Created: 3/10/24
The Digital Champions are offering drop in support sessions via Teams where staff can ask questions about the use of Outlook, Word, Excel etc. Please refer to Connect article for details.
Created: 3/10/24
If you haven't already done so, please contribute to our online consultation which is available via the link below:
Created: 2/10/24
Having received notification from COSLA, we are now in a position to begin to implement the 2024/2025 pay award in relation to the uplift from 01/08/24 for those staff covered by SNCT conditions. Please refer to Connect article.
Created: 2/10/24
Having received notification from COSLA, we are now in a position to begin to implement the 2024/2024 pay award in relation to the uplift from 01/04/24 for those staff covered by Single Status/Craft Agreement. Please refer to the full article on Connect.
Created: 1/10/24
The Challenge Poverty Week programme of events is available on Connect. The programme of events open to the public is also available via our website events diary.
Created: 27/9/24
The latest edition of Connected is available via Connect.
Created: 27/9/24
The Accounts Commission report is also available via Connect.
Created: 27/9/24
Scotland's Census September newsletter has been published and the information is posted on Connect.
Created: 25/9/24
As we transition from Lotus Notes to Microsoft 365, we are required to implement new policies to meet government standards for secure communication.
These changes not only enhance the protection of our data, but also ensure that our organisation can communicate safely with government departments and strategic partners and maintain the trust of our clients who rely on us to handle their information securely.
Please make sure that you read the whole article on Connect.
Created: 19/9/24
The NHS winter vaccine programme in Scotland has started.
If you’re a health, social care or social worker who works directly with patients, or provides care and support services, you’re eligible for the flu and Covid-19 vaccines this year. Please refer to Connect article for more information.
Created: 19/9/24
All staff are reminded that Kilncraigs opening/closing times are 7am-7pm.
Created: 5/9/24
To ensure the security of data, we would ask that staff do not install third-party apps in the corporate Microsoft Teams environment. Please refer to full Connect article.
Created: 30/8/24
We want to thank managers for their continued support and guidance to their teams during this migration.
We want to provide an update at the mid-way point in our migration from Lotus Notes to Microsoft Outlook, a critical part of our broader digital transformation programme.
Please refer to the Connect article using the link above.
Created: 21/8/24
Sensitivity labels are a feature of Microsoft 365. These labels help protect sensitive data and will ensure compliance with our policies around information management and data security.
As part of the migration to Microsoft 365, sensitivity labels are being introduced next month. The labels will assign a level of protection to data held within emails and documents. Please refer to the Connect article and M365 FAQs for more information.
Created: 14/8/24
We need your immediate action to ensure the continued smooth operation of our email services. Our mailboxes are approaching their storage limits, and failure to address this issue promptly may result in disruptions to our communication channels.
Please take a moment to clear out any unnecessary emails and attachments from your mailboxes. This will help create space and prevent emails from being undeliverable due to full quotas.
Action Steps:
Note: emails may not be delivered until adequate space is made available in the mailboxes.
Thank you for your cooperation in resolving this matter swiftly.
For any assistance or queries regarding mailbox management, feel free to contact itcustomerservices@clacks.gov.uk.
Created: 11/7/24
Both lifts in Kilncraigs are connected to a monitoring company. If you become stuck in one of the lifts please follow the procedures detailed in Connect article.
Created: 11/7/24
Over the summer, changes are taking place as we begin our migration from Lotus Notes to Microsoft Outlook for email and calendar.
This change is part our ongoing Digital Transformation and Microsoft 365 implementation which aims modernise our technology, improve our ways of working and provide staff with the best tools to enable them to do their jobs.
Please refer to the Connect article for full details.
Created: 10/7/24
The roll out of the new Customer Service Hub continues with a new, convenient digital booking system for staff.
The new self-service app has been developed, to allow all staff – not just reception colleagues - to make digital bookings of the four reception meeting rooms at Kilncraigs. Please refer to full Connect article via the link given.
Created: 19/6/24
Please refer to Connect article for details of the training calendar for the coming year.
Created: 14/6/24
The best way for members to estimate how much their pension will be when they retire is to check their Annual Benefit Statement (ABS) using the member portal on the SPPA website. Please refer to Connect article for full details.
Created: 10/6/24
Please refer to full Budgetary Control Framework article and document posted on Connect. It is extremely important now, more than ever that income and expenditure is monitored closely and spend kept within budget.
Created: 6/6/24
Our mobile phone supplier, BT (EE), made some changes to our account settings, which has resulted in some users receiving a text message. Please refer to the full article on Connect via the link given above.
Created: 5/6/24
Over the last few months work has been ongoing to update the mapping capabilities on the Council's website and to remove many of the PDF documents that have been uploaded over the last few years.
Using the Council’s corporate mapping supplier CadCorp, a number of new webmaps have been created, which cover a range of themes and topics and are intended to allow users of the Council’s website quick and easy access to council held information.
Please refer to full article and contact details on Connect via the link given above.
Created: 30/5/24
There are a number of important changes to our security protocols. Please ensure these changes are cascaded and communicated to all teams. Full details are available via the Connect article.
Created: 17/4/24
We are looking for volunteers to assist with specific roles during a fire alarm activation/fire alarm test. Please refer to full Connect article on roles available via the link given.
Created: 17/4/24
We have noticed some departments are not completing the Fire Safety Rota spreadsheet.
All Fire Wardens and Roll Call Officers are reminded this spreadsheet and the Fire Boards on all levels must be kept up to date at all times to ensure cover is in place for critical roles during a Fire Alarm activation. Please refer to full Connect article via the link given.
Created: 12/4/24
What would you do if your nearest fire exit/escape route was blocked, how would you then exit the building? Are you familiar with alternative routes?
Please ensure you familiarise yourself with alternative fire exits and fire escape routes from the building/floors you are working in, as the normal entry/exit route you use may be compromised by fire or hazards. Please take 10 minutes to have a walk around your building and familiarise yourself with all escape routes. Full article via Connect.
Created: 11/4/24
Attention all email users: We need your immediate action to ensure the continued smooth operation of our email services. Please refer to Connect article.
Created: 3/4/24
Please note that panic alarms, emergency pull cords, refuge points and lift alarms will be tested on the first Friday of each month in Kilncraigs at 11am after the fire test has been carried out. Alarms will sound in the atrium area during this time.
Created: 20/3/24
Please refer to the important reminder on Connect on building security following reopening of Kilncraigs reception.
Created: 1/3/24
The staff, building information and Union noticeboards are located in the atrium, 1904 building. Any notices/posters should be posted on these boards only.
Please do not attach any notices/posters to any doors or windows throughout the building.
e: resilience@clacks.gov.uk
Created: 25/1/24
Please refer to Connect article about booking methods for specific Kilncraigs meeting rooms.
Created: 23/1/24
The Council's Dignity at Work Policy and Procedure demonstrates our commitment to having a safe working environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect and where complaints of harassment are dealt with quickly, positively and confidentially, even where the harassment is not directed at the complainant.
Please make sure you are familiar with the procedure via the link given above.
Created: 5/1/24
Staff are reminded that in line with the National Code of Conduct, as adopted by the Council, where they undertake additional employment outwith the Council they are required to seek appropriate approval. Please refer to the article on Connect.
Created: 16/11/23
See Connect article for request from IT for all staff to store and care for all issued equipment responsibly.
Created: 25/10/23
Colleagues are reminded that it’s important to update their personal details on iTrent regularly, to ensure that they are accurate. See Connect for more details.
Created: 21/9/23
It is important that all staff understand how to defend against cyber attacks. Please read the Connect article on guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre.
Created: 18/9/23
Please refer to the up-to-date article on Connect.
Created: 18/9/23
The IT and Legal areas in Kilncraigs have been locked down, and access is restricted to staff from these departments.
If you encounter any IT issues, please log an IT helpdesk request and make arrangements with the staff before visiting these areas.
e: resilience@clacks.gov.uk
Created: 18/8/23
As part of our support to employees we have a contract with PAM Assist to provide an Employee Assistance Programme.
The main elements of this are a phoneline which is available 24/7 - 0800 882 4102 and a website/app which people can access for information and support on a number of topics. These supports are free to use and are completely confidential.
If more specific support is required there are a number of options available including structured counselling, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing. These can also be accessed confidentially or through a management referral.
Information about the supports available and how to access them is available at J:PAM Assist Information. This includes posters and flyers which should be shared with staff to make them aware of the supports available.
e: hands@clacks.gov.uk
Created: 8/8/23
As employees and managers of the Council, we all have a duty to ensure we follow the 7 principles of public life and the code of conduct for local government employees. All staff should review and refamiliarise themselves with this code, which is available via Connect.
Created: 22/6/23
If you have a repair to report for Kilncraigs, please do so via Rusty (Craig Russell), our caretaker, e: caretaker@clacks.gov.uk. This allows him to keep track of any repairs, some of which he can fix himself, and/or be prepared for the arrival of a contractor if necessary.
Created: 15/6/23
Please refer to the Connect article about the importance of communicating with our Community Councils.
Created: 15/6/23
The Money Guiders Scotland network is for anyone who talks to people about their money worries and wants to learn more about money guidance. Please refer to the Connect article for more information about this service.
Created: 13/6/23
See Connect article for DPO, DPO service coordinator and FOI monitoring officer contact information.
Created: 12/6/23
For useful tips on using public wi-fi safely, please refer to the Connect article.
Created: 25/5/23
More and more of your day to day applications are web based (on-prem or hosted) ie iTrent, ORBiS, IDOX, Covalent, to name but a few.
In order for these web browsers to work at their optimal performance it is important to clear out your web browser cache on a regular basis. Please do this if you find your internet is running slowly.
Full details/steps can be found on the IT support portal.
Clearing your cache will wipe any saved passwords you have on your computer, so please make sure you have a note of these beforehand.
Created: 21/4/23
A new procedure is being implemented from Monday 24 April to ensure that there is Fire Warden and Roll Call cover in Kilncraigs and that information on the staff member(s) covering is easily accessible. Please read the Connect article detailing the new procedure.
Created: 7/7/22
An important reminder article to all Council vehicle drivers is available via Connect. Please make sure all of your staff are aware of their responsibilities when driving one of our vehicles.
e: smarttravel@clacks.gov.uk
Created: 7/6/22
Step on Stress is a free stress management course for anyone living or working in Forth Valley over 16 years of age that helps you learn to manage your stress. The course is now available online.
Each session is pre-recorded with a question and answer facility. It is not group therapy or one-to-one support; therefore you do not talk about your problems in front of others.
Step on Stress comprises of 3 sessions and runs once a week for 3-weeks. Each session lasts for about an hour and covers a different aspect of stress management:
You can book your place online or contact the Health Promotion Service at fv.hpstress@nhs.scot.
Please remember to check our wellbeing pages for reminders on looking after yourself.
Created: 24/2/22
Council employees are being reminded of the need to be extra vigilant to the risks of cyber security.
Due to an increase in phishing emails received this week, IT Services have implemented additional security checks on emails from Glow accounts. Education and Trade Union colleagues will likely notice a delay in their communications being received, however this is required to protect the Council's network from cyber attack.
The ICT team will continue to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to protect the Council's network, but there are a number of precautions that employees should also be taking.
The National Cyber Security Centre has lots of information and advice on being cyber aware and how to spot risks such as phishing emails. Some useful infographics are linked here:
More information on cyber security and how to be vigilant to cyber risks can also be found on the Staff News pages under Staying Safe.
Can you spot when you’re being phished? Take the Google phishing quiz.
Lastly, if you have any concerns or see any unusual or suspicious emails please let IT services know as soon as possible by emailing it@clacks.gov.uk.
Created: 21/1/22
Social media can be good way of keeping in touch with colleagues and remote working has seen an increase in the number of staff using social media as a way to communicate.
Please be aware that platforms such as WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger are not secure and should not be used to communicate or share sensitive or official information.
All staff should ensure they are familiar with the Council’s Social Networking Policy which is available on CONNECT.
Cherie Jarvie
Senior Manager – Partnership and Transformation