November 2020

30 November 2020 - MyPortal homepage updates

Following some updates to MyPortal we are aware that the main homepage is currently blank. It does not contain the usual links to vacancies and GOLD however, all tabs are working and usual functions can still be carried out as required. CGI are looking into this.

30 November 2020 - Christmas lights switched on in George Square

As part of our #LoveGlasgowThisChristmas campaign, the city's Christmas lights were switched-on in George Square on Wednesday 18 November.

As you might expect, the festive season in the city is going to be different this year because of Covid-19. Thanks to the Glasgow Life events and marketing and communications teams, for the first time ever, you could watch this magical moment online from the comfort and safety of your own home.

Radio Clyde presenter, George Bowie, and the city's Lord Provost, Councillor Philip Braat, joined council keyworker Theresa Martinfor the switch-on in the City Chambers.

Theresa Martin is a Natural Environment Officer with Parks Development at Neighbourhoods and Sustainability. During lockdown Theresa was one of 30 NS staff who volunteered to work with Neighbourhoods and Sustainability (Bereavement Services) at the Linn and Daldowie Crematoriums.

Theresa said:  "Being asked to switch on the Christmas lights was a real surprise.  ​I was humbled to be asked to represent keyworkers and thrilled to take part in such a special event. 

"Obviously the switch on was very different to normal because of the pandemic and the restrictions that we're all being asked to follow but it was a lovely experience for me."

If you missed it, you can watch it here.

30 November 2020 - Supporting staff in these challenging times

The Covid-19 pandemic is unprecedented. We are all dealing with the unknown. It's been a challenging time for everyone - individuals, businesses, public and private sector organisations.

The council strives to be an employer of excellence - never more so than in the current climate.

From the outset we made a firm commitment to safeguard the contractual employment of our employees. The health, safety and wellbeing of our employees has been paramount.

Robert Anderson, Head of HR said: "Lockdown and the steps that the government took to suppress the pandemic challenged our existing policy arrangements particularly in terms of managing attendance and supporting pay arrangements.

Prior to the pandemic we had not considered specific supporting arrangements to deal with concepts such as self-isolation, or a loss of pay as a direct result of changing services or a detriment in pay as services changed or as facilities were temporarily closed.

Our corporate and Service and ALEO HR teams worked extremely hard to meet these challenges."

Robert continued: "We faced a huge challenge in a time of crisis. As an employer we have worked hard to follow government advice whilst working to minimise the impact of detriment wherever possible because of the virus or any restrictions imposed to help suppress the virus - including the need to self-isolate."

Support in three key areas

Since February we've worked to support you in three key areas:absence management, pay and employment and volunteering opportunities and health and wellbeing.

Some of the support initiatives introduced include:

• Staff with diagnosed Covid-19 related absence continued to receive contracted full pay.
• Staff self-isolating because of Covid-19 continued to receive contracted full pay.
• Covid-related absences were separate to our absence management procedures
• Staff with pre booked annual leave, who were required to self-isolate when contacted by Test and Protect, could claim back pre-booked annual leave.
• Providing an average pay to support our temporary, casual and agency staff affected by lockdown or closure of facilities.
• Supporting key groups of staff including staff who were shielding, had underlying health conditions, over 70s, pregnant women and Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) employees.
• Supporting staff to enable them to work from home where possible and where this was not possible, to work safely from their normal place of work where this was required.
• Supporting our Modern Apprentices by extending their training periods to allow them to complete their vocational qualifications and giving them more time to help secure employment with the council family.
• Supporting the health, safety and wellbeing of staff by requesting that they use their annual leave proportionately throughout the year.
• Adopting a flexible approach to purchased annual leave - enabling staff to 'sell back' their purchased leave, or carry forward to 2021.

Support for staff on furlough

Core council staff were not furloughed and continued to receive their full pay. Some staff working at our Arms Length External Organisations were furloughed - and continued to receive their full contractual pay.

At City Building, throughout the furlough period an average of 1122 employees were affected. To allow the continued delivery of life and limb essential services City Building rotated teams on a rota of working for three weeks and then furloughed for three weeks.

At Glasgow Life, around 900 staff, from their sport and arts and music teams, have been placed on furlough at different times over the past eight months.

With Glasgow Life facing a significant shortfall in excess of £20m this financial year, the use of furlough has helped to protect jobs as well as recover a small proportion of lost income in these areas while venues such as Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, the Old Fruitmarket and much of the Glasgow Club sport network has had to temporarily close to the public.

All Glasgow Life staff on furlough have continued to receive 100% of their pay.

Support in other areas

Robert continued: "We introduced a successful staff volunteering programmewhich allowed staff who weren't required in their normal role, to support critical services across the city. Feedback from staff that we surveyed showed that volunteering had improved their sense of resilience and given them a purpose during the pandemic, they felt they were making a difference; and it has also helped their own mental wellbeing.

Robert concluded: "As an employer we will continue working hard to offer our staff a range of different supports which they may need as we continue to meet the challenges presented by this ever-changing situation.

More information

• Find out more about our health and wellbeing support for staff at
• Access all Covid-19 information for staff here
• If you need specific support please speak to your manager.
• Free confidential support and advice is available to staff and their families through our Employee Assistance Provider - Workplace Options.Visit www.workplaceoptions.com or free phone the EAP helpline 0800 247 1100 or email assistance@workplaceoptions.com 
• You can access the Workplace Options information leaflet and wallet card on Connect here.

30 November 2020 - City Building - supporting staff to do their job

Jemma McInnes is a joiner in Housing Associations at City Building. From the beginning of lockdown until August Jemma worked a three week on, three week off rota to carry out emergency joinery repairs in occupied properties across the city.

Jemma said: "As my furlough arrangements were for short periods of time my job security was never an issue. I felt lucky to be receiving full pay throughout from City Building when people from other companies were not and also worst case losing their jobs."

Jemma added: "I've never worried about anything working throughout the pandemic, as City Building have provided everyone with all the PPE we need to protect ourselves and our customers as much as possible. I also received an induction to make sure that my work is being carried out in a safe manner following all the Scottish Government guidelines.

30 November 2020 - Our Information Security Essentials Course for 2020 to 2021 is now available for you to take

Our annual training course is developed to help all staff across the council family understand your role and responsibilities when handling information - to help protect our buildings, staff, data and citizens.

For example, every day information security tasks can include: wearing your security ID badge to access your workplace; taking a phone call; emailing a supplier or attending a meeting with a customer in their home.

Many of us are currently working in different ways and in different locations just now and the easiest and quickest way to take this refresher course is on GOLD - as it can be accessed from any device at any time. For example, you can access GOLD from your own device, at home at a time to suit your circumstances.

If you are unable to access GOLD your manager can supply you with an alternative format of this course.

Please remember that this is a mandatory course for all council family staff and it must be taken each year to comply with our core IT policies.

To take the course on GOLD

• Use the link below to take the course in the Core/How to Handle Information section
• http://tracking.brightwave.co.uk/lnt/Glasgow/Login.aspx?category_id=92&programme_id=1361&course_id=66843
• You will need your SAP number and your login details
• For support on how to login to GOLD from home read our Frequently Asked Questions

If you don't have access to GOLD - please speak to your manager for an alternative version of the course.

30 November 2020 - Scotland's top councillors revealed 

Three Glasgow councillors have been recognised in the third LGIU Scotland and CCLA 2020 Cllr Awards - the only national awards to celebrate the vital contributions of councillors.

The winners were decided by a panel of judges composed of senior councillors and leading stakeholders from across the sector.

Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive, LGIU Scotland said:"These councillors showcase the best of local government, those who have gone above and beyond to serve their communities during a hugely challenging 2020."

The three councillors to receive awards are:

• A new Covid-19 Hero Award was given to Councillor Eva Murray.Councillor Murray was chosen due to her response to the pandemic, helping out with organisation, funding and helplines and bringing the community and businesses together to pool resources. Judges were impressed with her real community leadership at grassroots level during a time of crisis
• Champion for Education - Councillor Dr Soryia Siddique. The award recognises her work enhancing education in her local community and providing opportunities for both young and older people. Judges praised Cllr Dr Siddique's inclusive educational outreach work, which successfully brought harder to reach groups into education.
• Special commendation - Bailie Philip Braat (Lord Provost). The award recognises the way in which the Lord Provost used his position to help residents during the pandemic.

These awards celebrate the vital work being done by councillors across Scotland. Past winners can be found here.

Rules for the nomination, shortlisting and selection process can be found here.

Follow #CllrAwards for all updates.

More information

• You can watch the Awards ceremony HERE

• Find out more about LGIU Scotland

• Find out more about CCLA

30 November 2020 - Supporting our staff who are EU citizens to stay in Scotland

Following decisions by the UK Government, the UK has now left the EU.

EU citizens living in Scotland will need to apply to the UK Government's EU Settlement Scheme in order to continue living, working and studying in the UK after 30 June 2021.

The EU Settlement Scheme opened on 30 March 2019 and has received 4 million applications to-date. It allows you and your family to get the immigration status you need to continue to live, work, study and have access to public services like the NHS - after 30 June 2021

If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen living in the UK by 31 December 2020 you can apply to Stay in Scotland through the EU Settlement Scheme

We encourage those staff who are EU citizens, and eligible to apply to the scheme, to do so today. You can read our updated staff briefing  on the support available to help you with your application and what to do next. It also contains important information regarding the changes to the immigration system taking place from 1 January 2021.

30 November 2020 - Supporting unpaid Carers in the city

The Glasgow City Carer Partnership is encouraging all unpaid cares in the city to have an emergency plan in place - in case they get ill and are unable to look after their loved ones.

Fred Beckett, Principal Officer (Carer Lead) Glasgow City HSCP said:

"During the pandemic, unpaid carers have been providing even greater levels of care and support. They have been widely acknowledged for their immense ongoing contribution in supporting family and friends.

"During the first 16 weeks of the pandemic, over 560 Covid-19 emergency plans were completed by Glasgow Carer Service staff. Carers have told us that having a plan in place gives peace of mind both to them and to the person they look after."

Fred added: "The pandemic has highlighted the importance of not only completing an emergency plan, but making it accessible to the right services at the right time.

"Glasgow Carer Services are implementing changes to make the emergency planning information accessible to wider services to make sure that carers are fully involved in future planning. The service supports and guides carers through the process."

More information

If you are an unpaid carer looking after someone who lives in Glasgow and you want to find out more about planning ahead, your rights and services available:

• Phone the Carers Information Line 0141 353 6504, or
• visit 'Your Support Your Way Glasgow'

30 November 2020 - Digital Glasgow Strategy - supporting the way we work

Digital Public Services - part of the Digital Glasgow Strategy - is co-ordinated by the Strategic Innovation and Technology (SIT) team in the Chief Executive's Departmentworking with teams across the council family. Together they have prioritised projects that will help us to deliver more efficient and effective services - supporting our staff and our customers.

Greater use of digital technology has supported a range of council family services throughout the pandemic including:

• the rapid scaling up of infrastructure to support homeworking
• a rapid adoption of Microsoft Teams to enable staff
• the 3D printing of face visors for care staff; and
• the deployment of a customer relationship management (CRM) system to support the Shielding operation.
• The use of data analytics to identify shielded people and people at particular risk from COVID-19 in the city in order to offer appropriate support.

In Glasgow's schools, there has been:

• a major upgrade of connectivity to all primary and secondary schools telecommunications infrastructure - with over 25,000 iPads delivered to Glasgow school children through the Connected Learning programme, with plans for the delivery of the remaining 25,000 being accelerated in response to the pandemic. 
• Over 3,600 Wi-Fi hotspots have now been installed in schools, and Apple TV has been fitted in classrooms, allowing teachers and pupils to project wirelessly to digital screens.

Within the Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership, there has been:

• initial trials of the NHS Near Me video conferencing service for social work services such as alcohol addictions, mental health and learning disabilities;
• an open innovation challenge delivered with the Centre for Civic Innovation in DRS which is working with SMEs to explore the use of digital telecare for enabling more preventative care services;
• a 'digital resilience' programme that has improved digital skills and confidence of young people in care.

Within Neighbourhoods and Sustainability there has been:

• the scaling up of the city's intelligent street lights network to a total of 3,500 intelligent street lights across the whole of the city centre, and
• innovative trials of smart energy applications within a 'smart street' project district as part of a European Union Horizon 2020 programme

Within Development and Regeneration Services there has been:

• The development of three-dimensional (3D) urban models that can be used to improve community engagement.

The council's own digital infrastructure has undergone a major upgrade, including the migration to a new secure and resilient data centre, and the installation of 250km of optical fibre providing gigabit connectivity to 650 council and school buildings. 

John Lyle, Head of Strategic Innovation, Chief Executive's Department said: "Even under normal circumstances, this would be an extremely challenging programme of change for the council. But given that the team - working in conjunction with our ICT delivery partner CGI - have been able to deliver the projects that they have, in addition to responding magnificently to the added ICT demands brought about by Covid-19, has been truly magnificent.

"I am exceptionally proud of everyone who has played their part in making this programme such a success."

More information

You can find out more about the SIT team here

23 November 2020 - Domestic abuse support routes

Despite the escalation from level three to level four restrictions in Glasgow, the majority of services currently delivered by the council remain unchanged - allowing most of us to continue our routine of going to work or working from home.

However, the tightening of restrictions will still mean that we will all have to spend more time at home to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 as we head deeper into the winter.

We are mindful of the fact that home is not a safe and comfortable place for everyone and that, for many women in particular, these measures will mean spending increased periods of time in the same place with their abusers.

Tackling domestic abuse continues to be a priority of the Scottish Government and Police Scotland, and their position remains clear - No one who is shielding, self-isolating or unwell with Covid-19 should be scared to remain in their own home or be afraid to leave. Help is available.

If you feel that you or someone you know is in immediate dangerand needs urgent help, call Police Scotland on 999.

Helplines:

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, you can call:

• Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage: 0800 027 1234 (open 24/7) or email: helpline@sdafmh.org.uk or web chat: www.sdafmh.org.uk.
• Glasgow Women's Aid: 0141 553 2022 (open Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm), or email: officecover@glasgowwomensaid.org.uk.
• Amina Muslim Women's Resource Centre:0800 801 0301(open Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm).
• AMIS (Abused Men in Scotland):0808 800 0024(open Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm).
• National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse: 0300 999 5428 or 0800 999 5428 (open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Wed-Thu 10am-8pm) or email: help@galop.org.uk

Further information and support:

• Scottish Government guidance on staying safe and getting help.
• Our Violence Against Women and Girls webpageprovides a list of the frontline support services available locally and nationally during the Covid-19 outbreak.
• Our Employee Assistance Provider, Workplace Options, for free 24/7 confidential, independent counselling support and information: 0800 247 1100.
• See our Guide to supporting employees subjected to gender based violence.

23 November 2020- Don't fall foul of these Covid-19 related scams - be extra vigilant whilst working from home

In the current environment a lot of staff are currently working away from the office and we need to remain alert to fraud attacks that may use traditional and also new channels. We need to be extra vigilant as cyber criminals are increasing their activity and becoming more creative in their tactics to try to take advantage of us - as more mobile technology and platforms are in daily use. They are also trying to prey on our fears relating to Covid-19 and hook us with attractive incentives and offers.

Be vigilant to the risks you can face at home and in the workplace - both online and on the phone.

At work

As a council we process multiple financial transactions daily.  This makes us an attractive target for spear phishing emails from cyber criminals. Recent attempts have seen criminals use Covid-19 as a reason for assistance by spoofing a legitimate business email account in an attempt to obtain money. Another local authority experienced a third party organisation dealing with them have their email account hacked and payment communications intercepted in an attempt to fraudulently divert funds. Due to quick thinking staff and their actions - all were failed attempts.

Know what to do - any council officer processing payments, such as a Covid-19 business support grants, should be extra vigilant at this time.

• Pause and stop the transaction immediately if you think anything is suspicious
• Speak to the individual you think you are communicating with using a known telephone number - to verify authenticity
• Report it if you are still suspicious to Integrity (on Outlook).

At home

With more of us working remotely just now we could become distracted and caught off guard by unexpected communications.

Recently a council officer working from home using a council device became the victim of fraud when they received a spoof phone from a business claiming to be their broadband provider. Due the threat of having their account immediately disabled, and being unable to work, they were pressurised into downloading software which gave the cybercriminal access to their personal information and potentially sensitive council data. This incident was reported to both the police, their bank and the council and CGI for further investigation- no council data had been accessed.

TOP TIPS

• Do not be pressured to act quickly - if you feel threatened report it immediately
• Do not believe everything you read or hear - seek further clarification independently.

Be aware of current Covid-19 scams such as:

	Free PPE offer - never click on a link in a text or email, or provide your personal details. If it seems too good to be true it usually is fake.
	Streaming subscriptions such as Netflix - never agree to update your personal details over the phone or via email to an unsolicited communication. There is an increase in users of these services at this time and you could easily be caught off guard whilst working at home.
	Government payment scheme - this scam claims that the UK government is paying all citizens £258 to help them during the disruption caused by Covid-19. Never click or open a link as you are then giving the fraudsters access to your personal information and accounts.
	Fines for breaching lockdown rules - this scam takes advantage of the government's warning that those who don't follow lockdown protocol may receive a fine. Once the victim is on the line, the scammers request their payment card details, and if they are met with resistance, they threaten the victim with a larger penalty.
	Buying a pet that doesn't exist - over the past few months, hundreds of people have fallen victim to online adverts that are selling pets as lockdown companions - but the pets don't actually exist. The scam begins with an advert on social media/pet sale website. When the victim has picked out the pet they want, the scammer asks them to pay a deposit, followed by funds supposedly for insurance, vaccinations and delivery. This crime is praying on vulnerable individuals as they obviously never receive their new family member.
	With news of Covid-19 vaccines being developed, scammers might also use this as a way of getting you to give out personal information or make payments. So be especially cautious around any communication about vaccination programmes at this time.

Remember your ABCs

Please be vigilant about anything you receive that you think is suspicious:

• Assume nothing
• Believe no-one
• Check everything

Top tips at https://safety.google/securitytips-covid19/

Staff support and guidance when working from home

REPORT IT

• If you receive any suspicious communications to your council device then you should report it immediately to Integrity (on Outlook).
• Also inform your line manager and CGI at GCCServiceDesk@CGI.com
• At home regularly use and run your antivirus software to scan and clean up any problems it finds - on both your mobile device and pc.
• Contact your bank immediately if you have been tricked into providing your banking details - to report it as a crime.

23 November 2020 - Stalled Spaces programme - transforming the city

The Development Plan Group at Development and Regeneration Services have reviewed the council's Stalled Spaces programme.

The programme began in 2010, in the wake of the 2008 financial crash and the subsequent impact on a number of the city's communities in the shape of stalled or abandoned development proposals on sites, or under-utilised open spaces, across Glasgow.

More than 60% of Glaswegians were found to be living within 500 metres of such vacant and derelict sites, which can impact on health and wellbeing.  Addressing these sites by developing them - even on a short-term basis - through local community involvement was seen as a positive solution that would improve collective health and wellbeing, bring an economic boost, and improve social cohesion and the local environment.

Underused sites, across the city have temporarily been used for growing, learning, community engagement and rewilding.

More than 125 sites in the city have now been transformed through the scheme, from a budget of £500,000 - the maximum grant for each project is £4,500. 

The aims of the programme includes:

• the improvement of vacant and derelict land on a temporary basis
• the empowerment of communities, and the development of an integrated partnership approach to help those communities
• increased access to locally-grown food
• improved community engagement and reduced social isolation
• the creation of opportunities for projects where different generations can work together
• the provision of training opportunities and capital funding.

Gillian Dick, Spatial Planning Manager, Development Plan Group, DRSsaid: "This initiative is making a real difference to local communities across the city.

"In the next stage of the programme we'll work with local community organisations to develop projects on multiple sites within Drumchapel, Pollok and South Central - areas that have been identified through our City Development Plan. We expect to relaunch the programme in 2021."

More information

Find out more about Glasgow's Stalled Spaces programme here

23 November 2020 - Do you have Power of Attorney?

Wednesday 25 November is Power of Attorney Day. Families across Glasgow are being encouraged to plan for the future by obtaining Power of Attorneys (POA) to protect the wishes of relatives and friends in the event of illness or accidents.

There may come a point in all our lives when we have to help and support others such as elderly relatives, or receive help and support ourselves. But what if, due to accident or illness, the person needing support has lost capacity? 

Many people think that as their next of kin or family member they will automatically be able to do this - wrong!

Decisions can only be taken on behalf of another person, if they have Power of Attorney in place

POA is a legal document giving a nominated person authority to act or make decisions on your behalf if you lose capacity and are no longer able to look after your financial or personal affairs.

It allows you to choose who should decide personal welfare issues in the future (for example. where you live / who looks after you etc).

Do you have one?  It's for people like you, it's for anyone over 16

More information: Want to know more? Visit www.mypowerofattorney.org.uk

23 November 2020 - Digital Glasgow Strategy - how it's benefiting the city

The first full report on the implementation of our Digital Glasgow Strategy highlights how its implementation has brought benefits to the residents, businesses, organisations and services in Glasgow.

The report also reflects on both the impacts and future challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and on the use of digital technology in society, the economy and public services.

The strategy, launched in November 2018, was developed with public, private, academic and voluntary sector partners across the city. It has 73 actions to deliver in its five-year life: 12 are complete; 43 are in development; 7 are currently being planned; and 11 are yet to begin.

The Digital Economy team within Development and Regeneration Services has led the Digital Economy strand of the strategy, in collaboration with a broad range of city partners. The focus for Digital Economy is digital business, digital skills and employment, digital inclusion and participation and digital connectivity.

Examples of how the strategy has helped businesses and residents in Glasgow include:

• 67 city businesses received additional support through the Digital Boost programme
• A review of digital skills gaps in the city by Skills Development Scotland that will inform a detailed digital skills action plan
• The continued development of the Glasgow Code Learning programme led by Glasgow Life, which provides a range of digital skills training from essential skills through to learning pathways for more advanced, professional digital skills
• Glasgow Life's coordination of the provision of 780 devices to people made vulnerable by the COVID-19 emergency, as part of the Scottish Government's Connecting Scotland programme
• The establishment of the Glasgow Telecoms Unit to enable the council to work collaboratively and efficiently with the digital infrastructure industry and to attract further investment in Glasgow's digital infrastructure.

What's next

Some of the next steps and priority for the Digital Economy include:

• continuing to focus on improving essential digital skills and tackling digital exclusion
• implementing the recommendations of the Digital Skills review
• supporting and developing the City's tech cluster
• continuing the attract investment into the city through the Telecoms Unit.

Anne McLister, Head of Digital Economy, Development and Regeneration Services said: "The progress made across all of the Digital Economy workstreams is a testament to collaborative working with both council services, ALEOs, and with external public and private stakeholders.

"Covid has highlighted the importance of digital to all citizens and businesses in our daily lives, our health and supporting an inclusive economy. We aim to continue to make sure that the Digital Strategy activity aligns to these needs."

More information

• You can view the report here
• Find out more about Digital Glasgow here

You can read recent media coverage at:

• https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/18875489.strategy-tackle-digital-divide/
• https://futurescot.com/glasgow-city-council-publishes-review-of-five-year-digital-strategy/

30 November 2020 - Digital Glasgow Strategy - supporting the way we work

Digital Public Services - part of the Digital Glasgow Strategy - is co-ordinated by the Strategic Innovation and Technology (SIT) team in the Chief Executive's Departmentworking with teams across the council family. Together they have prioritised projects that will help us to deliver more efficient and effective services - supporting our staff and our customers.

Greater use of digital technology has supported a range of council family services throughout the pandemic including:

• the rapid scaling up of infrastructure to support homeworking
• a rapid adoption of Microsoft Teams to enable staff
• the 3D printing of face visors for care staff; and
• the deployment of a customer relationship management (CRM) system to support the Shielding operation.
• The use of data analytics to identify shielded people and people at particular risk from COVID-19 in the city in order to offer appropriate support.

In Glasgow's schools, there has been:

• a major upgrade of connectivity to all primary and secondary schools telecommunications infrastructure - with over 25,000 iPads delivered to Glasgow school children through the Connected Learning programme, with plans for the delivery of the remaining 25,000 being accelerated in response to the pandemic. 
• Over 3,600 Wi-Fi hotspots have now been installed in schools, and Apple TV has been fitted in classrooms, allowing teachers and pupils to project wirelessly to digital screens.

Within the Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership, there has been:

• initial trials of the NHS Near Me video conferencing service for social work services such as alcohol addictions, mental health and learning disabilities;
• an open innovation challenge delivered with the Centre for Civic Innovation in DRS which is working with SMEs to explore the use of digital telecare for enabling more preventative care services;
• a 'digital resilience' programme that has improved digital skills and confidence of young people in care.

Within Neighbourhoods and Sustainability there has been:

• the scaling up of the city's intelligent street lights network to a total of 3,500 intelligent street lights across the whole of the city centre, and
• innovative trials of smart energy applications within a 'smart street' project district as part of a European Union Horizon 2020 programme

Within Development and Regeneration Services there has been:

• The development of three-dimensional (3D) urban models that can be used to improve community engagement

The council's own digital infrastructure has undergone a major upgrade, including the migration to a new secure and resilient data centre, and the installation of 250km of optical fibre providing gigabit connectivity to 650 council and school buildings. 

John Lyle, Head of Strategic Innovation, Chief Executive's Department said: "Even under normal circumstances, this would be an extremely challenging programme of change for the council. But given that the team - working in conjunction with our ICT delivery partner CGI - have been able to deliver the projects that they have, in addition to responding magnificently to the added ICT demands brought about by Covid-19, has been truly magnificent.

"I am exceptionally proud of everyone who has played their part in making this programme such a success."

More information  You can find out more about the SIT team here

23 November 2020 - Industrial Cadet Bronze Project - could you mentor a young person?

We're looking for staff to volunteer to become mentors to support secondary school children for this 12 week programme.

Your role will be to inspire children, encourage ideas and help guide the development of their project. Mentors do not require to hold any specific project management experience or expertise although a science, engineering, technology, environmental or financial / business background is beneficial.

As part of the Glasgow Recycling and Renewable Energy Centre (GRREC) development at Polmadie, we are working in partnership with Viridor and the Engineering Development Trust (EDT) to deliver the Industrial Cadets Bronze Project to school children in Scotland.

Get involved

The programme encourages pupils to pursue further education and careers in science, engineering and technology subjects and we are actively seeking council staff to get involved and use their skills to provide mentor support to pupils enrolled in the programme.

The Industrial Cadet Bronze project will commence on 20 January 2021 as a 12 week programme provided by the EDT which will be delivered to secondary schools in Scotland.

Mentors will be provided full training and support throughout the programme.

23 November 2020 - One Million Words Of Kindness - get involved

St Andrew's Day, 30 November 2020 is Scotland's national day and the perfect opportunity for everyone across the country to come together and celebrate the resilience, community spirit and shared kindness that has helped us through these difficult times.

The Scottish Government has launched a campaign which asks people to connect with others and share one million words of kindness with family, friends, neighbours and communities near and far across the whole country.

We may not be able to get together physically on our national day but that doesn't mean we can't continue to look out for each other. The campaign asks people across Scotland to share kind thoughts and words with family, friends, neighbours and communities near and far and spread a message of kindness and connection across the country.

Postcards have been created to help achieve this - and will be distributed in Lidl stores from today, right across Scotland and through a number of other partners.

More information - get involved

To find out more about the range of online events and activities planned for St Andrew's Day visit www.onescotland.org/st-andrews-day

View our St Andrews Day Film Here

16 November 2020 - City Building - maintaining key services

Dealing with the restrictions relating to the pandemic has been challenging for many council family services. But teams across the council family have been working hard to provide services wherever possible.

The Housing Associations team at City Building worked hard to provide essential repairs to their customers across the city.

Scott Hughes, Housing Associations Manager at City Building worked throughout the lockdown period - mostly on his own initially - to make sure the team were able to respond to essential 'life and limb' emergency repairs. To support delivery of this vital service - and to share the workload across the team - Scott created a three weekly rota system for staff and tradespeople.

As restrictions eased, and a safe working environment created, Scott has gradually been joined by more of the team - working from the Hub at Darnick Street.

The team delivered essential repairs to customers and also supported a number of Housing Associations whose maintenance contractors were unable to provide services.

Scott believes good communication has been key to the success of the team - keeping in contact through telephone and conference calls, a team What'sApp group, and detailed information being passed to City Building's skilled tradespeople.

Since lockdown Scott has worked with George MacLaughlan on the Health and Safety Team to implement a Recovery Plan to allow other services to resume - including void repairs and urgent follow-up works.

Scott said: "Throughout these difficult months, the safety of our workers and of our workers, and our customers, has been paramount.

"I worked with Ronnie Regan, Group Procurement Manager to make sure we had the appropriate 'fit for purpose' RPE/PPE - to keep our tradespeople safe when carrying out repairs.

"We asked all our clients to go through COVID-19 symptom questions with their tenants and customers before raising the repairs. Our Planners and Operational Managers would also ask our customers the same questions before instructing our tradespeople to attend."

Over the last few months Scott has gradually returned more of the team - tradespeople and staff. A limited number of staff are now working in the office to deal with emergency and reactive repairs, and Scott has arranged for Void Managers to work on site - using mobile technology and mobile welfare vehicles. These arrangements provide constant site supervision and enable City Building tradespeople to have clean and sanitised facilities.

Scott concluded: "I'd like to thank all of my trades and staff for the way they have adapted to all of the new working practices.  Each and every one of them has been superb and a credit to the team and City Building which has been noted by a large majority of our clients."

More information

You can find out more about City Building at www.citybuildingglasgow.co.uk

16 November 2020 - Protecting public health at Clyde port

As highlighted recently our Environmental Health team at Neighbourhoods and Sustainability (NS) have a key role to play in keeping the city safe - and have been particularly busy during the current pandemic.

Not many people know that the Environmental Health team are responsible for monitoring and enforcing infectious disease control at our Clyde Ports - to prevent the introduction of dangerous epidemic diseases. Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) routinely conduct ship sanitation inspections when ships arrive.

The role of the EHOs is to inspect the vessel and carry out checks on the current ship sanitation certificate, medical log, the medicine and narcotics list, the ballast log, the last set of microbiological water results, the garbage log, the master handover log and the food safety management system.

If any public health hazards are found on board, the EHO will issue a Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and will make sure that the problems are remedied within a certain timescale. Water samples can also be taken - this can include drinking water, ice and swimming pool/plunge pool water. The team also carry out checks for the presence of Legionella disease.

As a result of the pandemic the team have been busier than usual - particularly in June when three large cruise ships arrived on the Clyde to berth at the King George V Dock.

Karen Fisher, Environmental Health Officer said: "It's unusual these days to have large cruise ships berthed at Glasgow. The pandemic has made us very aware of the importance of our port health work and its value to the health of Glasgow and its citizens."

Lorna McCoull, Team Leader, Environmental Health added: "Our Environmental Heath team work with the Clyde Port Authority and shipping agents to provide advice and arrange ship sanitation inspections. This is a vital service and probably not one that many people are aware of."

16 November 2020 - Keeping Glasgow Warm

The council has joined forces with Glasgow Times and The Herald to launch a citywide campaign to appeal for donations of up cycled winter coats, jackets and hoodies for Glasgow's children and young people in the fight against coronavirus over the cold months ahead.

Volunteer staff from Education Services and Glasgow Life will help sort through the donated clothing and organise distribution to schools across the city over the next few weeks.

Drop off points have been identified in community centres around the city with The Lighthouse in Mitchell Lane a city centre location. Read more on how to get involved and donate here.

2 November 2020 -  Supporting city residents affected by Covid-19 

As positive Covid-19 cases and contacts rise, the council is supporting residents to stay safe.

The need to self-isolate can be stressful. Despite making arrangements for help, often the reality still results in anxiety. Our dedicated Isolate and Support Team are providing reassurance, advice and connections to assistance.

Samantha Hendry, Project Officerwitnessed first-hand the difference that having somewhere to turn has.

Samantha said: "We knew from our experience with shielding that people really value that welfare check. It doesn't matter who you are, the need to self-isolate is disempowering, it forces you to rely on others and many people don't have that luxury.

"We have referral routes to access food, medication, wellbeing support and financial advice. Our Scottish Welfare Fund colleagues help access the Social Isolation Support Grant or our Crisis Grants where income has been affected.

"I truly believe that our conversations give back a little bit of control for those self-isolating. There is no better example than Julie, a first time mum from Castlemilk."

Samantha explained: "Julie called after a positive Covid-19 test. Her twins had been born eight weeks early and were in ICU whilst she, and her entire family, self-isolated at home. It was a really stressful time for Julie who just wanted to be with and care for her babies. She didn't need referrals but she did need our help.

Alongside Community Transport Glasgow, we supported Julie to nurture her babies, collecting and delivering her expressed breastmilk direct to hospital. I spoke to Julie regularly and was thrilled when she told me Oscar and Albie are out of ICU and thriving!

"It was an unusual request but so important to help Julie contribute to her children's recovery. Julie was so appreciative and sent a card and photos of the boys which was lovely.

"The team is making such a difference every day when we call people and check in. For anyone who is looking for a volunteer post, I'd thoroughly recommend joining the Isolate and Support team."

2 November 2020 - Office closures over the Christmas and New Year Festive period

Since the onset of Covid-19 we have highlighted the importance of employees taking a break from work on a regular basis to support their health and wellbeing through the use of their annual leave, even when we haven't been able to go on 'holiday' as we did before Covid-19.

As we head towards Christmas, we do appreciate that the nature of the work we deliver as a local authority to the citizens of Glasgow is vital and many of our employees will deliver these services throughout the Christmas and New Year period.

However, for those employees who are not involved in the frontline delivery or support of vital services over the festive period there are local arrangements in place to determine a Christmas shut down where employees are required to utilise up to three days of their annual leave. This arrangement is part of our terms and conditions, enabling the council to reserve up to three days annual leave to facilitate a closure of offices during Christmas and New Year. Whilst things are very different this year, some of our offices are already closed or being utilised differently, it is still important that as part of our commitment to employee health and wellbeing that we continue to make sure that employees take 2.5 annual leave days over the Christmas and New Year period.

Employees will finish work at the close of business on Thursday 24 December 2020 or as advised through local arrangements, with the Christmas shut down as follows:

• Public Holiday             Friday 25 December 2020 - Christmas Day

• Public Holiday             Monday 28 December 2020

• Annual Leave              Tuesday 29 December 2020 - office closure

• Annual Leave              Wednesday 30 December 2020 - office closure

• Annual Leave              Thursday 31 December 2020 (am)  - office closure

• Public Holiday             Thursday 31 December 2020 (pm)  - New Year's Eve

• Public Holiday             Friday 1 January 2021 - New Year Day

• Public Holiday             Monday 4 January 2021

Employees return to work on Tuesday 5 January 2021 or as advised through local arrangements.

Where offices can't be closed, for operational reasons, the employees affected will be able to use these 2.5 days in line with their normal arrangements.