August 2021
25 August - NRS Teams Shortlisted for APSE Service Awards 2021
It's triple success for Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability (NRS) - with three project teams announced as finalists in their respective categories for this year's APSE Service Awards.
The Technical Team which led the Spaces for People programme has been shortlisted for the Best Service Team of the Year (Highways, Winter Maintenance and Street Lighting)
The Project Management and Design Team are finalists in the 'Best Innovation or Demand Management Initiative category for Glasgow's Smart Canal
NRS has also been shortlisted in the Best Efficiency and Transformation Initiative category for Transforming Waste Infrastructure - Increasing Recycling and Reducing Waste.
Through these annual awards - APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence), recognise the very best in local government frontline services across the UK, with finalists recently announced following a rigorous round of judging.
Spaces for People
The Spaces for People team has designed and delivered temporary travel infrastructure to provide additional public space for walking, wheeling and cycling during COVID-19. Footways have been widened at pinch points to ease pedestrian movement and to make it easier access to shops, community facilities and public transport hubs. Pop-up cycling routes have also been created to help present active travel as a convenient and viable choice for every day journeys.
George Vincent, Divisional Director, NRS said: "Our Spaces for People team have worked tirelessly since the start of the pandemic to roll-out an extensive programme of interventions that has made it easier and safer for people to access essential services and take daily exercise.
"Many of these temporary interventions have proved highly popular and we are currently considering which measures could be made permanent. I am delighted that the team's hard work has been acknowledged in this way by APSE."
Smart Canal
Officially known as the North Glasgow Integrated Water Management System (NGIWMS), Glasgow's Smart Canal combines the traditional Forth and Clyde canal infrastructure with modern technology to dynamically manage its water levels, providing a drainage system that helps to manage significant rainfall events. This technology reduces flood risk and unlocks regeneration opportunities across five key development sites in the surrounding area.
The £17m project, has been delivered by the council alongside Scottish Water and Scottish Canals through the City Deal backed Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership (MGSDP). The project also benefitted from ERDF grant funding via Scotland's 8th City - the Smart City programme.
Carol Connolly, Divisional Director, NRS said: "Glasgow's Smart Canal is a truly innovative design that is a first in Europe, and its delivery shows the strength and power of partnership working. This intervention will unlock areas in the North of our city where development and regeneration was constrained due to drainage capacity. Our team has worked diligently to help deliver this complex project and they thoroughly deserve the award shortlisting."
Transforming Waste Infrastructure - Increasing Recycling and Reducing Waste
Over the last three years, NRS has reviewed and transformed the city's refuse services - undertaking a substantial programme of bin infrastructure and operational change projects which support our communities to recycle more and reduce waste. Initiatives include the modernisation of over 600 collection routes which has reduced carbon emissions, increasing the recycling containment for 145,000 flatted properties, investing in 5,000 new street litter bins to increase capacity; and the use of solar compacting bins at busier city centre locations.
David Russell, Divisional Director, NRS said: "We are committed to playing a key role in the development of a sustainable net-zero carbon city as illustrated by these transformative initiatives. I'm very proud of the frontline and office teams who have delivered these projects and that their hard work has been recognised nationally."
The APSE category winners will be announced at an awards evening in Birmingham on Thursday 9 September 2021.
25 August - Council to receive additional £4.8m to support active travel network
The council will receive an additional £4.8 million in grant funding from Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), Smarter Choices Smarter Places (SCSP) and Cycling, Walking and Safer Routes (CWSR).
The funding will be used to improve the city's sustainable transport network after being approved by the council's City Administration Committee.
Part of the additional funds will be used towards helping expand Glasgow's cycling infrastructure and increase the number of cycle routes as part of the council's Strategic Plan for Cycling and supports the Glasgow Climate Plans ambition in providing a more comprehensive active travel network.
As part of plans to further improve the safety of cyclists and other road users, the council has also recently introduced high visibility electronic road signs. These signs activate automatically as a cyclist approaches a junction and have been installed at 16 locations so far, with further sites being considered throughout the city.
Public transport funding will also be used to enhance the city's bus infrastructure, helping to ease congestion and reduce emissions across Glasgow.
More information
The new Active Travel Strategy is due for public consultation in October this year.
Find out more about the council's current Cycling Policy and Strategy here
18 August - Who is the best councillor in your area? Nominations now open for the 2021 LGIU Scotland and CCLA Cllr Awards
The national award ceremony celebrating the vital work of individual councillors across Scotland has opened its call for nominations.
Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) Scotland and CCLA have launched the 4th annual Cllr Awards, honouring the achievements of councillors.
This year's award categories celebrate the essential and varied work of councillors and include the coveted Community Champion, Leader of the Year and New Councillor of the Year awards, alongside a new Resilience and Recovery category for 2021.
Nominations can be made by anyone who would like to recognise a councillor doing outstanding work for their community. They are open until Friday, 24 September with the shortlist unveiled at the end of October.
The winners will be decided by a panel of judges composed of senior councillors and officers as well as leading stakeholders from across the sector. They will be revealed at this year's ceremony taking place on Wednesday, 24 November. Due to the ongoing Covid related restrictions, it will be held as a hybrid event with virtual link-ups to a Glasgow venue.
The categories for the 2021 Cllr Awards include the below, and nominations can be made by clicking the relevant links:
18 August - First Line Management Course - sign up now
Whether you are new to the role, an aspiring manager or an experienced manager, the First Line Management programme - delivered by the Organisational Development team in the Chief Executive's Department, will help build on your skills to deliver for the city.
This in-house course will be delivered fully online over a period of four to six weeks. The course includes a positioning session with a member of the Corporate Management Team and a series of workshops spread over six days covering topics such as employee engagement, managing performance and developing a coaching style.
Who can attend the course?
Any staff member up to grade six can apply for a place - please speak to your line manager before you sign up.
Book a place
To book a place please email Organisational Development (on Outlook).
Once your nomination has been received you will receive joining instructions to confirm if you have a place, if not then you have been added to the waiting list for a future date.
More information
You can find out more about the course, view the schedule, and book a place on Connect
18 August - Call to city residents to nominate new community councillors
The council is seeking nominations for Community Councillors to represent areas across the city (see below).
There are 36 (out of the city's 76) Community Councils looking for representation as they undergo a full election process every four years.
Anyone over 16 years of age and who resides within the Community Council area they wish to represent, can stand for election. Candidates must have a proposer and seconder and all three must be included on the Electoral Register.
Nominations close on Friday, 27 August 2021, with elections to appoint qualified residents to the respective Community Councils taking place during October 2021.
The 36 Community Councils seeking new representation are:
- Anderston
- Blairdardie and Old Drumchapel
- Blythswood and Broomielaw
- Bridgeton and Dalmarnock
- Cadder
- Carmunnock
- Castlemilk
- Claythorn
- Cranhill
- Crosshill and Govanhill
- Dowanhill, Hyndland and Kelvinside
- Dumbreck
- Easterhouse
- Garrowhill
- Gartcraig
- Govan
- Hillhead
- Hurlet and Brockburn
- Hutchesontown
- Jordanhill
- Laurieston
- Mansewood and Hillpark
- Maryhill and Summerston
- Moledinar
- Mount Florida
- Newlands and Auldhouse
- Parkhead
- Pollokshaws and Eastwood
- Possilpark
- Ruchill
- Scotstoun
- Simshill and Old Cathcart
- South Cardonald and Rosshall
- Townhead and Ladywell
- Wallacewell
- Yoker
Community Councils play an important role by providing a link between the local authority and its residents. Unlike other community organisations they are formally included in the consultation process for all planning applications relating to their area and can make representations regarding them. They can also comment on licensing applications that affect their neighbourhood.
More information / make a nomination
Nomination forms can be accessed here
Further information about the role of the Community Councils can be found here
18 August - City of Glasgow International Rose Trials - People's Choice Award - vote now for your favourite rose
Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability (NRS) invite you to support this year's City of Glasgow International Rose Trials.
The annual event, in its 34th year, attracts international judges from almost every continent to the Tollcross Park International Award-winning rose garden, established in 1996.
The trial gardens allow rose growers from across the globe to submit their roses to be trialled in our cool and wet climate.
NRS teams (North East ground maintenance team, based at Greenfield Park supported by Parks Development) tirelessly tend these stunning roses and the surrounding gardens throughout the year.
Stephen Egan, Head of Parks and Streetscene, NRS, said: "The rose beds are an integral part of Tollcross Park and the Rose Trials are a fantastic opportunity to showcase the great work of our Parks team in creating and maintaining the beds and plants to the highest standard.
"I would encourage everyone to visit and enjoy everything the park has to offer and pick your favourite rose."
People's Choice - chose your favourite rose
This international event includes a 'People's Choice' rose award which is made to the breeder of the rose variety that receives the most votes. This award is voted for by the people of Glasgow.
You are invited to judge the roses yourself, and vote for your favourite rose.
Come along and visit Tollcross Park this summer to see and smell the roses and vote for your favourite rose. Or you can view the roses online (see below).
How to vote
You can view the finalist roses, and make your vote, here
Closing date for votes is 10 September 2021.
18 August - Equality and inclusion in the workplace - access to free information
The council is committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace where staff recognise and value each other's differences and treat each other fairly and with respect.
We have an excellent track record as an employer of excellence in this area, and we strive to continually develop policies and working practices that promote a fair and equal working environment for all staff.
Earlier this year the council became a member of the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion (enei) - the UK's leading employer network covering all aspects of equality and inclusion.
The aim of eneiis to support organisations to develop awareness, understanding and skills to promote equality and tackle discrimination. Membership is open to public and private sector organisations and large work-based learning organisations.
Staff access to free information
Membership of enei enables all council staff to access free equality, diversity and inclusion information resources / webinars and events - upcoming events will cover menopause, race equity and mental health and deaf awareness
You can register with your council email address (this will become your username and will allow you to access the members' area from work or remotely).
Online events are held on Zoom - please read our staff support guide on the use of Zoom on council devices. Should you not have Zoom access on your council device, you will require to access via your own smart device.
Thom Hughes, Workplace Inclusion Lead said: "We're delighted to be a member of this highly regarded organisation which will give all staff access to excellent equality, diversity and inclusion resources.
"We all have a role to play in creating an inclusive working environment and I'd encourage staff to make good use of the enei resources."
Thom added: "We are committed to promoting equality and diversity in the workplace. To help us to do that, we have a number of informal networks where staff can meet to discuss key issues and to help shape council policy and initiatives.
"I'd love to hear from any staff interested in becoming involved in any of our networks; they are an ideal way to meet new people and share experiences and ideas."
More information
Find out more about enei and how to access their resources. Visit Connect
To find out more about our staff networks email Equality and Diversity on (Outlook)
Find out more about Equality and Diversity in the workplace. Visit Connect
11 August - Supporting you during the hybrid working pilot
The Organisational Development Team have a collated a range of courses to support you as we pilot hybrid working arrangements from 9 August until the end of the year.
Access the courses via the Future Ways of Working area on GOLD. You can also access via the GOLD homepage by looking under Core Development/future ways of working where you'll find a range of online courses for both staff and line managers. For example, Remote Working, Managing Virtual Teams, Flexible Leadership and Managing Yourself, to mention just a few.
As part of your individual development, take some time to review what's available and book some time out to a take a course that suits your individual needs.
Remember, GOLD is online and can be accessed on any device including at home.
11 August - Managers' Networking Events - sign up now
Developing our skills and working together is key to the success of the organisation.
Organisational Development would like to invite managers, at all levels, to their managers networking events.
These regular informal meet ups will give managers the opportunity to share their experiences, provide feedback on their development needs and learn from each other as we move forward from the challenges of COVID 19. Topics for discussion will include: supporting your staff with their health and wellbeing, managing a hybrid team, and innovation.
Event details
Wednesday 25 August 2021, 9.30am to 10.30am
This event will be held on MS Teams.
Sign Up Now
To register for this online event click here or email Organisational Development (on Outlook).
11 August - Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) Awareness on GOLD
As lockdown restrictions are eased and more people return to towns and cities, it is important to remain vigilant of any suspicious behaviour because the threat of a terror attack is still possibility.
All staff are being encouraged to complete the Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) course on GOLD.
Nikki Kennedy, Senior Resilience Advisor said: "The nationally accredited course was created by Counter Terrorism Officers and Security Advisors. It is interactive and informative and will provide invaluable knowledge for all staff to help understand and mitigate against current terrorist methodology.
"Not only is it important to build resilience in the workplace to protect our buildings and staff, but as public gatherings and foreign travel resumes it is important for our social lives too.
"All staff - not just those who have a security role - can follow the course and be in a stronger position to help protect themselves and their community."
The course is currently available on GOLD and consists of seven modules that take around 45 minutes to complete (or they can be completed individually at your own convenience).
11 August - Staff Cafes open for business - including first week free muffin offer
Café East at John Street and Ure Café on the second floor of the City Chambers (on the councillors' corridor) are both open again (from Monday 9 August) - and we can't wait to welcome you back.
East café will be open from 8am till 3.30pm each day
Fresh coffee, toasties, soup, sandwiches, cakes and confectionery
Ure café will be open 9am till 3pm each day
Breakfast service (9am to 11am) - hot filled breakfast rolls
Lunch service (12pm to 2pm) - soup, sandwiches, baked potatoes, salads and a hot lunch special each day - as well as daily specials.
Special first week only offer
To welcome everyone back, the Encore hospitality team are offering - for the first week only (9 to 13 August) - a free muffin with any hot drink purchased between 8am and 11am.
If you work, or visit, the city centre - the team are looking forward to seeing you again.
4 August - Latest update from Scottish Government - protective measures
Yesterday (3 August) the Scottish Government confirmed that Scotland will move beyond level zero and most legal restrictions will be lifted, although some protective measures will stay in place. You can read the update here.
Protective measures staying in place - how does this affect you at work
Face covering
You must continue to wear a face covering (unless exempt) in indoor public places. This includes communal places in our buildings or offices and while moving around, or as determined by the type of job you do.
Test and Protect
Test and protect services will continue and if you test positive you need to go home and self-isolate and report this to your line managers. If you were at work with symptoms then your line manager will continue to trace any contacts and work in conjunction with our Environmental Health Team to update Test and Protect.
Close contacts and self-isolation
Adults identified as close contacts of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 will no longer be automatically required to self-isolate for 10 days from 9 August. Anyone who is double-vaccinated with at least two weeks passed since their second dose and who has no symptoms will be able to end self-isolation if they return a negative PCR test. The same conditions will also apply to anyone aged between five and 17 years old, even if they have not been vaccinated.
If you are identified as a close contact and are self-isolating or awaiting test results then you must continue to report any absence to your line manager in the normal way.
Local communications will be issued for staff who work in education establishments.
Phased return to offices and hybrid working
As our approach for a phased return to offices together with hybrid aligns with the Scottish Government guidance, this will begin from 9 August - more information on hybrid working is at www.glasgow.gov.uk/staffupdates.
4 August - Climate Plan
Glasgow's net-zero carbon ambitions took another important step forward in June when the council's Climate Plan was unanimously approved by the City Administration Committee.
Glasgow's Climate Plan sets out the council's ambitions around how it will achieve net-zero carbon by 2030 in response to the climate and ecological emergency, which was declared by the council in May 2019.
The plan includes five key themes:
- Communication and Community Empowerment
- Just and Inclusive Place
- Well Connected and Thriving City
- Health and Wellbeing
- Green Recovery
City Convenor for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction, Anna Richardson, said: "I'm delighted the cities climate plan has been unanimously approved.
"Since declaring the climate emergency in 2019, we've consulted with organisations and individuals from across Glasgow to e]make sure that we have a meaningful, city-wide discussion on climate."
Councillor Richardson added: "These discussions will continue to play a vital part in reaching our target of net-zero carbon by 2030. As part of the climate plan, we'll continue to engage with stakeholders from across Glasgow which will be crucial to help identify the key issues our communities are facing and will support our aim of becoming one of the most sustainable cities in Europe.
"This has taken a huge effort from colleagues, and the fact we received unanimous, cross-party support is a testament to how comprehensive the council's Climate Plan is. I want to thank everyone involved."
Gavin Slater, Head of Sustainability, Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability (NRS)said: "This has been a huge effort from teams across the council family and from our external stakeholders.
"As we look towards 2030 and our net-zero carbon ambition, the passing of Glasgow's Climate plan gives us a clear direction going forward and allows us to continue to build on the excellent progress we've made so far in tackling climate change.
"My thanks go out to everyone involved."
More information
You can read the full report 
here [13Mb]
4 August - City Parking transfer back to the council
As you may be aware, as part of the ongoing Council Family Review, City Parking and the brand name transferred to the council on 1 August. Bringing City Parking into the council will allow us to better meet the council's priorities and the needs of the city.
Parking and enforcement services will be delivered under Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability (NRS) and continue to be led by Willie Taggart as Head of City Parking and Enforcement, working as part of the NRS Senior Management Team.
All contact details will remain the same.
More information about services can be found on the website at www.glasgow.gov.uk/parking
The council family review is an ongoing process to make sure that the council has the most effective and efficient delivery model and continues to deliver best value services for the city.
4 August - Glasgow Takes a Lead on Covid Recovery for Scotland's Young Workforce
Glasgow has become the first local authority to commit to creating opportunities for its young citizens via a national employment and training guarantee.
The council has signed up to the Scottish Government's Young Person's Guarantee. This aims to give all young people aged 16 to 24 the chance to succeed despite the economic impacts of COVID-19, whilst ensuring employers continue to benefit from the fresh talent and new perspectives that young people bring to the workplace.
The creation of the Young Person's Guarantee acknowledges the difficulties and challenges of the past year, especially for young people entering the workforce - and is intended to provide practical help and also reassurance that opportunities and support are still available.
By signing up as an employer, the council is continuing a long-standing commitment to providing young people with the necessary and relevant skills for the world of work.
The aim of the Young Person's Guarantee is to create the opportunity of work, education or training giving young people the best prospects of success. This further consolidates the council's proactive approach to tackling unemployment following the launch of the Glasgow Guarantee in 2009.
Jennifer Tees, Human Resource Manager, Corporate HR who worked on the submission to the Scottish Government to sign up to the Young Person's Guarantee said: "The Young Person's Guarantee provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the extensive opportunities that council family services are providing to our young people across the city, many of whom will be struggling amidst the pandemic.'
"I started my employment with the council on a Youth Training Scheme (YTS), many years ago and benefited from that opportunity.
"I am truly passionate about investment in opportunities for local young people that help to create a talent pipeline, improve workforce diversity, bring new ideas and skills into the workplace and of course place young people at the heart of our workforce to support future success."
In supporting the Young Person's Guarantee, the council will deliver equal opportunities for all eligible young people so that no-one is left behind; something which the council already accommodates by offering a wide variety of options whether that be an apprenticeship, its graduate development programme or work experience.
Council Leader Susan Aitken said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for young Glaswegians to get the support they need to propel themselves into the workplace.
"We are taking positive action to break down barriers to employment for our young citizens - which has never been more important than in these incredibly challenging times. I hope this encourages other Glasgow businesses to do the same.
"The Young Person's Guarantee is our pledge of support to the young people of Glasgow, who are the heart and the future of our city."
The City of Glasgow College and the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce have also backed the Young Person's Guarantee, demonstrating the city's collective commitment to upskilling and developing its young workforce for the future.
More information
Find out more, and listen to Yasmin talk about her experience of the council's Graduate Development programme, here.
4 August - Climate change - engaging with our citizens
The council recently approved Glasgow's Climate Plan. Now work is underway to consult and engage with citizens to seek their views, opinions and suggestions about our climate policies.
Young people have their say about Climate Change
This month (August) young people in the city are being invited to have their say through an innovative NESTA funded project looking at engaging young people in the climate change discussion.
The 'Democracy Pioneers' project is being facilitated by Katy Rubin, Legislative Theatre Practitionerand includes collaboration with the council, Shared Future CIC (Community Interest Company) and youth groups across the city - YoMo, Glasgow Disability Alliance and Urban Fox.
Participants will take part in six sessions, exploring Glasgow's climate policies with decision-makers and then develop a theatrical performance based on key themes the group have identified which impact them the most.
A final performance will be given to elected members in September and will help shape and influence policy related to Glasgow's recently adopted climate plan.
First session of Citizens' Assembly to take place in Glasgow this week
This week will see 50 randomly selected city residents come together to participate in the first session of a citizens' Assembly, established to discuss the climate emergency.
The Assembly will be facilitated by market research company Ipsos MORI and will meet five times in August.
Assembly members will be presented with evidence from policy experts on various subjects. They will then be asked to discuss how Glasgow can tackle the climate emergency by 2030, sharing their views on aspects of the transition to net-zero carbon that will most impact them.
A report detailing the Assembly members' priorities and recommendations will be presented to councillors before the start of COP26 which begins in the city on 31 October.
Gavin Slater, Head of Sustainability at Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability (NRS) said: "As part of the commitment we made in Glasgow's Climate Plan, how we engage with Glasgow's residents was at the forefront of our minds
"The citizens' Assembly and the legislative youth theatre are great opportunities to gain insight into the challenges facing people from across Glasgow. The recommendations gathered from these initiatives will help to inform our decision making as to how best we support our communities in achieving net-zero carbon by 2030.
"Our 2030 target is hugely ambitious, and we need to be conscious that as we look to tackle the climate emergency, our policies are fair and that there are equal opportunities to citizens from across the city."
More information
View Glasgow's Climate Plan here
4 August - In-person Macmillan @ Glasgow Libraries services to restart this week
Three Glasgow Life libraries have welcomed the restart of in-person Macmillan @ Glasgow Libraries services this week.
From Tuesday 3 August, face-to-face cancer support and information are available at Royston, Partick and Castlemilk libraries. New weekly appointments and drop-in sessions are now available for people living with cancer as well as their families, friends, carers and anyone dealing with bereavement.
All sessions will be hosted by Glasgow Life's Macmillan @ Glasgow Libraries staff until volunteers can be safely reintroduced.
In line with Scottish Government guidelines and existing procedures in place across all Glasgow Life venues, the Macmillan team have rearranged their service layouts to allow for 1m physical distancing and hand sanitiser and face coverings will be available to visitors to ensure a safe environment.
Macmillan at Glasgow Libraries support will also continue to be available over the phone by calling 0141 287 2903 or you can email the team directly at macmillan@glasgowlife.org.uk.
