Created: 5/6/20
If you were in Kilncraigs on Thursday and lost money, please contact Jane Bett in Adult Care on ext 2478. The money was found on the stairs in the building.
Created: 4/6/20
All drivers using pool cars based at Kilncraigs are reminded that the car key needs to be returned to the key cabinet after use. If you have a set of keys but are no longer using a pool car, please return them as soon as possible.
If you have been given the use of a pool car that has not been booked out please let Fleet Services know and we can arrange for it to be removed from the booking system.
Fleet will need the vehicle registration number and a rough idea of how long the vehicle will be unavailable. Please email Fleet@clacks.gov.uk.
Created: 4/6/20
Extension of drivers' photo card expiry is being extended by 7 months. More information via the GOV.UK page.
Created: 2/6/20
For staff who are currently utilising this benefit scheme it may be worthwhile considering whether you need to reduce or temporarily stop this deduction from your salary given you may not have the same need for vouchers in these exceptional circumstances.
Staff are able to have a break of up to a year from the scheme and are able to resume payment at any point within this period.
In order to make adjustments to the amount paid you should contact computershare direct on 0345 002 1111 or at Parent@computershare.co.uk.
Created: 2/6/20
Social Work Scotland have endorsed the following webinars and podcasts provided by Dartington - A Social Justice Programme, which are available via Clacks Academy.
These podcasts/webinars might be of interest to help with your PRTL for your SSSC registration. Each of those listed below are 1 hour long learning sessions and feature an expert speaker presenting evidence.
To access Clacks Academy the link is available via the Connect home page. More information is also available by following these Connect links: Connect home page -> Human Resources -> Learning and Development -> Clacks Academy.
If you have any queries, please email ssld@clacks.gov.uk.
Created: 29 May 2020
Forthbank Recycling Centre will be re-opening on Monday 1 June using an online booking system.
Please visit our Re-opening of Forthbank Recycling Centre web page for full details.
To avoid disappointment, please make sure you have carefully read all the instructions before you arrive for your appointment.
Created: 28 May 2020
The Scottish Government has launched its Test and Protect system today (Thursday). This is Scotland’s approach to implementing the “test, trace, isolate, support” strategy which aims to prevent the transmission of Coronavirus in the community.
Test and Protect will identify where the infection is which in turn can help to avoid a return to lockdown and allow us all to adapt to a new normal.
The NHS will test people who have symptoms, trace people who may have become infected by spending time in close contact with someone who tests positive, and then support those close contacts to self-isolate.
So how will this affect you?
If you are at your place of work and become unwell with coronavirus symptoms:
If you test positive for the virus, you will need to self-isolate for a minimum of 7 days.
If you have been in close contact with someone who has been tested for Coronavirus symptoms:
Guidance for those having to isolate including how to self isolate effectively, making a plan for household/family and getting support if need can be found on the Scottish Government's website.
If you are self-isolating and are not unwell, your manager may ask you to work from home if you are able to do so.
We would like to reassure you that if you have been told to self-isolate, you will not be asked to come into work before your period of isolation is complete.
Created: 28 May 2020
Mandy passed away suddenly following a short illness on 21st May. She had worked for the Council for the last 15 years originally, as a home care worker and more latterly as a Reablement Support Worker. She has been a very valued member of the team and she will be greatly missed by all her colleagues at Ludgate House.
Louise Barker
Team Leader- Technology Enabled Care/ Reablement
Clackmannanshire & Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership
Created: 28 May 2020
While the Coronavirus outbreak has brought out the best in people, it has also brought out the worst with cyber criminals taking advantage of the current situation through a number of Coronavirus-related scams.
With people spending more time at home and online, cyber criminals are using every opportunity they can to scam innocent people, businesses and organsiations. Since April, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has removed more than 2,000 online scams related to coronavirus including;
To ensure that you stay cyber safe, the NCSC recommends that you:
If you are using viseo conferencing to keep in touch with colleagues or friends you should ensure that you:
The NCSC have more infromation on staying cyber secure on their website.
Created: 27 May 2020
Our employability service, Clackmannanshire Works, is still open for business. Although not able to provide support face-to-face at the moment, staff are available to help individuals over the telephone, by text or by email.
Clackmannanshire Works offers one-to-one support to local residents aged between 16 and 67 who need help with finding work.
If you know of anyone who requires support to get into work, please contact them on Tel: 01259 226699 or by Email: cworks@clack.gov.uk.
Created: 25 May 2020
2019/20 P60s are now available to view and download on iTrent Employee Self Sevice.
Emailed P60s will be sent this week. Please note the earnings on the P60 are your taxable earnings and tax paid, as well as National Insurance paid. It does not show your annual salary.
Created: 22 May 2020
If you’ve taken part in Scottish Ballet’s Health at Hand online movement and breathe sessions, please fill in this short survey to help them improve the programme.
Created: 20 May 2020
Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to respond to the staff wellbeing survey. We have had more than 800 responses so far which has been amazing! However we would like to hear from as many staff as possible so there's still time to fill out the survey if you haven't already done so.
Follow this link to the online survey. The survey will close at 5pm on Friday 22 May.
Created: 19 May 2020
If you are returning an electric pool car that does not need charged, please do not park it in a charging bay. It should be parked in the rear carpark.
The public also need to use these spaces to charge their cars and notice when our vehicles are not on charge or if non-electric vehicles are parked in any bay/s.
If you are charging a vehicle in one of the bays, you should move it to the rear carpark once fully charged, especially before the weekend, again because the public use these spaces too.
More information about using pool cars can be found on Connect by clicking on Staff Information -> Staff Travel Plan.
Created: Monday 18 May
A process is now in place which allows us to get people tested to ensure that our critical staff members can get back to work. If you are having to self-isolate due to symptoms, or a family member displaying symptoms, please email emergencyplanning@clacks.gov.uk with the following details:
Depending on the level of demand for testing, these requests may be prioritised based on factors such as the number of others able to fulfil the role and the criticality of the role being carried out. This prioritisation is happening across Scotland using the same matrix.
If you work in a care home, you will be contacted by the local Health Protection Team, whereas all other staff will receive a text message or phone call with details of how to book an appointment. Employees will have the option to book at a variety of centres around the country.
The Council cannnot access test results for any member of staff, so it is important that you advise your manager of the result of the test.
As yet there is no test readily available to identify those who may have had it in the past and built up an immunity.
Created: Monday 18 May
Work is being carried out in Kilncraigs this week to fix openers onto many of the doors to prevent people from having to touch them. These will close at 7pm each night and if the fire alarm activates.
Locks are also being fitted onto the outside door of each toilet block to ensure social distancing can be maintained. Please use these locks to ensure only one person is in each block at a time.
Seonaid Scott
Health & Safety Adviser
e: hands@clacks.gov.uk
Created: Friday 15 May
Dr Jim White is live-streaming stress control classes.
Created: Thursday 14 May
IT is in the process of rolling out MS Teams and it has been successfully deployed in a number of services and teams. MS Teams can be used on a laptop or mobile device - which can be either a work or personal device.
IT is working with a Citrix Engineer to explore whether MS Teams can be deployed within the current Citrix environment.
Staff can continue to use Zoom - please keep in mind that Zoom is recommended as a means of 'keeping in touch' but not recommended for business meetings of a personal or sensitive nature.
Created: Wednesday 13 May
Microsoft Teams is an app that brings colleagues and partners together in a single digital distribution platform, no matter where you are, and will improve the way we work and communicate.
Within one window, you can use a variety of tools to help you work more effectively. In Teams users can
Why we’re introducing Teams now
We are rolling out Teams now to provide a secure platform to support our work throughout the current Coronavirus pandemic. Teams can help those services who need additional tools to better communicate, share and work together on documents.
We have had to implement Teams quickly and without the suite of training and support that we would have liked to create had we had more time to do so. To assist services we have provided links to sites and information which may help you with Teams.
Services still have the option of using Zoom to keep in touch with colleagues. More information on Zoom can be found on Connect and staff pages on the Councils website.
Guidance on Setting Teams up
The link to install MS Teams can be found here https://teams.microsoft.com
You will need to install Teams outwith Citrix using a Google Chrome Browser. Sign in using your works email address username@clacks.gov.uk followed by your Citrix/Active Directory/Windows Password When prompted please select to set up a Work/School Account.
MS Teams should currently only be installed on a laptop (Windows 10) or a mobile device - which can be either a work or personal device.
If you are using a Council laptop in Kilncraigs, you may require Admin rights to your device. If you are using your Council laptop at home, please ensure that you install MS Teams prior to logging in to the VPN/CAG/Citrix
We suggest installing the Desktop App first, and then you will get a code to scan so that you can download the mobile App without having to repeat the process.
Please be aware that MS Teams install will not work on a Wyse terminal/Stratodesk and will NOT work within Citrix.
Council Staff who have already been set up with MS Teams will be able to join a meeting by opening Teams from their desktops (outwith Citrix/prior to logging in to the CAG).
Council Staff who have not yet been set up with MS Teams will be able to join a meeting by copying and pasting their invite to a browser - Google Chrome preferred - also outwith Citrix.
Council Staff will see their MS Teams invite in their Lotus Notes email/calendar as well as in their MS Teams Calendar.
Once installed, you can access information and training materials on using Teams. We would encourage you to make full use of these materials. If you have any issues installing Teams please email it@clacks.gov.uk and a member of the team will talk you through set-up.
Further information and helpful guides and MS Teams Meeting Guidance for Guests document can be found by following the links. Note that the Guidance for Guests document was created by Stirling Council, but the information and guidance also applies to staff at Clackmannanshire Council.
Created: Tuesday 12 May
A national wellbeing hub to help health and care staff look after their physical and mental health is now available. www.promis.scot offers staff, carers, volunteers and their families access to relevant support, providing advice on self-care and personal resilience.
Created: Thursday 7 May
Your health and wellbeing is important to us, paticularly during this difficult time. We understand people have had to get used to a new way of working or are having to self isolate at home and are not having the same direct contact with their teams that they are used to.
We want to know how you are doing so we have emailed a Staff Wellbeing Survey to the email address you get you payslip sent to. It should take no more than 10 minutes to fill out and we would encourage you to take the opportunity to do this. The survey is completely anonymous and will give us an indication of how our staff are coping in the current environment.
If you have not received an email with the link to the survey, you can fill out the online survey by following the link given.
Created: Wednesday 6 May
The Employer's Liability Certificate 2020/21 is available via Connect (Documents & Forms -> News folder). This should be printed off/distributed for display in all council buildings.
Created: Monday 4 May
Our Ranger Service is asking for your help in gathering some simple information about any birds of prey you spot when you are out on your daily exercise in Clackmannanshire. Please let them know by filling in our online survey via the link below:
Created: Friday 1 May
We have received an important safety alert regarding the use of alcohol based hand sanitiser. It is important that staff ensure that the sanitiser is rubbed in fully before proceeding to do any other task. There have been examples of people experiencing severe burns due to wet sanitiser on hands being ignited by static electricity, particularly when in contact with metallic surfaces or electrical switches/equipment.
Please ensure that you members of your team are aware of this important information.
Created: Friday 1 May
Who Cares? Scotland’s telephone helpline continues to be inundated with calls, so we are continuing to fundraise in order to support those who need it most. Our first ever Who Cares? Scotland virtual quiz night will be taking place on Friday 1st of May at 8pm.
It costs £5 to enter by texting WCSQUIZ to 70085 and you can register by following the link above.
100% of the money raised from this quiz will go directly to supporting Care Experienced people.
Created: Wednesday 29 April
Please follow the link for the latest Cyber Resilience Notice dated 23 April about keeping safe online and being scam aware.
On 28th April every year Trade Unions around the world hold events to remember those who have died and fight for the living.
In Clackmannanshire, Trade Union Officials, Senior Council Officers and Elected Members gather at the memorial stone in front of the Council Headquarters every year to say a few words to mark the event and to lay wreathes.
Unfortunately this year we have had to forgo holding our usual memorial gathering, however we will be marking the event with a minutes silence at 11am for key workers who have lost their lives during Covid-19 and to remember those who have sadly lost their lives at work over the past year; to pay tribute to the sacrifice of so many workers during the pandemic; and to thank all those who continue to do vital work at great personal risk.
Our staff continue to provide crucial public services and have stepped up to help even more people who have become isolated during this difficult time. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of staff for everything that they have done and continue to do during this very difficult time.
We would invite everyone to take part in the minutes silence whether they are in their workplace or at home. If you use social media we would also invite you to add a purple twibbon to your profile image for the day.
https://twibbon.com/Support/intl-workers-memorial-day/
Kevin McIntyre, Joint Trade Union Committee Secretary
Nikki Bridle, Chief Executive
Tina Murphy, Clackmannanshire Council Provost.
Payroll deadlines 2020/21
Created: Thursday 9 April, 1030
The payroll deadlines for 2020/21 can be found on CONNECT by clicking on Documents & Forms > Service Areas > Payroll > Deadlines for Services to HR Payroll 20-21.
Created: Thursday 9 April, 1030
In order to support payroll colleagues, and to ensure continued processing of payrolls, we are making the following changes to our processes due to reductions in our payroll staff numbers.
We cannot guarantee that forms that are received via internal mail will be processed.
All letters relating to changes to contracts that are currently posted will now be sent via email to the address we have on record for submission of payslips.
It is also vitally important for managers to ensure the correct recording of absences in iTrent for those with staff who are currently not at work due to self isolation/ high risk. This will ensure there is no impact on pay. Further details on how to record were provided in the IMT briefing sent out on 18/03/2020.
Chris Alliston
Senior Manager - HR and Workforce Development
Created: Wednesday 8 April
There will be no internal/external mail on Good Friday and Easter Monday, 10 and 13 April.
Created: Monday 6 April, 1600
The Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill contains provision, as a temporary measure, for public authorities to extend the deadline for responding to FOIs. Instead of 20 working days the deadline is now 60 working days. Please note that it is an extension of the deadlines and all FOIs must still be responded to. The Bill still requires public authorities to respond promptly.
Please also note that the FOI provisions in the Bill apply only to the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002. They do not, therefore, apply to requests for environmental information which fall under the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004.
Annette McEnaney
Depute Returning Officer/Senior Governance Officer (Acting)
e: amcenaney@clacks.gov.uk
In accordance with Government and NHS Health Guidelines, it is not advisable to share or pass on any type of IT equipment during a pandemic. IT would strongly advise against this practice as we are not able to give any returned equipment a complete anti bacterial deep clean. We appreciate that the risks of transference may be low, but we cannot risk the health of staff by allowing this practice.
Please do not share any remote working equipment, even if asked to do so by your Line Manager.
We are currently trying to source another supply of remote working equipment and will advise when this is available for staff
CTSI are providing a daily update on the status third sector services operating in Clackmannanshire.
This is important information to all staff because these services complement statutory provision.
It is published as a spreadsheet every day on the page: https://ctsi.org.uk/covid-19/
It is labelled as shown below.
***Third Sector Organisations - Status update***
Coronavirus, or COVID-19 as it is sometimes referred to, is a virus similar to the common cold and flu. Typical symptoms of coronavirus include:
We are working closely with Scottish Government, Public Health and our partners across Forth Valley to monitor and respond to the national situation.
Staff from across our service areas are meeting regularly to identify and discuss the issues and we are putting plans in place to manage the situation as it develops, following advice and guidance from the health authorities and the Scottish Government.
While there is much speculation and rumour about the Coronavirus and the impacts it will have, it is important to get trusted and reliable information. The aim of this page is to provide you with information and guidance as an employee of the council. We have put together a list of FAQs which should help to answer any questions you may from
We also have a section which aims to cut through the rumours with fact and we would encourage you all to read this.
It is important to point out that the containment and treatment of Coronavirus is being managed by the NHS and central Government. We would encourage staff with any concerns to visit either NHS Inform or the Scottish Government website for the most up to date information.