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: 17/4/24
We issued a data maturity assessment survey on 11 April to all managers, elected members and staff who have a key responsibility for data as part of this work.
The survey, which should only take around 20 minutes to complete, will remain live until 3 May. Your contribution to this is extremely important, so please fill in the survey if you receive it. 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: 5/4/24
Please give us your views on Stage 2 of the review of polling districts and polling places online consultation via the link below:
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: 28/3/24
Further updates from SPPA on timescales for applications is available on Connect.
Created: 22/3/24
The annual Statement of Accounts has to be submitted to Council and the external auditors by 30 June.
For the 2023/24 Statement of Accounts, the Year End Timetable gives the final dates for completion of tasks and the required information to be provided to Accountancy including, order processing, goods receipting, invoicing, service accruals, stock, bank reconciliations, Council Tax and NDR processes etc.
You can view the full article and access the timetable documents via the Connect link above.
Created: 21/3/24
The Council’s new Information Request system, which provides additional functionality to manage Subject Access Requests (SARs) launched on 1 February.
All new Subject Access Requests must be recorded by all Services in the new system from 1 April 2024.
Created: 20/3/24
Please refer to the important reminder on Connect on building security following reopening of Kilncraigs reception.
Created: 8/3/24
The latest edition of Connected is available via Connect.
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: 15/1/24
Upcoming dates for Resilience Learning Partnership's (RLP) Trauma Informed Practice training for managers:
Follow the link given for more information via Connect.
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: 12/10/23
Please refer to Connect article about any Council vehicle parking in the rear carpark.
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: 31/8/23
For more information on Alloa Rotary's SpecSort project and how you can donate your old eye glasses, please refer to the Connect article.
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