus The Devil's Debt released and the release of his own 'Best Of' album.

Coming later this year…

The Palace will celebrate its 150th anniversary from Friday 13 to Monday 16 September. Events include performances, music, drama, exhibitions and workshops.

Visit www.enjoyeasyayrshire.com for more information.

Check out the fantastic Burns Monument Centre blog and the booklet – Our Town is Kilmarnock – 1949 which is full of wonderful photos and articles to enjoy from the 1940’s. http://bmc.burnsmonumentcentre.co.uk

Keeping you informed

Out and About…

Dean Castle Country Park

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conserve the natural environment in the largest practical conservation event ever held at the park.

Book online at www.deancastle.com

Spring Nature Camp Cumnock and New Cumnock Outdoor Festival Saturday 27 April and Sunday 28 April Explore the fascinating social, natural and cultural heritage of this area including the impressive gardens and grounds of Dumfries Estate and Auchinleck Estate.

There is also the opportunity to do some wildlife watching at Hannahston Nature Reserve, Woodroad Park and Glen Afton.

Ballochmyle Outdoor Festival including the River Ayr Way Walking Challenge Monday 8 April to Friday 12 April 11am to 3pm, £50 This week long, day camp for children over the age of 8, offers an opportunity for a behind the scenes look at the Country Park and the Ranger Service, covering everything from conservation, habitat and wildlife to feeding and meeting the urban farm animals.

Youngsters will have the opportunity to become an official Junior Ranger and take part in a variety of activities and challenges that will lead to a John Muir Award.

For the diary - Summer Nature Camp Dates: Monday 1 July to Friday 5 July Monday 15 July to Friday 19 July Monday 29 July to Friday 2 August

Spring Festival Join the Ranger Service for an early morning walk and listen to the park come alive with beautiful bird song! Find out more about habitats, the range of bird calls and how to carry out a bird survey.

Back to basics early bird walk Sunday 7 April 6am – 8am Early Bird and Breakfast Cost - £3 for walk and breakfast The John Muir Challenge Sunday 21 April - 11am – 4pm What better way to celebrate the Year of Natural Scotland by dedicating a day to John Muir - a pioneering, influential Scotsman who was passionate about the wild.

He dedicated his life to protecting wild places and campaigned successfully for the establishment of National Parks in the USA. On the 175th anniversary of John Muir’s birth, the park hopes to welcome 175 people to discover, explore and

Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 July River Ayr Way Challenge entry is £15. All other events are free.

The RAW Challenge is the main event in the Ballochmyle Outdoor Festival. The route to complete this challenge starts at Glenbuck Loch, outside Muirkirk at 9am and follows 44 miles of the River Ayr Way to the pier in Ayr. The route goes through some of the most spectacular countryside in South West Scotland with moorland and open hills, deep sandstone gorges and beautiful woodland corridors.

If you would like to give it a try, you can submit an online application at www.theriverayrway.org or alternatively contact james.macdonald@east-ayrshire.gov.uk Other events in this festival include a ‘Back to Basics’ walk through Ballochmyle Gorge looking at geology, natural and social history and investigating the cup and ring markings carved into the rock.

Keeping you informed

Spring 2013 13

Benefits are changing Are you ready?

From 1 April 2013 benefits will be changing.

To find out how the changes might affect you contact:

East Ayrshire Citizens Advice Bureau 3 John Dickie Street, Kilmarnock or 77a Townhead Street, Cumnock Telephone 01563 544744 www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/benefitchanges Our advice is free and confidential.

Don’t delay – call today!

Keeping you informed

Spring 2013 14

Benefits are changing Are you ready?

Planned benefit changes April 2013

Housing Benefit payments adjusted for under-occupancy levels.

Impact: possible reduction in amount of benefit awarded.

April 2013

Scottish Welfare Fund established to replace Community Care Grants and Crisis Loans for living expenses. More details awaited.

April 2013

Council Tax Replacement Scheme established to replace Council Tax Benefit.

More details awaited.

June 2013

Personal Independence Payments (PIP) to replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for new claimants.

Impact: claimants required to attend medical assessment.

Summer 2013

Benefits Cap introduced.

Impact: possible reduction in total amount of benefits awarded.

October 2013

Existing DLA claimants assessed for new PIP benefits.

Impact: possible reduction in amount of benefit awarded.

October 2013

Introduction of new Universal Credit for new claimants of Job Seekers allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit and Housing Benefit.

Impact: 1. all claims to be made on line 2. payments paid directly to claimants 3. bank account recommended

Keeping you informed

Health & Safety Team The Corporate Health and Safety Team provide health and safety advice across all council services.

By working in partnership with managers and employees the team aims to raise health and safety awareness and help to promote a positive safety culture throughout the authority.

What can we do for you?

• Guidance on health and safety regulations • Advice on the development of health and safety documents such as risk assessments • Advice on asbestos • Construction safety management • Fire risk assessments • Events safety management • Incident monitoring, reporting and investigation • Workplace safety audits • Safety news and information bulletins

Teamwork key to a safer workplace 2013 sees the launch of the Council’s Health and Safety campaign in support of European Healthy Workplaces initiative.

Our campaign is about improving safety standards across the authority by recognising that everyone has an

important contribution to make.

By working together and encouraging a team effort, we can all help to make East Ayrshire Council the safest possible place to work.

More information about the campaign will follow very soon.

Use of Personal Protective Equipment All employees are reminded that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) helps to protect you from risks to your health and safety. Items such as gloves, masks, boots, helmets and reflective clothing, must be worn at all times.

For more information on PPE visit http://eacintranet/Resources/pdf/a/B4PP E2012.pdf

Health and Safety Policy The Health and Safety Policy was reviewed in 2012. The revised Policy is available on the Intranet at: http://eacintranet/ChiefExecutiveOffice /HealthandSafety/CorporateHealthandS afetyPolicy.aspx The new Policy Statement will be circulated to Council premises and should be displayed on all Health and Safety notice boards.

Spring 2013 15

about reporting an incident on SHE Incident Reporting to produce a useful guidance document to help SHE system users.

If you have a question about SHE you can access the SHE Solution Centre at: http://eacintranet/ChiefExecutiveOffice /HealthandSafety/SHESystemIncidentRe porting.aspx Further information on the requirements of the Council’s incident reporting procedures can be found in Master Safety Standard B1.

In the news A Council in England has been fined after ignoring warnings to remove asbestos in a school boiler room and for failing to manage the risks from asbestos in a number of other schools.

Orkney Islands Council has been served with an improvement notice from the Health and Safety Executive, for failing to adequately control the risk of hand arm vibration to their employees.

Two companies were fined after 9 people were hospitalised following exposure to chlorine gas at a swimming pool in Staffordshire. It was found that chemicals had not been properly separated and risk assessments and training were inadequate.

Master Safety Standard Heath & Safety Helpdesk The review of all Master Safety File Standards continues. Toolbox talk presentations have been developed to assist managers to communicate this important health and safety information to employees.

Find more information on Safety Standards and Toolbox talks here: http://eacintranet/ChiefExecutiveOffice /HealthandSafety/HealthandSafety.aspx

SHE incident reporting The Health and Safety Team has collated frequently asked questions

Remember, the Health and Safety Team is there to help. All enquiries can be directed through the Helpdesk at: