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Newsletter for the employees of West Lothian Council - Issue 100

Inside this issue

westlothian.gov.uk

UK Threat level risesJeanette is Presidential material

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UK Threat level risesWest Lothian group win national award

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Intranet responsive to staff needs

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UK Threat level risesCouncil Golf Day tees off successfully

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First sod cut for new Armadale school

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Acting Head of Social PolicyJane Kellock has been appointed Acting Head of Social Policy.

Jane has a broad range of experience spanning children and families, adults and older people, health improvement across third sector and public sector.

Jane has worked in the voluntary sector from 1986 in the fields of mental health, learning disability and homelessness until the early 1990s after graduating with an MA (hons) in Philosophy and Psychology at University of Edinburgh.

She then worked as a college lecturer teaching social care, before going back to Edinburgh University to do Master of Social Work degree and professional DipSW from 1994 – 1996.

She joined West Lothian Council in 1996 as a social worker, then moved into service development, health improvement manager and then senior manager.

Jane has a strong academic background having studied for a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Administration (Robert Gordon University 2008), a Post Graduate Diploma in Mindfulness Studies (Aberdeen University 2012) and - for fun - she is now studying for a PhD with Aberdeen University. Jane lives in Uphall with her husband and two young girls.

Chief Executive’s column

Welcome to the summer edition of Inside News

I hope everyone takes time to familiarise themselves with the latest developments on the council’s new intranet site, which will mark a significant milestone for all council staff when it is launched later this year. The development of a new intranet site offers each service and team an opportunity to reflect on our internal customers and their communication needs. Internal communication is, of course, a hugely important area and I’m sure that the development of the new site will help to improve the way we communicate with our colleagues. The development of the new site is just one example of the council adopting new ways of working. News about the recent move away from paper payslips to online payslips and the increasing use of video conferencing facilities are included within this edition and are both examples of new ways of working. We have always been an organisation that prides itself on ability to continually develop and improve and that ethos will stand us all in good stead in the future. Finally, the deadline for entering Celebrating Success was Friday 26 June. I’ve attended Celebrating Success many times and it is a fantastic event and one which provides everyone with an opportunity to promote and recognise the hard work and dedication made by teams each year. There is a huge amount of positive, progressive and innovate pieces of work taking place in each service area. It is important to use Celebrating Success as a way to reward and recognise your achievements. I’m sure that many colleagues will have some well-deserved annual leave planned. I hope you all have an enjoyable summer.

Graham Hope, Chief Executive

Tributes have been paid to an award-winning, council run project promoting equality among young people in West Lothian after they were awarded the Chairman’s Award at the prestigious Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) Excellence Awards 2015.

Glitter Cannons on target for success

The West Lothian LGBT Youth Forum and Glitter Cannons is a voluntary project led by local young people, which is supported by the council’s Community Youth Services in partnership with LGBT Youth Scotland (LYS).

They work with young people aged 12-25 years old who campaign to improve the everyday lives of LGBT young people in their schools, homes and communities. This project has reduced the isolation that LGBT young people face, promoted equality and inclusion, increased LGBT visibility and improved young people’s mental health and well-being, life choices and opportunities.

Chief Executive, Graham Hope, said: “Congratulations to West Lothian LGBT Youth Forum and Glitter Cannons on their COSLA Chairman’s award from West Lothian Council.

“It’s a fantastic achievement to win this sought-after national award, against tough competition from worthwhile projects across the whole of Scotland.”

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For the attention of Civic Centre pool car users

From Monday 1 June, pool car users are required to collect and return the pool car log books and car keys from the Civic Centre reception. Reception staff will explain the new arrangements to users when issuing the keys/logbook. The green/blue pool car bags and contents should

remain in the pool cars at all times and will be checked on a regular basis to ensure that the pool car bags contain the standard contents. Staff should ensure that the keys and completed log books are returned to the reception staff on duty, pool car users MUST NOT leave the car keys and log books on the reception desk, these must be handed directly to a member of the reception staff.

Please ensure the car keys and log books are returned as quick as possible to the

reception to ensure they are available for the next user. Keys/logbooks being returned after 5pm should be handed to the on duty Security staff.

If you have any questions regarding pool car use or this email please do not hesitate to contact the Civic Centre Admin Team on:

01506 281111 or email: civiccentreadminteam@westlothian.gov.uk

Jeanette Castle, the council’s Library Services Manager, has been named President of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland (CILIPS).

The President works in partnership with CILIPS officers in striving to implement the aims and objectives of the organisation as set out in the annual business plan.

Jeanette has been a member of CILIPS for a number of years and has worked within the council’s Library Services for 11 years. Jeanette was nominated to the Trustee Board for the Presidential role, and elected by the Consultative Council which represents the membership in Scotland and the diverse branches and special interest groups across Scotland.

The prestigious role spans a 3 year commitment to the organisation. Jeanette was previously Vice President and is now President. Next year, Jeanette will become Immediate Past President and Chair of Trustee Board.

The President carries out a number of duties including helping to promote CILIPS’ priorities and key messages and supports the work of Branches and Groups.

Jeanette said: “I’m thrilled to have been named President of CILIPS. It’s a real honour and I’m excited to play my part in promoting and improving library services across Scotland. As President, I will be visiting CILIPS branches and a range of libraries to meet the members and bring some enthusiasm and encouragement to all our members.

“This is the best part of the presidential role for me.”

St David House re-opensA revamped St David House in Bathgate has been re-opened.

The building has been occupied by the council and its predecessor authority since it was built in 1979.

West Lothian Council has purchased and carried out much-needed renovations to the building, which now houses over 180 council staff from services such as Revenues, Sports Development and Community Regeneration.

Work involved creating a new improved open plan working environment, along with improved facilities, meeting rooms, breakout areas and a dedicated IT training suite.

Donald Forrest, Head of Finance and Estates said: “The investment has allowed us to create a more efficient office design that allows us to fit an additional 60 staff into St David House. It represents a significant investment in Bathgate town centre by the council, and will help support the local economy.

“Purchasing the entire building also means that we now have two new tenants in the charity shop and café on the ground floor, which will help generate valuable revenue for the council going forward.“

Jeanette’s prestigious accolade

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Roads and Transportation Services apprentice Liam Kane has scooped the coveted UK Highways and Street Lighting Apprentice of the Year 2015 trophy at the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) awards.

Liam (19), a second year Highways Maintenance apprentice from Armadale, came out on top against 200 of the best apprentices from across the country.

West Lothian Council also received an award recognising the council’s commitment to the Modern Apprenticeship programme at the awards which Roads Operations Manager David Wilson picked up.

Depute Chief Executive Graeme Struthers, said: “I’d like to congratulate Liam, and his mentors in Highways Maintenance, for their dedication that has led to winning this prestigious award. West Lothian Council has an excellent track record of developing modern apprentices, and we are delighted that APSE has recognised our efforts.”

Liam triumphed against stiff competition from five other finalists to take the accolade at the finals in Durham recently. He submitted a portfolio to APSE outlining his apprenticeship achievements and future aspirations, and underwent a rigorous panel interview.

Liam, who is studying Highways Maintenance SVQ level 2 at Edinburgh College, added: “I have enjoyed my apprenticeship and would encourage anyone who was offered the opportunity of a place on an apprenticeship scheme to take it. “My ambition is to carry on with my qualifications and be the best I can be. Winning the Apprentice of the Year award has been an amazing experience and I would like to thank all the people who have supported me.”

David Wilson said “This is an excellent achievement for Liam which recognises the hard work and effort he has put in throughout his apprenticeship. “The award also demonstrates the investment in training and development within the service and the council as a whole which ultimately benefits the local community. ”

Carmondean Primary School pupils pick up national Euro quiz accolade

Carmondean Primary School P6 pupils took the top accolade at the Scottish European Educational Trust’s National Euroquiz Final 2015 at the Scottish Parliament recently.

Team members Sam Tischler, Claire Reilly, Andrew Danskin and Joy Koay came out on top against the St Mary’s Duntocher Primary School team from Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire with their fingers on the buzzer in a close run final round.

Euroquiz is run by the Scottish European Educational Trust with heats, taking place between January and April. This year 442 teams, from primary schools all across Scotland took part in their regional heats. The winning teams from these heats came together for yesterday’s final.

Head Teacher Gillian Millar added: “It is absolutely out of this world that our P6 team has won the Euro Challenge, everyone is over the moon. We were all so excited to have reached the final at the Scottish Parliament. When we reached the last two it was really tense but our pupils held their nerve. To win the Euro Challenge is a great accolade for the whole school community.

We are all very proud of this achievement.”

Top award for West Lothian apprenticeA West Lothian Council apprentice is on the road to success after winning a top national award.

Cake was on the menu for a few days after staff at Broxburn Academy organised a bake-off in aid of the Nepal Earthquake Appeal.

All shapes, sizes and tastes were entered into the competition, which was keenly contested. The judges had a difficult task, having to sample every entry in order to come to a decision. But once their taste buds had recovered from the treat, the three winning entries were declared as: Best effort - Karen Eadie; Best appearance - Julie Maher and Best taste - Rosemary Doonan. And best of all, a total of £361 was raised for the appeal.

Broxburn bake-off

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The intranet is valuable communications tool which aims to provide all staff with vital information and news. The fresh, innovative new intranet should feel familiar to staff as it is built on the same platform that has successfully delivered the new council website, which was launched last year.

Colin Baxter, Web Services Project manager, said: “The intranet is managed and maintained using the same content management system as the internet, meaning service content can be added and updated more efficiently. The site design and content will largely reflect the results of the successful staff survey which was conducted in 2014.

Inside News goes onlineA new, online Inside News will be delivered via the intranet.

Inside News is the council’s main internal communications channel for news, events and updates on council services.

In the past, Inside News has been published four times per year. The online version will be published more frequently.

Going forward, Inside News will be updated monthly, ensuing that staff news is up-to-date and fresh.

For more information, contact the Corporate Communications team on

01506 282006

or email: communications@westlothian.gov.uk

Video stars! Videoconferencing facilities are now being used more and more across council services.

Video conferencing is just one of the many steps being taken by the council to become a more efficient and greener organisation.

Operational Services at Whitehill House used a live video link during their Senior Management Team meeting lately – with some managers located at the Civic Centre and others at Whitehill.

In the past staff have travelled from Civic Centre to Whitehill for these meetings, so using this technology will improve staff productivity by reducing travel time and address the green agenda by reducing car usage and subsequently reducing vehicle maintenance costs.

Jim Jack, Head of Operational Services, said: “All service areas have to reduce their pool car mileage and video conferencing is just one of the ways available to assist staff in that process.

“Like all services, we normally arrange our meetings in the tried and tested way of

getting everyone around the same table to meet. However, things change and we are all working differently to how we worked 10 years ago and it was time for us to look at new ways of working.

“I’d recommend using video conferencing. It was easy, convenient and effective.”

For more information on how to use video conferencing, please contact the IT Service Desk.

Intranet responsive to staff needsThe council’s new intranet site will be launched later this year.

Key points:n The majority of intranet content will be

available out with the council network which will be of benefit to flexible workers, schools etc who currently cannot view the intranet

n Council partners will also be given access to keep up to date with building information and other news affecting them

n The intranet will be mobile responsive meaning it can be effectively viewed on smartphones and tablets

n The site will draw on a range of new functionality and some other developments

now available through the work done to create the new council website and other associated online services

n The site will include improved search and navigation

n The site will also include enhancements such as document searches, key dates calendar, Inside News online, more consistent service area content and improved noticeboard facility

n Staff will be able to submit content easily through the new intranet via the content management system or the intranet site itself.

Top tasksCouncillor

Committee info Service Areas

Document Search

Partner Zone

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Tony walks the extra mile for cancer charityTony Dickson, Broxburn Area Community Housing Officer, completed the West Highland Way in April.

The driving rain and cold conditions didn’t deter the intrepid YIP Yompers from their journey around Edinburgh. The team have been busy raising funds via sponsorship from family, friends and colleagues. They have sold football cards, eggs, plants and badges to support their fundraising attempts.

The team involved: Elaine Cameron, Fiona Weir, Lisa McNeil, Lindsay Auld and Steve Meier.At the moment the team has raised over £700 and hope to achieve the £1,000 mark very soon.Anyone who is willing to contribute to their giving page, please do so at:

www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/YIPYompers

Nepal earthquake fundStaff in the Civic Centre held a dress down day in aid of the DEC appeal to aid the victims of the Nepal earthquake. Staff in Housing, Construction and Building Services played a big part in helping to organise the event. Over £600 was raised. Thanks to all that participated.

The amazing Youth Inclusion Project (YIP) Yompers raised funds for Scotland’s Children and our local charity Riverkids.

Averaging 20 miles a day, it took Tony five days to complete the trek. Tony raised a wonderful £1,000 for Bosom Buds of Scotland, a local cancer charity.

Bosom Buds are a voluntary charity based in West Lothian. Formed in 2009, funds are used to make donations to St John’s

Oncology Unit and Breakthrough. They also supply real hair wigs, help patients with IVF treatment costs, provide mastectomy bras, arrange pamper days, provide post-treatment exercise classes and personal trainer instruction, meditation courses and yoga classes.

Bosom Buds work with all patients, regardless of age, race, cancer type/diagnosis.

If you haven’t managed to sponsor Tony yet, there’s still time, visit his Justgiving web page to make a donation:

www.justgiving.com/Tony-Dickson

A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who has supported the YIP Yompers.

Yompers’ charity walk

Foodbank fundraiserThank you to all Civic Centre Staff who donated prizes and home baking for the fundraising day held earlier in the year on behalf of the West Lothian Foodbank. Staff were extremely generous and a magnificent sum of £2500 was raised. The money will be used to provide bus vouchers for people who live some distance from the foodbanks.

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Two projects ran by the council’s Community Arts teams in partnership with Craigshill Good Neigbourhood Network and Offbeat Youth Group were recently commended at a nationwide celebration of best intergenerational practice. Both ‘It’s the People that make the Place’ and ‘Old Skool’ were short-listed for project of the Year at The Generations Working Together Conference. Out of 48 nominations they both received Highly Commended.

Old Skool - Mural Project Local community groups Craigshill Neighbourhood Network and Offbeat Youth Programme worked with local artist TrenchOne as part of an intergenerational project to create and paint a permanent mural in their community. Challenging their preconceptions, the group helped to regenerate a rundown underpass using the theme of ‘Young at Heart’ to inspire their work. The project was a great success in bringing the community together and proving that age should not be a barrier in participating in any art form. Part of the Nationwide Luminate Festival, Scotland’s Creative Ageing Festival, the murals were originally unveiled in October 2013.

See the result of the project for yourself at the underpass near Riverside Primary, Almond West Road, Craigshill, Livingston.

It’s the People that make the Place - An intergeneration art project that focuses on the residents of Craigshill. Part of the Luminate Festival this community lead

guerrilla art project will celebrate the people that make Craigshill. The group decided to take photographs of the people that made Craigshill a good community to live in. They mounted these photographs on banners and displayed the banners around Craigshill.

As part of his fundraising efforts he is taking part in 11 races this year with an accumulated mileage of 283.7 miles. His aim is to raise at least 1 pound for every mile that he covers and, having completed 5 of the 11 races, he has already raised 54% of his target.

He is competing to raise funds for ‘Fresh Start’. ‘Fresh Start’ is an Edinburgh based charity that helps people who have been homeless get established in their new home.

Working in partnership with volunteers and organisations from a broad sector of the community, they deliver a range of services that provide practical and social support that helps people resettle successfully.

Broxburn teacher races 283.7 miles for charity

Arts team commended for projects

Broxburn Academy teacher, Jamie Crawford, completed the 2015 Belfast City Marathon recently as part of his drive to raise funds for Edinburgh charity ‘Fresh Start’.

The races that he aims to complete this year are as follows:n Lasswade 10 - 10 milesn The Mighty Deerstalker- 10 milesn Scottish Kilomothon - 9 milesn Great Edinburgh run - 10 milesn Belfast Marathon - 26.2 milesn Edinburgh Marathon - 26.2 milesn Bethany cycle sportive - 72 milesn Flying Scotsman sportive - 78 milesn Loch Ness marathon - 26.2 milesn Glasgow half marathon - 13.1 milesn Edinburgh Parkrun in under 20 mins - 3 miles

Total mileage - 283.7 miles!

Help Jamie on his way by sponsoring him at

www.justgiving.com/Jamie-Crawford7

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The Green Apple Awards began in 1994 and have become established as the major recognition for environmental endeavour among companies, councils, communities and countries.

HCBS won the award for their work on the Sports Hall and Dining Extension at Balbardie Primary School, Bathgate.

The team from the Council were George Smith, Peter Kane, Michael Malone and Derek Robertson.

Marjorie Mackie, Construction and Design Manager, said: “The aim of the project was to create a new sports hall and dining facility for a large Edwardian school in Bathgate as the existing facilities fell short of what is required in a modern school.

“The major achievement has been to create a large space with the absolute minimum impact on the local environment in a very tight site.”

This award tops off a very successful project that delivered:

n a striking modern extension which still manages to blend in and integrate with the original Edwardian School

n the extension was created using Scottish sourced larch which is sustainable and gives the extension a modern appearance.

n all parts of the school can now be reached without having to leave the main building

n the school now has a modern sports hall and dining room built to exceed the thermal insulation requirements of the building standards by more than 10%.

Hundreds of staff members played their part in helping to deliver the UK Parliamentary General Election in May.

Balbardie designs given top awardHousing, Construction and Building Services has been awarded a Green Apple Environment Award in an international campaign to find the greenest companies, councils and communities.

Bring a Local Nature Reserve back to lifeEaster Inch Moss is a West Lothian Council site located between the communities of Blackburn, Seafield and Bathgate, overseen by the local management group in partnership with the Ranger Service.

The Moss is not only a valuable green space for local residents, but also home to over 140 different plant species, a wide array of birdlife including reed buntings, skylarks and short eared owls and a variety of other animals including insects and mammals, with toads and newts found in the damp, wet areas. There is also evidence to suggest that otters, great crested newts and water voles are present.

The moss is now recognised as an important area for wildlife which should be protected for generations to come. However, like many peat bogs in the UK, the moss is in need of some care and attention and the council’s Ranger Service with support from Operational Services and other outside organisations, is looking to restore Easter Inch Moss with funds secured from the Scottish Natural Heritage Bog Restoration Fund.

Easter Inch Moss has the potential to return to its former glory as a lowland ‘working’ peat bog. Volunteers, including groups from Lothian Conservation Volunteers, the Trust for Conservation Volunteers and Oatridge College, have been busy over the last few months removing the encroaching birch scrub from the moss and damming of ditches to help re-wet areas.

The aim is to convert the Moss back into a healthy bog that will continue to absorb and store carbon, helping reduce climate change for future generations.

If you’d like more information or would like to get involved with this project contact Hannah Crow, Countryside Ranger on:

01501 743905/07833 049511

or email: hannah.crow@westlothian.gov.uk

Election effort

Chief Executive Graham Hope is also Returning Officer for West Lothian. He said: “Preparation for an election starts months in advance and hundreds of council staff members are involved in the process, whether it be working as a polling clerk, working at the count venue or transporting the ballot boxes from the polling stations to the count, it’s a team effort. I’d like to thank everybody for their hard work and contribution.

“Particular thanks goes to the Election Team who prepare months in advance to ensure that the election process goes smoothly from start to finish.”

Covering both Livingston Constituency and Linlithgow and Falkirk East Constituency

Number of staff working in Polling Stations: polling staff, plus polling day inspectors: 294Number of staff working at the Count: 170Number of vans used to collect boxes: over 80

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Procurement’s apprentices - buying in to a success story

Over the past three years they have taken on two apprentices per year.

Hayleigh Valentine and Laura Harkins, the first Procurement apprentices, have successfully secured posts as Procurement Support staff. Tuesday Walker and Sean Marshall have just started their apprenticeship in March. Along with Kerr Anderson and Aaron Fraser, they are studying for their SVQ Level 3 in Procurement.

There is a worldwide shortage of procurement professionals and there has been difficulty in recruiting staff to vacant posts. The apprenticeship programme has allowed Procurement to “grow their own” and have incorporated apprenticeships as part of the work force planning.

Christine Leese-Young, Procurement Manager said: “The quality of apprentices which we have employed has been extremely high. The level of work which they undertake is of a high standard and of the utmost importance to ensuring best value in the procurement of goods, services and works for the council. Their training programme has allowed them to progress to the first step in their procurement career. They are valued members of the team”

Aaron Fraser said: “Moving into this scheme straight from school was a big step, however I believe it has helped massively in my development and provided me with qualities and skills that will play a key role in furthering my career in procurement. I am also gaining recognised qualifications that will be useful when applying for jobs in the future. Overall the scheme has helped me decide that I want a future in procurement and it is providing me with the skills and qualifications to do so.”

Laura Harkins added: “Since starting as an apprentice within the council I have proved to members of the Corporate Procurement Unit that I am able to progress my knowledge and skills, as a result of this I have been successful in achieving the role of Procurement Support. I look forward to the challenges that I will face as my career develops.”

Kerr Anderson added: “The apprenticeship scheme has been extremely beneficial to my development. The balance of progressing through relevant college courses and working as part of the team has definitely helped me to gain valuable skills and knowledge that will benefit me as I strive towards a successful career in procurement.”

Finance and Estates: n Welcome to Tuesday

Walker and Sean Marshall who recently joined the Corporate Procurement Unit as Procurement Apprentices.

n Congratulations to both Laura Harkins and Hayleigh Valentine in their new roles as Procurement Support within the Corporate Procurement Unit.

Revenuesn Welcome back Joanna Dolan and Michelle

Blackley from maternity leave.n Congratulations to Lisa Drummond on the

birth of her baby boy, Carson.

n Ami Foster completed a 10k run on 30 May, raising money for the Scottish SPCA. Ami also held a fund raising day in the office which included a bake sale, raffle prizes and a guess how many sweets in the jar competition. The total raised was £274.20.

n Louise Spencer has set herself a challenge to walk all six Kiltwalks for Scotland’s children. Louise has completed two Kiltwalks already, Glasgow and Edinburgh, and is on course for Aberdeen in the near future. If you wish to donate visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/LouiseSpencer2.

Auditn Congratulations to Finance and Estates

apprentice Conor Galloway who has completed his SVQ 3 in Business and Administration.

Property:n Property Assistant,

Darren Stenhouse, is currently studying for his HNC in Construction Management at West Lothian College and as part of his course studies he completed a presentation to external industry professionals (representatives from Lovell’s, Grahams and the Federation of Builders). Darren was awarded a prize and came 2nd in his year for best presentation. Congratulations Darren.

The council’s Procurement Unit has been a great supporter of the apprenticeship programme since starting the council wide initiative in 2012.

Your news

West Lothian Council has appointed a contractor to build a new primary school in Armadale.

The £7.5million project remains on target for the first phase of the school opening in August 2016. Work will commence on site this summer following the appointment of Ogilvie Construction Limited who will build the school on behalf of West Lothian Council.

Ogilvie Group has over sixty years of knowledge and experience and are extremely active within the education sector for the provision of primary and secondary schools.

Funding for a new primary school in Armadale has already been agreed by West Lothian Council. In September 2014, West Lothian Council’s Executive Committee approved forward-funding to accelerate the development of the £7.5 million project for a new eight-class primary school in Armadale to enable the school to be available for the 2016/17 academic year.

A land transfer contract was signed by developers in early May which allowed West Lothian Council to take full ownership of the site.

Pupils from Armadale Primary School joined Pupil Support Worker Laura Mitchell and Jim Cameron, Head of Schools with Education Support, on site to cut the first sod on the ground.

First sod cut for new £7.5million Armadale school

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The site start at Pumpherston marks an important milestone for West Lothian Council’s 1,000 houses project, which is now underway.

The Pumpherston site will consist of a mix of one and two bedroom cottage flats and bungalows. The bungalows are suitable for disabled residents and should be completed in January 2016.

Grant Walker, Housing, Construction and Building Services Development Manager said: “West Lothian Council’s building programme is continuing into the next phase and will provide training and employment opportunities for people in West Lothian throughout the construction phase. Working with construction partners, the council is ensuring that providing new council housing also brings wider benefits to the community.

“It’s exciting to visit the sites and mark the beginning of the construction phase. In a short period of time, the site will be home to council tenants and benefit the community of Pumpherston.”

Waste Services run an online office swap shop called warpit.

Basically it lets council employees advertise equipment and furniture (from inhouse only) that they want to get rid of.

Staff can attach pictures, dimensions, details on how long they want it to be advertised for etc. It also lets staff create a wish list so that they will be notified if anything they want becomes available on the site.

The site is simple to use and it is very helpful for staff looking to get rid of or get their hands on office furniture.

If you want to register to try it out visit: www.warp-it.co.uk/westlothiancouncil

Or click here for more information.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MABe3JUoJo

Looking to swap shop your office furniture?

The first sod has been cut in Pumpherston to mark the start of construction work for 14 new council homes.

Workplace Chaplaincy ScotlandWest Lothian Council will be piloting a new scheme of workplace chaplaincy over the next six months with Workplace Chaplaincy Scotland.

Workplace Chaplaincy Scotland aims to offer relevant pastoral and spiritual support to people – in the setting of their daily work and individual lives. Chaplains aim to ‘add value’, wherever they serve. Chaplaincy is not about religion or denomination, but addresses the growing understanding that all life has a moral and spiritual dimension, however that is expressed.

A dedicated Chaplain will be available for council employees to offer support, guidance and to signpost to other services as necessary.

The chaplains will be briefed on the council’s existing employee policies and support options and will seek to complement these. Chaplains will often have an active part to play in industrial relations or speaking at wellbeing seminars. All our chaplains are trained and supervised to the same consistently high standards, a training which places the welfare of both individuals and

organisations as a top priority.

Workplace Chaplaincy Scotland work with public and private sector organisations including Midlothian, Aberdeen, Stirling and Dundee City Councils, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Edinburgh and Dundee Airports, John Lewis, Boots and 15 shopping centres including Livingston Centre. As a non-denominational Christian chaplaincy we are welcomed by these organisations and we are happy to support people of all faiths and none and work with other community groups.

Details of your local Chaplain and how to make contact will be advertised within your service soon. However, if you have any queries on this new initiative at this time please contact the council’s Equality Officer on:

01506 281072 kenny.selbie@westlothian.gov.uk

First sod cut at Pumpherston

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Update for SWIVEL usersAs part of the ICT Modernisation Project IT are currently changing how staff receive the onetime SWIVEL pinsafe code that allows authorised users access to key systems remotely. This change will simplify the process and remove the need to have your personal mobile number listed in the staff directory.

Each current SWIVEL user will be given a fob/token by IT Services. For this reason users who are actively using their SWIVEL accounts will receive their new fob/token first. Once you have received your token and it has been activated, you can remove your private number from the staff directory.

NB: Please ensure you do not remove your land line or council supplied telephone numbers as these are still essential for our records.

The new fobs are very easy to use and only require you to press a single button to generate your new onetime code. We will contact you two weeks in advance of the date of issue. You must let us know if you are not able to collect your fob on the day allocated because your swivel pinsafe text messages will cease on that date and you will not be able to access the system until your fob is collected.

If you have any questions please contact: Janet Abernethy by email or telephone.

01506 281480

janet.abernethy@westlothian.gov.uk

The work was carried out as part of the Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV) scheme. “We normally have a team-building exercise once a year,” said Graham Whitelaw, from Regeneration and Employability, “and this proved a great morale booster, was great for team-building and we all had great fun doing it. It was brilliant.”

As well as carrying out a general tidy-up of the area, staff painted benches in the ‘square’ at Livingston Village, built planters, weeded, removed moss and cleaned the phone box, which is in the process of being adopted by the local community council.

Every service area has an ESV Champion. If you would like to take part in an ESV project, or have a task that you think would be suitable for ESV, discuss it with your Champion.

Housing, Construction and Building Services launched their Management Plan and held their Awards Ceremony at Howden Park Centre in May. They were joined by over 140 members of staff.The Management Plan includes the activities and initiatives for the coming year and their links to the overall Corporate

Plan. At the event the service also celebrates and recognises staff at the Awards Ceremony. These are staff who have achieved qualifications in the last 12 months at the Recognition of Achievement Awards and also staff who have Gone the Extra Mile and excelled in their job role at the GEM Awards.

Employee volunteering

Congratulations go to winner Donna Clachrie who finished the game with 39 points. Donna, who won last year’s championship, wins a four ball voucher for Ratho Park Golf Club and a bottle of bubbly. Runners up were Colin McKillop, Malcolm Simpson and Alan Hunt.

Plans for next year’s championship are already under discussion. A big thank you goes to Sadie Trivett for organising the event which was an even greater success than last year.

Council golf day tees off

Staff from Regeneration and Employability in Area Services have helped brighten up a corner of Livingston Village.

On 5 June, thirty nine council workers battled it out at Harburn Golf Club for the second annual West Lothian Council Golf Championship trophy.

Donna Clachrie

Housing Awards

We are always keen to receive suggestions for articles or features, and photography. For details on future deadlines for Inside News contact: Corporate Communications, West Lothian Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston, EH54 6FF

01506 282006 media@westlothian.gov.uk

Dave Kingston, Outdoor Education Instructor at the Low Port Centre, has recently been offered a place with the British Triathlon age group team to compete in the European Triathlon championships. The championships are being held in Geneva, Switzerland and will begin with a 750m swim in Lac Leman followed by a 20 kilometre cycle round the city and then a 5 kilometre run to the finish.

For Dave the adventure began some 5 years ago when Dave’s wife Sue invited him to join a swimming group she was in. This turned out to be a triathlon club, and Dave started to compete with Sue at various events around Scotland.

Dave’s appetite for more illustrious events was whetted when Sue was selected for the World Championship age group event held in London in 2013. Watching her compete sowed the seed and the following year Dave accompanied Sue to a qualifying event at Holme Pierrepont in Nottingham. Dave and Sue’s results have seen them both selected and they will travel to Geneva in July to compete alongside other members of the British team at various distance events.

Dave found out he had been selected whilst at work and colleagues Mike and Iain were convinced he had won the lottery as he ran round the office screaming and punching the air shouting “Yes, Yes, Yes”.

Dave said “I train between 8-13 hours per week and in the depths of winter, when I am cycling from Edinburgh to Linlithgow crying with the cold in my hands, I wonder why I am doing it. Being selected for the British Team made me realise why I keep going.”

Congratulations to...Congratulation to Ailsa MacKerrow (Finance and Estates) and husband James on the birth of her daughter. Darcey made her appearance on 12 May and is a petite 5 lbs 13 oz.

Congratulations to Ewen McNamee (Corporate Communications) and partner Gillian on the birth of their son, Connor Allan. Connor was born on 11 May, weighing 6lb 13oz.

Many happy returns to Fiona Weir with the Youth Inclusion Project, who celebrates a big birthday this year.

Congratulations to Amanda Holmes, Customer Service Officer, at Blackburn Connected, who got married to Kimmy on 1 April 2015

Congratulations to Julie McDonald, Community Based Housing Officer, on her 40th birthday on 13 March.

Congratulations to Lynda Ferguson (Finance and Estates) and husband Jamie on the birth of their son, James, on 22 June weighing 8lb 2oz.

Dave leads the way

Keeping you informedi

Kerry’s marathon effortGraphic Designer Kerry Houston took part in her first ever long distance run in May, helping to raise over £300 for the Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre Lothian.

Kerry took part in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival 5k run with her son Moray and partner John, who has MS and who accompanied them both round Arthur’s Seat in his disabled buggy.

The cost of running the centre is around £200,000 each year, for which they rely heavily upon fundraising and donations. Colleagues can still sponsor Kerry by clicking on the link below.

www.justgiving.com/Kerry-Houston1

Goodbye to the paper payslip As part of the council’s modernisation programme, staff with access to HR21 will no longer be issued with paper payslips.

Electronic pay slips will be issued for HR21 users from May 2015. HR21 users will now need to access the system to view their payslip on a monthly basis. Payslips are normally available to view online the Friday before pay day.

A quick link to the guidance on how to access your pay slip is below:

http://webwest1.app.westlothian.gov.uk/HRGuides/HRGuides.html

As HR21 contains details of the personal information held by the council relating to employees, including home address and emergency contact/next of kin, I would also ask that you go online to check the accuracy of the information stored relating to you and update/input if required.

A quick link to the guidance on how to update your address and/or your emergency contact details is below:http://webwest1.app.westlothian.gov.uk/HRGuides/HRGuides.htmlFull HR 21 guides available on the council intranet, and HR would encourage you to familiarise yourself with these and in the event that you experience any difficulties refer you to these in the first instance.