Get involved this month with...

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion : bite sized training sessions available for staff 

In keeping with our commitment to equalities, we have purchased a number of Equality Diversity and Inclusion Training sessions from our Employee Assistance Provider, Workplace Options. Each of the sessions will last one hour and will be available across a range of dates and times.

View the latest staff training courses  Bite sized EDI Training [350kb]

Health and Wellbeing Training Sessions for Staff -  April to June 2023

Free courses for staff include:

• Menopause and Mental Health
• Addressing Poverty Stigma in the Workplace
• Making the Most of your Money
• Alcohol Focus Scotland: Managing Alcohol and Drugs in the Workplace  
• Supporting Mental Health

Find out more and how to sign up to attend  April to June 2023 - Health and Wellbeing Training [341kb]

22 May 2023 - "It's a game changer!" : join the Glasgow Credit Union before the end of June and be entered into their prize draw.

Formed in 1989 with the purpose of improving the financial wellbeing of Glasgow City Council workers, Glasgow Credit Union has grown over years to become the UK's largest and most successful credit union.

With a partnership spanning over 30 years, everyone working for the council is eligible to join and membership is free. Over 7,000 council staff are already experiencing the benefits of membership with Glasgow Credit Union!

Benefits of joining include:

• Save direct from your wages every payday
• A hassle-free way to become a regular saver with the comfort of free Life Savings Protection
• Exclusive access to personal loans up to £25,000
• Exclusive access to member-only mortgages, including our 95% mortgage
• 24-hour access to your account via our website and mobile app
• Become part of a local, mutual organisation that puts members and the Glasgow community first
• Savings protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme

Anthony Oliver, Corporate Procurement Unit in Chief Executive's Department stated: "Saving direct from my wages is a complete game changer and makes setting money aside each month so much easier. I have been a member for over 10 years and during that time it has helped me save for holidays, Christmas and my first house. It's also handy if you ever need to borrow and the loan repayments come straight from your salary which again, makes things feel easier. I have recommended Glasgow Credit Union to countless colleagues over the years and would still have no hesitation in doing so today."

Join before 30 June to enter a £50 prize draw!

Joining Glasgow Credit Union is free and easy. Every council family employee who joins before 30 June will be entered into a prize draw to win £50.   Don't delay, join today!

More information

To become a member, all you need to do is save a regular amount from your salary each month. Find out more at: https://www.glasgowcu.com/gcc-join-today/

3 May 2023 - We Need You - closing date extension and drop-in session Wednesday 10 May

This summer Glasgow will once again host another major sporting event, and we need you to help us deliver.

The event

From 3-13 August 2023, the inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships will be hosted in Glasgow and across Scotland. It will be the single biggest cycling event in history, bringing together 13 existing individual cycling world championship disciplines into one mega event. We will be looking for passionate and enthusiastic staff to help us deliver in a variety of roles supporting areas like Event Operations, Spectator Services and Workforce to name but a few. You'll be embedded in a large, dedicated event team, be fully trained and will support delivery as the world watches the biggest cycling event ever!

Drop-in session

On Wednesday, May 10 from 12:30 - 1pm, we will be hosting a drop-in session on Microsoft Teams for any Glasgow City Council staff who are interested in the We Need You programme, to come and hear a little about what the programme is and then ask us any questions you may have about it. This can be anything from general questions about the programme, to questions about the roles, to questions about how we can accommodate your specific circumstances. This is a great opportunity for anyone who is on the fence about applying, or for anyone who will be a first time We Need You participant who wants to see what the experience might offer them.

Here is the Teams meeting link:

Click here to join the meeting

Important Information

• Applications have been extended! We've seen some great interest so we want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to apply, and therefore, we've extended our application deadline by two weeks. You now have until Sunday, May 14 to register and apply.
• You should seek your line manager's approval before making an application.
• You will be asked to work your contracted weekly hours, although some evening and weekend cover will be required.
• You can sign up via this link to register your interest. Here you'll be asked to sign up to our portal where you'll be able to access more information including full overviews of all the roles available.

Key dates:

• Applications will be open until May 14
• Applicants reviewed and contacted throughout May
• Final confirmations & start dates for successful candidates inJune
• Most posts will last from mid to late July until 13 August

Please contact UCIWorkforce@glasgowlife.onmicrosoft.com if you have any questions.

For more information read our supporting briefings:  We Need You Role Profiles [379kb]   We Need You Managers' Briefing [252kb]

3 May 2023 - Free mental health support for staff: book your virtual appointment

Your health and wellbeing at work is our highest priority and we are always looking for ways we can enhance the support we provide. That's why we've partnered with Able Futures who deliver the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service on behalf of the Department of Work and Pensions.

Able Futures offer up to nine months of free, confidential one to one mental health support from a qualified mental health professional from the Better Health Generation. Support is available over the phone, through email, or video calls at a time to suit you.

They can help you deal with issues relating to anxiety, depression, grief, or stress, or to deal with problems such as debt, disrupted sleep or relationship breakdowns. Whatever is playing on your mind and affecting the way you feel, Able Futures can support you so that you can feel better and have more good days.

15 May - book a virtual appointment

To mark the start of Mental Health Awareness Week this year, Able Futures are running a Virtual Appointment Day which offers staff the opportunity to book a 30-minute telephone appointment to talk to a mental health professional from Able Futures, in complete confidence and at a time chosen by you.

You can book your timeslot at: https://calendly.com/lisa-woodward-1/appointment-booking-mental-health-support-gc-15th

You will receive confirmation of your booking by email, and a mental health professional from the Better Health Generation will call you at your chosen time to discuss how they can help. During the call, they will answer any initial questions you have about the service and can complete your application there and then for the free mental health support if you wish to proceed.

This service is fully confidential, and the council will not be made aware of any personal appointments or bookings.

Support is available now

You don't have to wait until the appointment day, you can apply through the Able Futures website at any time for support. This confidential service is quick and easy to access:

• Freephone 0800 321 3137 for a chat to determine the right support for you, lines are open 8am to 10.30pm, Monday to Friday
• Apply online at https://able-futures.co.uk/mental-health-support-for-individuals/apply-for-able-futures

If you need a private safe space to talk to Able Futures or need flexibility to balance this with work and personal commitments, then you should talk to your manager to discuss how this can be accommodated.

Visit our health and wellbeing support

For more information visit our workforce wellbeing page

3 May 2023 - Supporting our diverse workforce: Stephen Lawrence Day

Saturday 22 April marked the 30^th anniversary of the death of Steven Lawrence. The loss of this exceptional young man and the circumstances of his death led to the creation of legislation on race relations and highlighted the cultural and institutional racism in the UK.

The impact of Stephen's death resonates even today as the racism and racial inequality continue to impact on the lives of many.

The council takes this opportunity to recognise the diverse workforce that help keep this city going and to reiterate that inequality, discrimination, racism and intolerance of others is not acceptable.  We acknowledge and support the work of the Stephen Lawrence Foundation and we will continue to work to ensure we're a fair and equal employer to all.u

If you have or are experiencing bullying or harassment, we urge you to act and follow our 5 steps to stop bullying and harassment:

1.    Don't ignore the problem.

2.    Confide in someone.

3.    Know the policy and options open to you.

4.    Keep a record.

5.    Consider taking action.

Full details of our policy and approach are detailed online -

Bullying and Harassment - Glasgow City Council.

You can also speak with our Employee Assistance Provider PAM Assist who are available 24 hours a day to provide free confidential advice and support, you can contact them on FreePhone 0800 247 1100. Webchat: pam-assist.co.uk or by Email: counsellingteam@pamassist.co.uk / info@pamwellbeing.co.uk.

3 May 2023 - Payroll Giving is King

Celebrating an era of change and finding new ways of doing traditional things? Then you need to know about Payroll Giving.

Do you already support charities with regular donations from your bank?  By making a clever swap to a Payroll Giving donation you can save money.   The donation is taken from pay before tax meaning that your nominated charity receives the amount you pledge but you don't pay the tax.

You will also be helping your charity save time and money on administration and ensure they receive all the tax every month and don't have to claim gift aid. View our Payroll Giving calculator by clicking here

It is a win for you and your charity.  Sign up to support your charity today by clicking on the link below and completing the simple form.   Your charity will be thankful.

3 May 2023 - Sir Chris Hoy launches 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships 23 Million Mile Challenge

Last Tuesday, organisers of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships launched the 23 Million Mile Challenge in partnership with Love to Ride - as part of the celebration of 100 days to go until the inaugural 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships mega-event takes place in Glasgow, and across Scotland, from 3-13 August.

To kick off the 23 Million Mile Challenge, static bikes were placed in George Square and passers-by were encouraged to join in the challenge and log the first miles. Cyclists from across the UK are urged to complete as many miles as possible between April and the UCI Cycling World Championships taking place in August.

Take part

The organisers are challenging everyone to sign up and contribute to their collective target of 23 million miles cycled across the UK ahead of the biggest cycling event in the world.

Registrations open at cyclingworldchamps.com/23-million-mile-challenge. 

Sir Chris Hoy, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships Ambassador, said: "In 100 days, the greatest cycling athletes in the world will bring the biggest and best cycling event in history to Scotland. The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will be full of can't-miss moments across the country for everyone to experience and enjoy.

"I'm thrilled to help mark today's milestone and kickstart the 23 Million Mile Challenge by logging some of the first miles as part of the journey we can all be part of on the countdown to the Championships." 

Read the full story on 100 days to go on our council news web site

Tickets

With something for everyone to enjoy, the 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds will feature 13 high-adrenaline, exciting UCI World Championships including Track and Para-cycling Track at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, BMX Racing at Glasgow BMX Centre, BMX Freestyle (Park and Flatland) and Trials at Glasgow Green, Indoor Cycling (artistic cycling and cycle-ball) at the Emirates Arena, Mountain Bike Cross-Country, and Marathon in Glentress Forest, Tweed Valley. Mountain Bike Downhill in Fort William and Road and Para-cycling Road across Scotland.

Tickets are on sale now from as little as £8, with concessions from £5, plus there are many free events to watch throughout the Championships.

Don't miss a single moment - get your tickets online now at www.cyclingworldchamps.com

3 May 2023 - Join our Women's Network to have your say on gender issues: next event

Our Women's Network provides an opportunity for women - or anyone interested in gender issues - to get together and discuss relevant topics, share ideas, insights and experiences.

The group provides a positive, supportive environment enabling members to relate to one another first and foremost as individuals.

Sign up for the Women in Leadership Event with Sarah Shaw, Head of Planning

The Glasgow City Council Women's Network are inviting all staff to the next Women in Leadership event in May with Sarah Shaw, Head of Planning in Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability.At this informal event,Sarah will be discussing her varied career path from studying Law to Policy Planning and sharing her experience of being a woman in leadership in the public sector. Participants will find out more about what challenges Sarah has faced and hear more about the city's approach to Feminist Planning.

Sarah will talk about her recent work on Feminist Urbanism in Glasgow and the importance of approaching planning through a gendered lens: "I think the main thing to remember is that any good design for women is good design for everybody. It's universal design. It's not just for the women. It's just making sure that women's lived experience is being taken into account."

Event Details

Thursday 4th May 2023

12.00 - 13.00

This event will be held on MS Teams

To join the network or sign up to the attend the Women in Leadership event email  WomensNetwork@glasgow.gov.uk

More information

• For more information about the Women's Network go to Connect

3 May 2023 - Aye Write 2023: Tickets on sale now

Aye Write, Glasgow's Book Festival, is back for 2023. From Friday 19 to Sunday 28 May, this year's event takes place across both the Mitchell Library and the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

More than 120 events will showcase a broad range of both established and emerging writing talent. These will feature lively discussion and debate involving 175 authors from Scotland and around the world.

A range of current topics and cultural themes underpin the carefully curated programme, with content focusing on subjects as diverse as the cost-of-living crisis, the war in Ukraine, health and wellbeing, the environment and climate crisis, today's political environment in the UK, sport, and the criminal justice system.

Tickets

View this year's events and buy your tickets now at website.

27 April 2023 - Digital Menopause Café: join us online for a chat

12 April 2023 - We Need You: 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships  Roles

2023 UCI Cycling World Championships

Background
This summer Glasgow will once again host another major sporting event, and we need you to help us deliver.

The event
From 3-13 August 2023, the inaugural UCI Cycling World Championships will be hosted in Glasgow and across Scotland. It will be the single biggest cycling event in history, bringing together 13 existing individual cycling world championship disciplines into one mega event. Glasgow will provide five venues for the 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds including Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, Emirates Arena, George Square, Glasgow BMX Centre and Glasgow Green.

What We Need
We will be looking for passionate and enthusiastic staff to help us deliver in a variety of roles supporting areas like Event Operations, Spectator Services and Workforce to name but a few. Much like previous We Need You campaigns for Glasgow 2018 European Championships and COP26, this is a great opportunity to see a major sporting event up close, meet new people and enhance your skills. You'll be embedded in a large, dedicated event team, be fully trained and will support delivery as the world watches the biggest cycling event ever!

Important Information

• You should seek approval of your line manager and then your Head of Service before making an application
• We are looking for people to be available for the Championships period (3-13 August) with most roles likely to start in July prior to the move to venue. Specifics will be discussed with successful applicants and their line managers.

Key dates:

• Applications open throughout April
• Applicants reviewed and contacted throughout May including informal skills matching discussion
• Final confirmations for successful candidates in June with relevant managers notified
• Most posts will last from mid to late July until 13 August

Register online at https://uci2023.rosterfy.com/invite/We_Need_You

More information 

• More detailed information and FAQs is available in the  We Need You Managers' Briefing [252kb]
• For more information on the roles, what is required and a list of available posts view  We Need You Role Profiles [379kb] 
• Please contact uciworkforce@glasgowlife.onmicrosoft.com if you have any questions.

5 April 2023 - You could win a year's supply of toilet paper - April: Bowel and Testicular Cancer awareness month.

The Scottish Government recently ran a 'Be the Early Bird' awareness campaign to  encourage those who have unusual, persistent symptoms to contact their GP practice - and not to be scared.

Finding cancer earlier can mean there's more treatment options available, a greater chance of living well after treatment and better news to tell the family.

If you're worried about a possible cancer symptom, your GP practice wants to hear from you. For more information visit getcheckedearly.org

April is Bowel and Testicular Cancer awareness month

Do you #KnowTheHigh5 symptoms of bowel cancer?  Test your knowledge with a quiz here.

There are five true or false questions to answer. When you're done click 'next' and enter your details to be in with a chance to win one year's supply of Andrex® standard toilet paper rolls. Please note: Please answer all questions if you'd like to be entered into the prize draw. The prize draw will be open until midnight on Sunday 30 April. You can read the full terms and conditions for the prize draw.

Whether you're one of the 2,300 people diagnosed with testicular cancer each year, or just want to find out more, macmillan have information that can help.

Find out more at: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-awareness/testicular-cancer-awareness-month

More information

• Find out more and how to raise awareness and funds for Bowel Cancer research at Bowel Cancer UK. 
• Find out more about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/testicular-cancer/
• Find out more at: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-awareness/testicular-cancer-awareness-month
• Visit our workforce wellbeing pages for a full list of health and wellbeing resources for advice and support.

Watch Justin talk to his friend, Matt, about his 'Ball Voyage Party' and why he wishes he'd spoken to a doctor sooner at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m94u5rFOYwg

5 April 2023 - Life can be full of ups and downs

If you're going through a difficult patch, feeling stressed, anxious, or low, it's important to remember that help is available.

Mind to Mind is a dedicated NHS Inform website to help people who may be facing challenges with their mental wellbeing. The website features real people talking about their own experiences to help others who may be experiencing similar challenges - with each contributor giving advice on how they deal with life's ups and downs.

It features over 30 videos of people talking about their own mental wellbeing challenges in a bid to help others who may be going through the same. It also provides practical advice on how to access further support.

The website is structured around the following topics:

• Dealing with anxiety and panic
• Handling stress
• Coping with money worries
• Sleeping better
• Lifting mood
• Moving through grief.

Visit www.nhsinform.scot/mindtomind to help yourself stay well and look after your mental wellbeing - watch the videos for real life stories.

Staff support is available on our website at www.glasgow.gov.uk/workforcewellbeing and in our dedicated staff health and wellbeing handbook.

5 April 2023 - Snap up 2 FREE tickets to The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show 

Looking to improve your home in 2023? 

Keen to improve the energy efficiency of your home? 

Or maybe you're dreaming of building a secure, sustainable home from scratch? 

Whether you're an experience renovator or self-builder, or planning your first ever project, you will find out everything you need to make your ideas a reality at the Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show. 

Save up to £24* by snapping up 2 FREE tickets to the Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show,  when it returns to the SEC, Glasgow on 20 - 21 May. 

During the two-day exhibition, you can check out the latest products, services and innovations from over 140 exhibitors and attend free seminars and masterclasses with topics including sustainable heating, financial and planning permission issues, eco living and architectural design.  

Don't miss the advice centre, where you can take along your plans, outline drawings and even your ideas for a free 15 minute consultation with an architect, planner, builder or an expert from the Homebuilding & Renovating magazine team. 

Energy efficiency will be a major focus for the show with new features designed to help you improve the energy efficiency of your home. New for 2023 will be the Home Energy Hours, a series of theatre presentations highlighting the latest trends in home energy.   There will also be one-to-one sessions available at the Home Energy Academy where eco-energy experts will provide advice on making homes energy efficient, saving money on bills and reducing carbon footprint 

To get  2 free tickets worth £24* visit: https://glasgow.homebuildingshow.co.uk/pr22

The show is taking place at the SEC, Glasgow on 20-21 May 2023. Opening hours: Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 10am - 4.30pm. 

For more information on the show visit https://glasgow.homebuildingshow.co.uk 

*Saving based on one day door price. Children under 16 go free. Offer expires 3pm 19 May 2023.  

5 April 2023 - Shower your favourite charity with kindness this April 

Did you know you can shower your favourite charity with kindness this April? And the best bit is it won't break the bank.

If you're a standard rate taxpayer for every pound you donate to your favourite causes it only costs you 80p. Giving even a small amount, can support charities help the most vulnerable in our communities.

Sign up by 30 April to support your charity and make an even bigger impact.   We will be selecting one donor at random to receive an additional £50 gift on any new payroll giving donations. The winner will be notified by 13 May 2023.

So why not join 1 million other employees in the UK and donate the smart way this April.