April 2021

26 April - Glasgow belongs to you - play your part in making the city greener and cleaner

It is less than 200 days until Glasgow hosts the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), from 1 to 12 November 2021.

As the eyes of the world are on us, we have a unique opportunity to make real progress towards our ambition of becoming one of the most sustainable cities in Europe.

The People Make Glasgow Greener campaign launched last month and we now want to call upon the public to share in these ambitions.  We all have our part to play. We can enjoy safer streets, cleaner air and warmer homes if we all act now.

Kirsten Tuttle, Marketing Manager (COP26 Team) said: "As restrictions ease and we start to see better, brighter and warmer weather, more time will be spent outdoors. We're asking everyone to help make Glasgow a greener and cleaner place by not littering our neighbourhoods, parks and streets...bin your litter or take it home."

The People Make Glasgow Greener advertising campaign, which started last week, will be shared across radio, social media and outdoor advertising so please look out for it and show your support #PeopleMakeGlasgowGreener

Watch Grado - Go Radio breakfast presenter and local personality - show his support for the campaignin his usual upbeat and humorous style. (Please note - you may have to watch this video from your personal device as the link is to an external organisation).

More information / get involved

Visit peoplemakeglasgowgreener.com

26 April - #LoveGlasgow campaign encourages locals and visitors to return to the city centre as restrictions ease  

A new campaign inviting Glaswegians and visitors to support and reconnect with businesses and attractions in and around the city centre launches today (Monday 26 April).

Coinciding with the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, the #LoveGlasgow campaign, led by Glasgow Life's Destination Marketing team, will remind people that it's safe to return and enjoy the things we have all missed during lockdown; from our fantastic shops, restaurants and bars to the city centre's many outdoor and creative spaces, including walking trails, parks, gardens, museums and galleries.

The return of local citizens and day visitors in the first instance will be crucial to the recovery of the tourism and hospitality sectors in the city following the pandemic. Local businesses that have been closed since Boxing Day are ready to restart and are being encouraged to take ownership of the campaign by using the hashtag in their own welcome back messaging on social media.

The Glasgow Life Destination Team will also be sharing this promotional video on People Make Glasgow channels.

Look out for the campaign on TV and local radio in the coming weeks.

More information

Find out more about the campaign here

26 April - FREE online Gaelic Language Classes - sign up now

Sign up for a block of FREE Gaelic Language classes - suitable for complete beginners (Level 1), improvers (Level 2), and lower intermediate (Level 3). Courses will be delivered through Microsoft Teams.

The classes have been organised by The Gaelic Language Development team in the Chief Executive's Department - in response to feedback from the Gaelic Staff Audit conducted in March this year.

The sessions will be delivered by experienced tutors from Gaelic arts organisation, Fèisean nan Gàidheal.

What's involved

The nine-week block of lessons will begin week commencing 3 May - until week commencing 28 June.

The course will involve a weekly one-hour lesson which will include a variety of creative content to start you on your Gaelic language learning journey.

Course dates and times

All courses start week beginning 3 May. Session days and times vary depending on your desired level, as follows:

Level 1 course (beginners)

• Tuesday - 6 till 7pm,

• Thursday - 6.30pm till 7.30pm or 7.30pm till 8.30pm

Level 2 course (improvers)

• Tuesday - 7:30pm till 8.30pm

• Wednesday - 1pm till 2pm or 6pm till 7pm

Level 2 /3 course (lower intermediate)

• Wednesday - 7pm till 8pm

• Thursday - 7.30pm till 8.30pm

How to register - by noon on Wednesday 28 April

You can find out more about these courses and how to register  here. [1Mb]

More information

In accordance with our Gaelic Language Plan the council is committed to the development and promotion of the Gaelic language throughout the city and within our own council family services and staff.

If you would like to find out more about Gaelic Development opportunities or would like additional information about these courses, please email donna.maclean@glasgow.gov.uk

26 April - Do you have a council iPhone or iPad?

If you use a council family iPhone or iPad it is extremely important that you regularly make sure that it has the latest version of the iOS software installed on it.

This is so that your device continues to work properly and receives the necessary security updates to keep it safe. Please note that your device may be disabled and stop working if your software is not up to date.

The current software version is iOS 14.4.2  Please check and update your software today.

Our  iPhone user guide [909kb] will support you on how to check and update your iPhone software.

If you experience problems downloading the latest version of the software onto your device please phone the CGI Service Desk on 0141 287 4000.

19 April - Parks Staff Helping to Green Spaces for People in the City Centre

Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability (NRS) staff based at Queens Park Nursery, have applied their planting expertise to a recent 'Spaces for People' project to provide more attractive physical distancing infrastructure in the city centre.

Ahead of the relaxation of some COVID-19 restrictions, additional pedestrian space has been created in the Merchant City for walking and wheeling, through the installation of temporary planters that extend footways out onto sections of the road usually occupied by parked vehicles.

Once the recycled wooden planters were secured in place, the Parks team applied their horticultural skills to bring them to life with a varied selection of plants that offer long-lasting visual impact and have carbon absorption qualities, particularly the ferns and grasses.

The team, led by Joseph Duffy, included: Vincent Kelly, Derek Wells, Christopher Hannah, Andrew Gibson, Kieren Hynes, David Cruden, Eric Smith, John Callaghan, William Frew and James Brogan.

This latest initiative is part of a significant number of measures that the Spaces for People team have designed and implemented across the city this past year to create safer spaces for people to walk, wheel and cycle during COVID-19.

Andy Waddell, Director of City Operations (NRS) said: "Our Spaces for People teams have worked tirelessly to deliver a range of schemes that help to protect public health and make active travel safer and more appealing during lockdown.

"We've widened footways, created new cycling infrastructure and made it safer and easier to access popular areas for essential journeys and exercise. As restrictions start to ease, these measures offer practicality as well as visual appeal, and help to enhance the amenity and attractiveness of our city centre."

Further Spaces for People measures to improve the look and feel of physical distancing measures is ongoing and are due for delivery in and around George Square in the coming weeks.

More information

Find out more about Spaces for People

19 April - Making sure you are following the guidelines

All staff should have now received a briefing from their managers on our updated Corporate Identity Guidelines and key actions that you need to take.

Please make sure that you have:

• updated your email signature - to follow these guidelines
• removed any logos/icons from your email footers - this includes all partnership/programme logos
• the correct lanyard -for your council ID badge
• an appropriate image as your profile photo in Outlook and Teams if you chose to have one
• followed the corporate out of office email message layout
• understood who to contact for internal campaigns to follow house-style rules.

We have compiled some Frequently Asked Questions with Answers which will help you undertake some of the above actions. These can be found on Connect here.

19 April - Display screen equipment assessment - now online

The display screen equipment (DSE) assessment has been updated and is now available online in GOLD. Health and safety at work is everyone's responsibility, if you're currently working at home, and you've haven't already completed a DSE assessment then go to GOLD once you've logged in at:

Core Programmes > Health, Safety and Wellbeing > General (DSE at home self-assessment).

The new assessment includes a short video offering practical solutions to mitigate the risks that could happen while working at home, after the video and any changes you make, you'll then be asked questions about your working environment.

To make sure that everyone is safe working at home you need to score 100% by answering all the questions. If you don't score 100% then you should discuss the questions where you answered 'no' with your line manager and retake the course after any risk mitigations are agreed and in place.

The online DSE assessment should be completed when:

• a new workstation is set up    

• a change is made to an existing workstation or the way it's used

• staff complain of pain or discomfort.

Everyone should complete the new assessment on GOLD by the end of July, regardless of your circumstances, and revisit the course as above.

Working at home is under the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Work with Display Screen Equipment L26 Guidance on the regulations and employers need to provide workers with advice on completing their own basic assessment at home.

The DSE  assessment complies with the current regulations has been designed to identify any actions which need to be taken to support you to continue to work from home safely, including any risk mitigation measures that need to be put in place through a discussion with your line manager. 

Simple steps to reduce the risks from using display screen equipment

You should follow these simple steps to reduce the risks from display screen equipment work:

• Break up long spells of DSE work with rest breaks (at least 5 minutes every hour) or changes in activity
• avoiding awkward, static postures by regularly changing position
• getting up and moving or doing stretching exercises
• avoiding eye fatigue by changing focus or consciously blinking from time to time
• Remind staff of the need for adequate light while working.

Read the guide previously issued - Using display screen equipment at home.

19 April - Improving payment options for Blue Badge applicants in the city

Customers making a paper application for a Blue Badge - can now pay by card instead of by cash, cheque or postal order.

As part of our ongoing efforts to 'improve the customer journey,' the Accounts Receivable (AR) team in Financial Services (CBS) worked with the Customer Contact Centre in Financial Services (CBS)to introduce the new method of payment - which has already resulted in a good uptake.

The Blue Badge Scheme is for anyone who is disabled or has a health condition that affects their mobility. You can also apply for a badge if you care for a child with a health condition that affects their mobility.

There are around 21,838 Blue Badge holders in the city which allows them to park in restricted areas such as on single/double yellow lines or free of charge and for any length of time. Applications can be made online at the Gov.uk website apply-blue-badge.service.gov.uk/applicant

Angie Simpson, Operational Manager, said: "Some of our customers don't have access to the internet so were still using a paper form to apply and the only payments options available to them were cash, cheque or postal order which are not common methods anymore."

"Introducing the option to pay by card was one of my priorities and the pandemic made this all the more urgent."

Angie added: "We worked with our colleagues in the Customer Care Centre to introduce a process where card payments could be made over the payment telephone line."

"Payment by card is more convenient and safer for our customers. It's also more cost effective for the council since charges are taken after the application is approved which removes the need for us to spend time and money issuing refund cheques."

"The feedback from customers has been very positive."

More information

To find out more about the Blue Badge Scheme in Glasgow visit glasgow.gov.uk

Photograph - Farzana Shabbir, manager of the Blue Badge team

19 April - MCR Mentors are making a difference - could you become a mentor?

Despite the pandemic, MCR Pathways mentors are continuing to offer support and advice to some of the city's most disadvantaged secondary school pupils.

Many council family staff are playing a part in this vital programme - including

John Campbell, Development Officer, Centre for Civic Innovation, Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability. John mentors at Bellahouston Academy and was recently featured in an article in The Glasgow Evening Times.

John has been supporting Awish, a 15 year old fourth year pupil for 18 months - building up a trusting and supportive relationship which is helping Awish to build confidence and explore ideas for his future.

The pandemic has meant long periods of schools being closed so weekly sessions have been carried out online. As well as offering continued support, John's time which would normally be spent travelling to and from the school, is being spent with Awish; instead of a 50 minute session, the pair are spending more than an hour together.

If you'd like to find out more about John's experience and about the MCR programme, you can read the full article at The Glasgow Evening Times.

Scottish Government support programme rollout in Scotland

Iain MacRitchie, Founder and Chairman of the award-winning MCR Pathways said: "We are delighted at the recent Scottish Government announcement which means we can partner with more local authorities and schools that want to support their young people with our Young Scottish Talent programme. We know the transformational impact of mentoring and especially now in the key role it can play in post-Covid recovery.

"We are hugely grateful for all the fantastic support Glasgow City Council and our amazing mentor community have given us over many years. The partnership and relationships have been inspired and inspiring. It has given us the commitment and drive to reach thousands more young people across the country, all who will now have the opportunity of a life changing mentor."

Iain added: "Like all young people, many of our mentees have had their education severely disrupted as a result of the pandemic. It's vital that we can support our disadvantaged young people with one-to-one support to rebuild their confidence and hopes for the future, now more than ever. Young people should always defined by their talent and potential and never their circumstances."

Could you be an MCR Mentor and support a young person

MCR are currently looking for more mentors. If you would like working with a young person and can give up an hour a week during school term time, MCR would love to hear from you.

The council supports staff to become mentors. If you are interested please speak to your line manager before applying.

Find out more on Connect or at mcrpathways.org

Follow MCR on social media

Please go to @MCRPathways and like / share / comment

You can make enquiries to MCR Pathways by email at mentor.services@mcrpathways.org

Photograph - courtesy of Colin Mearns, Herald and Times Group.

12 April - Lord Provost marks the passing of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

The Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of Glasgow, Councillor Philip Braat has marked the passing of The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, calling it a very sad day for the nation.

The Lord Provost said: "I will be sending my deepest condolences from the people of Glasgow to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family. The family are mourning a husband, a father, a grandfather and a great grandfather and a man who has been the Queen's closest aide for many, many years.

"The Prince bore his recent illness with the same courage and determination that he lived his life and it is very sad to hear today that he has lost his battle.

"As a city, we will now pay our respects to the Royal Family in a dignified and appropriate way."

To allow the city to pay its respects, an online book of condolence has been opened which can be accessed here

12 April - 10,000 apply to volunteer at COP26

More than 10,000 people have applied to volunteer for the 26^th United Nations Climate Change Conference - COP26, with many eager to provide participants and media visiting from nations and territories around the world with the famous warm Glasgow welcome.

The UK will host the international summit at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow from 1 to 12 November 2021.

• As proud host city, Glasgow residents were eager to get involved, with 70% of applications coming from the city and surrounding areas. People from Scotland as a whole have contributed 80% of applications covering 31 local authority areas.

• Others from further afield also registered their interest in the programme, including people from 98 countries such as Australia and India.

• Young people under the age of 25, keen to make the most of the opportunity to gain valuable life and career experience and new skills, accounted for a third of applications. The campaign also saw people up to the age of 84 throw their hat in the ring, jumping at the chance to meet new people and be part of the COP community.

• The volunteer team received an incredible 5,000 applications from people from a broad range of backgrounds within the first week of recruitment opening and a fifth of people who applied were drawn to the programme despite never volunteering before.

The council's COP26 Volunteer Manager, Claire Shiel said: "It is incredibly encouraging to see such an overwhelming and positive response to our call for COP26 volunteers. Volunteers bring an unrivalled spirit and warmth to any major event and, in return, have the chance to represent the city and have a truly unique experience. We are looking forward to welcoming a diverse and passionate team on board and are grateful to everyone who has expressed an interest.

"From the figures we can see that COVID has not diminished people's spirit and strength of feeling around volunteering and this is extremely heartening for the sector as a whole. It's amazing what can be achieved together through volunteering and, although we do not have roles for everyone who has applied, we know there are many organisations across Glasgow and beyond who are looking for volunteers and will be delighted to see this enthusiasm."

Around 1,000 volunteer places are available for COP26 and will see people based across Glasgow and Edinburgh providing information on the conference and the venues, supporting delegates staying in and travelling around the city, and promoting the best of what Glasgow and Scotland has to offer.

The selection and skills matching process now begins before people are offered a volunteer role. The council is working with the sector to capture this continued appetite for volunteering in the city and support applicants into a variety of volunteer avenues.

Ahead of the event, volunteers will receive a workshop on sustainability from the UN and be given the training and tools required to carry out their roles successfully and confidently.

COP26 will bring together heads of state, climate experts and campaigners to agree coordinated action to tackle the climate emergency.

These vital climate talks were postponed by a year to November 2021 to allow time to deliver a successful summit while the world tackles the pandemic. Organisers' intent remains to hold the summit in person, with Glasgow as host city, whilst putting the health and wellbeing of all involved at the centre of the event.

More information about the event at ukcop26.org

12 April - Glasgow Life outlines opening dates for more than 90 venues

Glasgow Life has has outlined the dates it expects to reopen more than 90 of the city's much-loved public buildings in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

The charity, which delivers culture and sport across the city, expects to reopen more than 90 venues in the coming weeks and months, subject to local infection rates and Glasgow being in, or below, level three of the Scottish Government's Covid-19 protection levels.

Glasgow Life has already reopened 10 libraries across the city for computer and internet access, and 14 outdoor sports venues including pitches, tennis and bowls facilities, in line with ongoing Government guidance.

From Monday 26 April, the charity will reopen some of the city's most iconic venues, including Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Riverside Museum and the Emirates Arena. The Mitchell Library will reopen on Tuesday 27 April.

Much-loved community and sports facilities including Hillhead Library, Linn Park Adventure Playground, Glasgow BMX Centre and Tollcross International Swimming Centre will also open their doors in the coming weeks.

Visitor numbers will be restricted at all Glasgow Life venues due to social distancing, and for some venues advance booking will be required. Full details on how to book, and further information on visiting venues safely will be published on the charity's website soon.

Dr Bridget McConnell, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life, said: "As one of Scotland's largest charities, Glasgow Life is at the heart of Glasgow's communities. We deliver some of the city's most used and most valued services, and we care passionately about what we do.

"The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact, but with the easing of Scottish Government restrictions from the end of April, people will once again be able to access many of the Glasgow Life services they enjoy and rely on.

"Visits will look a little different as we make sure that facilities are safe for everyone. We look forward to welcoming people back into our city's museums, libraries and sports facilities in the weeks and months ahead."

Glasgow Life has optimised service and venue delivery while transitioning itself to work within a budget which is almost 13.3% smaller.

Last month, the council confirmed it would provide a safety net of £100 million to stabilise Glasgow Life's financial position. Prior to the pandemic, Glasgow Life's operating budget was £115.5m.

The funding guarantee from the council will support Glasgow Life to recover from the impact of the pandemic, with a focus on reopening more than 90 venues and rebuilding its income over the medium to longer term.

More information

Further information on the reopening of Glasgow Life venues can be found at glasgowlife.org.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-latest-information

12 April - Digital Glasgow Strategy - helping schools and families during lockdown

The Digital Glasgow Strategy has been key to helping schools, pupils and families during lockdown.

The strategy, which was launched in November 2018, was developed through a partnership with public, private, academic and voluntary sectors, and was already bringing economic and social benefits to the city before the pandemic.

In the city's schools, 55,000 iPads have been delivered to school children, with over 4,200 Wi-Fi hotspots now installed, Apple TV allows teachers and pupils to project to digital screens and classrooms, and there has been a major upgrade to the digital and telecommunications infrastructure.

During lockdown, investment into the digital technology and services delivered through the Digital Glasgow Strategy have proved invaluable in the education of the city's school children.

Jennifer, a pupil from Castlemilk High School, said: "I like the iPad as it allows me to have interactions with friends and teachers even though we aren't in school. They are very easy to use and a good resource for staying connected with my teachers and asking for help if I need it. Showbie is a good app for editing and uploading my work, and my teachers can also add annotations. The iPad is also a good way for me to keep track of my work and when it's due."

Lynn Gibson, Head Teacher of Castlemilk High School, said: "At Castlemilk High School we believe that 'Nothing but the best will do', and we are lucky to have all the benefits of the Connected Learning Programme.

"With our one-to-one iPad roll out, we are, through the use of digital technology, providing the best learning experience for our young people. The iPads have exceeded all of our expectations. 

"All staff and learners have fully embraced the use of iPads to support learning, teaching and wellbeing. The iPads have enabled us to fully connect with young people and parents and, throughout this year of the pandemic, we have truly valued the access that we have to digital technology."

More information on the Digital Glasgow Strategy can be found at glasgow.gov.uk

12 April - Thomas recognised for participation in Covid-19 medical trials

Thomas Herd, an Analyst/Programmer at CGI, recently received a letter from the University of Oxford - thanking him for participating in the 'RECOVERY Randomised Evaluation of Covid-19 Therapy' research.

Thomas knows all too well the effects of Covid-19 having suffered from it in early October 2020 and being hospitalised for seven days - including six days in the High Dependency Unit at The Royal Infirmary.

Thomas said: "My wife Liz and I both tested positive at the same time but after a week I felt really bad and had to be admitted to hospital. That was a frightening experience - seeing the staff and even the doors to the ward all PPE'd up. But thanks to the excellent care from all the staff at the hospital, I recovered.

"Thankfully I don't have 'long Covid' but it took me a good few weeks after being released before I felt strong enough to go out walking again without struggling."

Thomas added: "While I was in the High Dependency I was asked if I'd like to volunteer to take part in Covid Research, including taking blood plasma as part of my treatment. I didn't hesitate to get involved although I didn't know at the time that the purpose of the trial was to help tackle the disease and find an effective vaccine.

"After being discharged from hospital I had to attend the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for CT and MRI scans; these identified scarring on my lungs which the hospital explained was to be expected. This will be followed up with another visit after a year to monitor the scarring.

"My manager was very supportive during the whole time including supporting me with time to attend hospital appointments. I also received plenty of support from various colleagues in GCC and CGI."

Thomas continued: "I'm proud to have taken part in the research but it wasn't until I received the letter of thanks from Oxford University that I realised how much I'd actually helped out. I was told that the research contributed to establishing the vaccine and also to improving other vaccines for diseases such as Malaria - and a few others including an antiviral treatment that is commonly used to treat HIV."

29 March - Staff Survey results on renewal plans: what you told us and our response

Before Christmas we asked you about how the pandemic has affected you personally, at work, as well as, as understanding the levels of confidence you have in using council services, going out in the city and in returning to the workplace in some capacity. We now want to share these results with you.

You can read the  full survey results here [154kb], the  Staff Perceptions Survey 2020 - presentation [212kb] and below you can read the main points raised relating to working during the pandemic and our responses. Service and ALEO specific reports will be provided and any additional information will be communicated locally.

Although we're still dealing with this crisis on a day-to-day basis, with the vaccine programme underway, we are planning for a time when restrictions are gradually eased and our focus can shift to how we recover, reintroduce services and adapt, based on our learning and experience gained during this period.

Over 2200 staff responded from across the council family and we recognise that this is a small sample size compared to the diversity of our workforce. Over half of those who responded are working from home in line with government guidance.

The results give us a snapshot of your views during lockdown and as Scotland unlocks, we will come back to you to find out how your opinions have changed under different circumstances.

Overall, it was very positive to hear that you think that the council has responded well to support the city and our most vulnerable citizens. This is mainly due to the hard work and dedication of our staff who have shown an amazing resilience to get the job done, despite everything the pandemic has thrown at us.

We should all be very proud of our collective response for the city whether you work in a frontline service, are supporting the council working from home, or have volunteered to do another job. Of course, those of you who have not been able to work at all have sacrificed life as you knew it for the good of public health.

Your health and wellbeing

It's safe to say that life has been very different for most of us during this pandemic and it's not surprising that more than half of the respondents said that lockdown has had a major effect on their normal lives, health and well-being in some way.

Our response

Your health and wellbeing are a priority and under our workforce plans we are continually looking at ways we can support you. We understand that life won't just go back to normal and some of us will take time to recover from the effects of the pandemic.

Our comprehensive mental health and wellbeing support guide gives you direct links to a wide range of support and resources to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing. We encourage everyone to look at these resources which range from dealing with the emotional effects of the pandemic to money worries.

Workplace Options, our Employee Assistance Provider, can provide everyone with practical and emotional support with any of life's challenges including counselling services and mental health support. They can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a week:

• Freephone the EAP helpline: 0800 2471100
• Email: assistance@workplaceoptions.com
• Website:www.workplaceoptions.com

In addition to Workplace Options, staff working in the Health and Social Care Partnership also have access to an NHS 24s Mental Health Hub. It offers all health and social care workers in Scotland access to mental health support 24 hours a day, seven days a week and complements the support already offered through the National Wellbeing Hub. This new wellbeing line will initially run for a period of 12 months and you can phone for advice on 0800 111 4191.

Information provided during coronavirus

More than two thirds of respondents said that they were satisfied with the information provided to them about coronavirus and two thirds thought that the information was easy to understand. The information ranged from what you needed to do your job and updates about service provision.

Our response

It's vital that during an emergency you get information quickly that allows you to carry-out your job and make use of other resources to support you. All updates for staff during coronavirus are on a dedicated microsite on the council's website at www.glasgow.gov.uk/staffupdates

Everyone should take time to visit the microsite to keep updated. As this is on the council's website anyone can visit at any time and using their own device, if need be. Information will continue to be promoted on the council's channels and through managers. In some frontline areas staff can sign up for a text alert to tell them about new update on the microsite.

We will continue to work with you through future surveys to expand and improve the ways that we communicate with you.

Confidence in the workplace

Almost half of respondents had been able to attend their normal place of work. Those who haven't been in work were evenly split about being confident in returning any time soon.

Several changes were rated as being important to restore confidence in returning to the workplace and most of these related to the government guidance that's already in place to support employers and employees to keep everyone safe.

Our response

As part of our workplace plans, we are continuing to follow the government guidance and changes in the workplace were implemented some time ago as many of us have had to come into council premises to continue with essential work.

Workplace risk assessments have been carried out in all areas and additional safety measures implemented where required and following the needs of the service.

If anyone has any concerns about returning to the workplace, or would just benefit from being reassured, then they can go through an individual risk assessment, talk to your manager if this is the case.

Confidence in the Workplace

For those yet to return to the workplace the changes to keep everyone safe including hand sanitiser, one-way systems and physical distancing at work spaces can be viewed in the video here

Before staff return to the workplace managers will communicate the changes in your area and everyone should read the staff guide to changes in the workplace.

Working from home

Of those respondents who are working at home or more flexibly the majority said they would like to continue with some level of flexible working post pandemic if this could be accommodated.

The pandemic has changed where we work for thousands of staff predominantly working from home for nearly a year now.

Our response

As part of our workforce renewal plan, we want to explore a more balanced approach to remote and office working with some continued voluntary home working which could benefit staff and continue to deliver the services we provide.

To develop our plans, we are considering how we've adapted services to meet the needs of the city, maintained or in some cases enhanced productivity and provided staff with a better-balanced working life.

We will be seeking your views, the views of our management teams and trade unions to conclude on this work. There are many considerations when looking at a more permanent approach to voluntary home/flexible working and any arrangements will need a trial period to find the best fit for everyone, but the council is keen to explore these arrangements.

We will provide you with workplace guidance on this before the 'work from home where you can' guidance is lifted by the Scottish Government.

6 April - Not giving in

Look out for the Scottish Government's new 'Not Giving In' campaign which reminds us that if we all play our part we can stop the spread of new infectious strains. So we can keep moving forward and get back together again.

• The guidance in Scotland is to stay local.

• Travel within your local authority is allowed.

• In mainland Scotland, four adults from two households can socialise outdoors. Or four from four households if you're aged 12 to17

• To stop the spread, we all need to stick to the guidelines. So we can keep moving forward and get back together again.

We've come too far. We're not giving in.

View the I'm Not Giving In - 60 Second TV Ad

As lockdown restrictions begin to ease, we all need to remember the FACTS - face coverings, avoid crowds, clean hands, two metre distance, self-isolate.

For more information visit gov.scot/coronavirus

6 April - East end residents without Covid symptoms asked to get tested

Do you, or anyone you know, live or work in the east end of the city?

People who live or work around Parkhead, Tollcross and Barrowfield who have no Covid-19 symptoms are being encouraged to get tested at a new Asymptomatic Centre at the Forge Shopping Centre.

Those without symptoms are being asked to #test4Glasgow because you can feel fine, yet still have the virus and be infectious - so could spread it to loved ones and other people without realising.

The new Asymptomatic Testing Centre opened in car park D of the Forge Shopping Centre on Saturday 3 April. It will be staffed by the Scottish Ambulance Service and have capacity to conduct around 400 PCR tests a day. Appointments will be available seven days a week from 10am to 5pm. They should be booked (from 6pm the evening before) through the NHS Inform website.

People will be able to walk or drive through the new testing centre which follows in the footsteps of two asymptomatic testing facilities at Govanhill Neighbourhood Centre and Glasgow Central Mosque in the Gorbals. These centres were so well supported by neighbouring communities that they became the busiest in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area. Tests at both centres detected positive cases amongst people who didn't know they had Covid and were infectious. These people went on to self-isolate, preventing further spread of the virus in Glasgow.

The temporary Govanhill and Gorbals testing centres have closed. It is now hoped that east end residents without symptoms will now come forward to get tested and help stop the spread of the virus in the city.

Annemarie O'Donnell, Chief Executive said: "Huge thanks to everyone who volunteered for asymptomatic tests in the Gorbals and Govanhill which allowed positive cases to be picked up and further infection prevented which is great news for the city.

"More centres will continue to be set up around the city when needed and I'd encourage people without symptoms who live or work in Parkhead, Tollcross and Barrowfield to book tests at the Forge. By getting testing, you'll be doing your bit to help fight the pandemic. And if infection levels drop, hopefully restrictions can continue to be eased. Please test4Glasgow."

The Parkhead testing centre will operate for two weeks (from Saturday 3 April). It can be accessed off the roundabout at the car park's Biggar Street entrance (by the petrol station).

• People who test positive will have to self-isolate for 10 days (or longer if fever persists). Anyone asked to self-isolate who needs support, can phone the National Assistance Helpline (0800 111 4000) or textphone (0800 111 4114) from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. The helpline can also advise people about eligibility for the Self-Isolation Support Grant.

• Book your appointment from 6pm the evening before by clicking the option stating you've been asked to book a test by the council and public health officials at NHSinform.scot/test-and-protect

Free testing continues to be available to anyone with Covid symptoms. Anyone with a fever, new continuous cough or loss of / change in taste or smell should isolate straight away and book a test at NHSinform.scot/test-and-protect or by phoning 0800 028 2816.

6 April - Council Family review

The council family review is an ongoing process to make sure that we have an operating model that can meet the city's challenges and ambitions, respond to emerging changes, avoid duplication and deliver best value for the city. The following changes and staff moves have taken place on 1 April as a result of the most recent review.

New integrated service - Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainably

On 1 April over 3,300 staff transferred to a new service in the council, Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainably (NRS). The council family review concluded that the majority of services in Development and Regeneration Services (DRS) and Neighbourhood and Sustainability could be better delivered together to meet the council's priorities and the needs of the city, as part of the new integrated service, led by Executive Director, George Gillespie.

A vision statement and objectives for the new service will be developed alongside the new service's governance arrangements and management and operational structures. The key areas in the new service are:

• Neighbourhoods and Place, which includes Cleansing, Parks and Fleet

• Housing and Regeneration

• Community Safety, Regulatory and Business Services, including Public Health

• Property and Land Services (Development and Operational)

• Planning and Building Standards

• Infrastructure and Sustainability, which includes Roads and Transportation

• City Deal.

You can read more about the new service on connect here including the new top level management structure.

Council family review - other changes

The following changes have also been implemented as part of the council family review.

Staff from Economic Development and Inward Investment in DRS have transferred to Chief Executive's Department and staff delivering Catering and Facilities Management (DRS) have transferred to Financial Services to support the ongoing reform programme.

The functions delivered by Business and Enterprise in Jobs and Business Glasgow have also transferred into the council to join Economic Development in Chief Executive's Department to provide more joined up business support services for the city.

City Parking LLP is due to transfer into the council in the new service NRS later this summer.

You can view the updated council family structure and management teams on the council's website here.

6 April - join us for our first ever Health and Wellbeing digital roadshow

We are hosting our first ever digital health and wellbeing roadshow which will start after the Easter break on 19 April and run weekly until mid-May.

Kirsty Jordan, HR Officer, Corporate HR explains: "We are finally emerging from a long winter which has been an especially difficult time for many people due to the pandemic. With brighter days and warmer weather finally on the way, we thought it was a good time to make a fresh start, reconnect with others, and to take some much-deserved time out to focus on our wellbeing.

"We are running digital sessions in collaboration with local professional health and wellbeing support services, and with April being both Stress Awareness month and Bowel Cancer Awareness month, we have some dedicated relaxing and informative sessions from Lifelink, as well as awareness raising sessions from MacMillan Cancer Support and Bowel Cancer UK."

Programme and registering

You can see the full programme of April events and details of how to register on Microsoft Teams to take part here