As we prepare for a phased return to office working, workplace risk assessments across the council's estate have been updated, in consultation with our trade union colleagues, and following the latest government advice on mitigating the risk of covid indoors.
Ventilation is an important covid mitigation for indoor workplaces, particularly where staff are spending up to seven hours in an office and is included in the updated risk assessments.
Air monitoring has a part to play to make sure that indoor spaces have adequate ventilation. Air quality monitoring is being expanded to the city centre estate and this work will start from tomorrow (Thursday 23 February).
Air monitoring will follow the same method that is already in place across the council's estate; a co2 monitor is moved around spaces to monitor the air quality over an eight-hour period. You may notice the yellow monitor in your area.
Air monitoring will allow us to identify any ventilation issues, so that we can then focus on any remedial actions required. Identifying the levels on co2 in the air helps to understand how much fresh air is circulating in a space which in turn means we can understand how much additional ventilation is required.
Co2 is one method of determining indoor air quality within a room and is not a measure of identifying the level of Covid-19 risk in a room.
Everyone has a responsibility to make sure windows and doors are opened on a regular basis to improve ventilation but still maintain a comfortable temperature for working in. More information on improving ventilation will be provided in the hybrid working frequently asked questions.
If you have any problems with creating ventilation in any location across the council premises or have any questions, you can use this form - available on Connect at http://connect.glasgow.gov.uk/article/26860/Business-Requests - to contact the property team.
Information security is a key priority for the council and all staff need to be aware of what actions they can take to stay safe online - both at home and at work. For the last three years, we have participated in Cyber Scotland Week with both online and in person engagement events. Your feedback has shown that the activities and top cyber tips have been really beneficial to helping keep you and your family safe online.
As Kenny Meechan, Head of Information and Data Protection Officer explains: "Each year we have delivered a series of interactive events to help raise awareness of cybercrime and help you not fall foul of the fraudsters.
"During the pandemic, with lots more people working from home and using various devices to stay connected we have seen an increase in criminal activity targeting both businesses and individuals. There have been more examples of tailored phishing and ransomware scams relating to the current environment, such as counterfeit PPE or fake 'you have covid' texts being sent. This is in addition to other topics in circulation such as 'fake tax refunds', 'pet sale scams', 'fake holiday refunds' and 'parcel delivery charges' fake websites. Criminals have worked hard to try and capitalise on more people using online devices by creating an urgency and need around the context - to get you to engage and click or download dangerous malware in an attempt to steal your identity and personal information."
Cyber week activities
To help us all stay safe online, staff are invited to participate in a series of engagement events taking place from 28 February.
Take part: You can view the full programme here with details on how to sign up.
For the first time, we will be holding a cyber awareness event for the public on launch day, Monday 28 February, in Buchanan Street (near Donald Dewar statue). This is in partnership with Police Scotland, Strathclyde University, Glasgow Caledonian University, CGI and Glasgow's Golden Generation - key staff will be on hand to provide tools, visuals and simple games to demonstrate how to stay safe online.
Also, for the week there will be a Cyber Escape Room, being run by CGI, situated at St. Andrews Secondary School. This will enhance students' cyber learning and team working skills. Teams will need to work together on this innovative adventure to foil an imminent cyber-attack by following clues and solving puzzles, each one reinforcing an important aspect of information security.
The Scottish Government have helped fund these events.
More information
Scientists, researchers and policy officers are to begin work on a large-scale programme that will help transform Glasgow into a thriving, climate resilient city and support its ambition to reach net zero by 2030.
University of Glasgow researchers will work in partnership with the council to create transformation projects across the city and embed sustainability into the wider socio-political system.
The GALLANT project, has received £10 million from the Natural Environment Research Council.
The innovative programme to create a sustainable, healthy urban environment will help regenerate the River Clyde region which faces significant social, economic and environmental challenges, and will provide learning that will help other cities in their missions to adopting green solutions.
Staff on the NRS Sustainability and Planning teams at Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability (NRS) are playing a key role in the council's contribution to the research.
Gillian Dick, Spatial Planning Manager - Research & Development, Development Plan Group, NRS - who along with colleague Duncan Booker, COP26 Stakeholder Manager - sits on the project Executive Board, said: "Glasgow has excellent credentials as a 'green' city which aspires to become ever more sustainable. We already have a wide range of 'green' initiatives with more in the pipeline.
"Our aim is to be one of the most sustainable cities in Europe, and to become net zero carbon by the year 2030.
"Our involvement with this initiative supports the work being carried out to inform our City Development Plan, Open Space Strategy, Trees and Woodland Strategy and our Climate Plan.
The collaborative research will support our push to take a 'place-based' approach using nature-based solutions to deliver a climate adaptive city. It also links into the work that we are also starting to focus on and collaborate with Scottish Land Commission and Community Land Scotland on understanding how we can unlock vacant and derelict land
Gillian concluded: "We're delighted to work with partners to support this important project for the city.
"GALLANT will help to make sure that Glasgow is ready and resilient for a changing climate. It will help the city to address the challenges of our industrial past and to improve the quality of life for the people of Glasgow.
"We've worked closely on the green agenda with the city's universities through our Sustainable Glasgow partnership and especially in preparation for hosting COP26 last year. This collaboration is a product of that work and it shows how a tangible legacy of COP is being delivered for Glaswegians and the institutions which serve them."
More information
Read more about the GALLANT programme at https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=28005
You can view the City Development Plan at www.glasgow.gov.uk/developmentplan
View our Climate Plan at https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=50623&p=0
View our Open Space Strategy at www.glasgow.gov.uk/openspacestrategy
View information about Trees and Woodland at https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=26023
Can you support the Lord Provost and help to raise funds for 'Cash for Kids' charity?
After World Wrestling champion Drew McIntyre gifted a belt to the Lord Provost, Bowie@Breakfast producer John McInally laid down the challenge of a wrestling match. And the Lord Provost, Philip Braat, accepted the challenge.
It's all happening to raise money for Cash for Kids with George Bowie, Clyde 1 DJ, in the Lord Provost's corner; and Cassi in John's corner. Both will be wearing Sumo suits for the challenge.
The charity event, hosted by Insane Championship Wrestling: ICW, will take place on Thursday 3 Marchat the Glasgow Pro Wrestling Asylum, 84 Lister Street, G4 0BY - along with four other matches on the card.
All proceeds go to Cash for Kids. Everything raised in our area stays in our area, with a focus on alleviating poverty, supporting disability and improving quality of life. Any amount you care to give is very much appreciated. Tickets are £10.
How you can help to raise funds
Please help to raise money for disadvantaged kids across Glasgow and the West by
· sponsoring whoever you think is going to win, at https://www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk/campaign/clyde-1-wrestling-challenge/ or
· by buying tickets to come along on the night
Seats are limited; don't miss out.
Please note: attendees should do a Lateral Flow Test before the event and wear a mask until seated.
More information
You can buy tickets (£10) at: https://www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk/donate/one-off/clyde-1-wrestling-challenge-tickets/
Find out more about Bowie@Breakfast at https://planetradio.co.uk/clyde/presenters/bowie-breakfast/
Find out more about Insane Championship Wrestling: ICW at
https://www.insanewrestling.co.uk/
The council is mourning the sudden death of Councillor Gary Gray, Labour councillor for Canal ward, in the north of Glasgow, who passed away last weekend.
Councillor Gray had been a councillor in the city twice. Firstly, for Milton from 2003 to 2006 and then elected again for Canal ward in 2017.
The news was announced by the Glasgow Labour Group who tweeted: "We are deeply saddened by the news that our comrade and colleague Gary Gray has passed away suddenly. Gary was a committed socialist who loved being a councillor representing the Canal ward. Our thoughts continue to be with Gary's friends, family, all those who knew and loved."
On hearing the sad news, The Lord Provost tweeted: "Saddened and shocked by the sudden death of a friend and colleague, Councillor Gary Gray. A true champion for his communities, a man who loved his family and friends. My prayers and thoughts are with them all, especially Bernie and his son Bobby, of whom he was so proud."
Scotland's Census is the official count of every person and household in the country.
It usually takes place every 10 years. The census asks questions about people's age, sex, home and living situation, employment, education and qualifications, as well as ethnicity. Every household in Scotland must complete the census and by doing so are helping to shape Scotland's future.
Completing the census is important because the answers provide the Scottish Government, and many other service providers with the data they need to make important decisions that affect people's lives and their communities. These decisions include how money will be spent on important services like education, housing, healthcare, roads and railways, and so much more.
From the end of February, households will begin to receive a letter with instructions on how to complete their census online.
Census Day is 20 March but you can fill it in as soon as you receive your letter. Just make sure you answer questions with information that will be correct on 20 March to make sure we have a snapshot of the nation on this day.
More information
For help and guidance on the questions, or if you need support to fill it in, visit census.gov.scot or phone the free helpline on 0800 030 8308. Watch the campaign video below
Next Monday 21 February, we mark 100 days since the city hosted the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) with an event at the City Chambers. The day will include an engagement session for Glasgow based SME businesses and academia, and an event where our young people can share and reflect on their sustainable learning and what initiatives they are taking forward.
As Duncan Booker, COP26 Stakeholder Manager explains: "COP26 was an exceptional event that our city put on - it was also the first truly global gathering to be held in person since the Covid19 pandemic began. Glasgow was chosen to host it by the UK Government in recognition both of our consistent track record of delivery for major events and also our ambitious plans for a low carbon and climate resilient future. A key principle of hosting the event was to leave a legacy for our citizens and future generations. We wanted to make sure that we used momentum from its arrival and from the event itself to support local ambitions, particularly through our Sustainable Glasgow partnerships."
Did COP 26 inspire you to make a change?
We would like to showcase all the great sustainable actions staff are taking and would love to hear from you - to help inspire your colleagues.
Shout out - please share your sustainable lifestyle change with us by emailing Insider (on Outlook) before Tuesday 22 February 2022. We will publish a selection of your changes next week.
For example, get in touch and tell us what are you now doing differently? Has the change benefitted you and your family? Have you stopped doing or buying something? Do you have a plan to carry out more changes in the future?
Did you know?
As the host city we achieved many things and our Sustainable Glasgow projects leave a lasting legacy in our city. You can use our Storymap to take time out to go and experience some for yourself.
Your individual actions do make a difference
At COP26 several discussions took place around the importance of encouraging individual behaviour change, to tackle the climate crisis.
As Duncan continues: "Many attendees felt that by individually changing how we all do something - this is a complementary solution to support global actions from leaders and governments. If we are all inspired to take the time to make a few simple small changes, we are collectively creating more climate friendly and sustainable lifestyles to help save our planet together."
The following research presented at COP26 highlights the importance of individual sustainable behaviour change:
Top sustainable tips - have you tried any of these?
Learn from your lounge with our GOLD courses :
A four-week public engagement process on the future design of George Square - Glasgow's principal civic, ceremonial and cultural space - and the surrounding Avenues began on 11 February.
The online engagement will consider the design of Block C of the council's ambitious Avenues Programme - funded by the Glasgow City Region City Deal - comprising George Square and approximately 2.5km of the surrounding streetscape.
This public engagement follows - and builds upon - another in 2019 which sought the views of the people of Glasgow on their feelings about, and future use of, the Square.
Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "George Square should be Glasgow's greatest civic space - and, through this consultation, we all have the opportunity to make sure the square and its surrounding Avenues that meets our aspirations for the future. While the Conversation about George Square back in 2019 told us what the people of the city felt about the space, and their ambitions for it, this consultation is different - this time we are asking for views specifically on how people want to the Square to look, in terms of its design and what is in it."
How to have your say / find out more
If you're interested in taking part, or would like to find out more, visit: https://www.ourplaceglasgow.com/.
More information
You can read the full media release at: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=16159
Find out more about the Avenues programme - the biggest of its kind in the UK - at:
https://www.glasgowcitycentrestrategy.com/project/city-centre-avenues.
Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability (NRS) are introducing changes at Pollok Country Park designed to encourage more active travel. The changes coincide with the re-opening of the refurbished Burrell Collection on 29 March.
A free electric shuttle bus is being introduced from 28 February - serving visitors to the main park entrance at 2060 Pollokshaws Road and linking to Pollok House and the newly refurbished Burrell Collection.
Other improvements across the park include prioritisation of pedestrians and cyclists, path improvements, new benches and signage, a new viewing platform on Pollok Avenue, as well as provision of bike racks and a NextBike hub.
Seamus Connolly, Group Manager for Parks Development and Bereavement Services said: "We want to encourage visitors to travel by foot, bike, or public transport where possible as part of the city's efforts to promote a shift to sustainable travel and reduce carbon emissions."
Electric Vehicle chargers will be available at the Burrell Collection car park, Riverside car park at Pollok House, and Nether Pollok pavilion car park.
Parking charges are being introduced to Pollok Country Park from 7 March, between 10am to 6pm Monday to Sunday with a tariff of £2.50 for four hours and £4.50 for all day parking.
More information
For more information on Pollok Country Park visit: https://glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=16592
The pandemic has left a lot of people financially struggling. The stress and uncertainty that comes with financial strains - induced by the pandemic or not - can have a serious impact on our mental health, relationships, and wellbeing. Overcoming this starts with finding the right support.
The Scottish Government has launched the 'Money Support Scotland' campaign for people in Scotland experiencing money worries - including a new website at moneysupport.scot where you can access information about:
· Benefits and grants
· Debt advice
· Affordable credit
The first step towards overcoming your money worries starts with finding the right support.
Visit the website to find information and links to trusted partners who can help. Visit https://moneysupport.scot/
Register for one of our Webinars: Good Money Management / How to Save Money on Energy
You can find out more about making the most of your money at the following Webinars. Register now to secure your place.
Good Money Management: Glasgow Credit Union. 24 February 2022 and 24 March 2022, 10am to 11.30am on MS Teams
This interactive workshop outlines the importance of budgeting and includes budgeting tips, how the credit scoring system works, the pitfalls of debt and explains some financial terminology. This session is aimed at anyone with an interest and helps build confidence and enhances your ability to take control of your finance.
Save Money, Go Green: Introduction to Home Energy Scotland. Thursday 3 March, 11am to 12 noon on MS Teams
Home Energy Scotland (HES), funded by the Scottish Government, provides free, impartial energy advice and support.
This webinar is suitable for anyone with an interest in energy advice and support and will give an overview of the ways you can save money and also save the planet.
Register now - limited places
· email Your Health and Wellbeing (on Outlook) if you are interested in any of the webinars
· please highlight which workshop(s) you would like to attend.
· Spaces are limited so please register promptly to secure your place
More information and support:
· Money Advice Scotland provides free, regulated and impartial debt advice through webchat, and signposts to resources for debt management and helping people improve their financial capabilities. Find out more at https://www.moneyadvicescotland.org.uk/
· You can access free, confidential, independent advice and counselling support 24/7 from our Employee Assistance Provider - phone WorkplaceOptionson: 0800 247 1100. Please note: to access Workplace Options online, please follow the process found on Connect at http://connect.glasgow.gov.uk/article/27442/Contacting-Workplace-Options
· Our Health and Wellbeing Handbook brings together a wealth of resources for financial wellbeing and other services available to help support your health and wellbeing. You can access the handbook on Connect at http://connect.glasgow.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=55690&p=0
· Find out more about the Glasgow Credit Union at https://www.glasgowcu.com/
Following the successful launch of staff self-service portal 'My IT', CGI has now launched Self Service Password Reset (SSPR).
This new functionality allows users to reset their password from their own device.
Brendan Murphy, Head of Digital Innovation,Strategic Information, Innovation and Technology (SIIT) Teamsaid: "The key benefit of Self Service Password Reset (SSPR) is that it takes away the need to call the Service Desk and allows you to be back up and running in less than two minutes.
"SSPR along with My IT is another tool to empower staff to manage their own IT issues, making for quicker and more effective process."
More information
To find out more about SSPR and how to use it you can read the Manager's Briefing - available on Connect at http://connect.glasgow.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=56030&p=0
Wise Women, a voluntary sector organisation in Glasgow which supports women to improve their personal safety, has launched an online survey in the form of an easy-to-use app which allows women to log instances of when and where they feel unsafe in public spaces.
The survey, in partnership with the Glasgow Violence Against Women Partnership (GVAWP), Glasgow Girls Club and Commonplace, forms part of the ongoing work to improve women's safety in the city and is open to all women who live, work, study or socialise in Glasgow. The survey closes on 1 March 2022.
Understanding women's experiences of everyday harassment and abuse in public spaces is vital to make sure strategic approaches to safety are effective.
The Glasgow Violence Against Women's Partnership, coordinated by VAW services within Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability (NRS) are workingwith and supporting Wise Women to gather information on women's safety in the city. The findings will support the change needed to address the culture of male violence against women. The more women that take part the more significant the findings will be.
Kirsti Hay, Violence Against Women Coordinator, NRS, said: "The GVAWP was of the view that we need to do much wider work in terms of improving women's safety in public, part of that work is considering how we apply a gendered lens to city planning.
"To do this, we need to understand when women use public spaces; the times they use public spaces; which spaces they do not use and why. Once there is understanding of this, we can begin to address how we might change the use of spaces in order that there is footfall at different times of the day. The most common response is a call to improve street lighting, however that is not a solution in and of itself.
"The survey will help inform the refreshed GVAWP strategic plan to prevent and eradicate violence against women and girls as well as help inform other city-wide strategic plans."
Complete the survey to have your say - by 1 March, 2022
You can help make that change by taking part in the survey.
More information
Find out more at www.womenssafety.scot
Find out more about the Glasgow Violence Against Women Partnership at https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/article/25281/What-is-Glasgow-Violence-Against-Women-Partnership
Applications are now open for this year's Summer Internship Programme - a 12 week placement from Monday 6 June until Friday 26 August 2022. The deadline for applications is 20 February - with interviews taking place in February and March.
This year we will recruit 15 interns spread over three council services. Four posts are for college HND graduates, and 11 for university undergraduates (due to enter their final year of study autumn 2022).
Beth McDonald, Development Officer, Employability Team, Chief Executive's Department,said: "We're delighted to be able to run the programme again this year, offering students valuable paid work experience on meaningful projects."
Eligibility criteria for applicants:
· For HND positions - students due to graduate from college this year
· For university undergraduate positions - students in their penultimate undergraduate year
· Must live at a Glasgow city address - to check your local authority visit
https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
· Must be eligible to live and work in the UK
Undergraduate posts are now being advertised through university career sites, TargetConnect and CareerHub. HND adverts have been circulated by Glasgow college careers representatives at City, Clyde and Kelvin colleges - or can be obtained by emailing Interns (on Outlook) Each post has a unique link to MyJobScotland for the completion and submission of applications by 20 February 2022.
More information
Further details on the Summer Internship Programme can be found on the council's webpage at http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/summerinternship
You can watch a short video about the programme, featuring three former interns, on Youtube at https://youtu.be/zGaDZZPeX5U
Interns will be paid the Glasgow Living Wage of £9.90 per hour and receive an additional six days' pay for accrued leave at the end of their 12 weeks. Students should not be planning to take time off during the period of their internship.
When applying students should state their place of study on their application that will assist feedback to their respective universities and colleges.
The Gaelic Development team in the Chief Executive's Department invites you to complete the council's 2022 Gaelic skills survey.
The aim of the survey is to find out how many council family employees can speak, read, write or understand Gaelic and provide further insight into the needs and attitudes of our workforce in relation to Gaelic language.
Your support will help the team develop new opportunities to increase Gaelic awareness and to learn and use the language.
Donald MacPhee, Gaelic Development Officersaid: "We're currently writing the council's fourth Gaelic Language Plan for 2023 to 2028 and seeking to gain an update on Gaelic skills within our workforce.
"More and more people want to learn Gaelic and to find out more about our Gaelic heritage, culture and arts. Since the launch of Gaelic on the Duolingo app in 2019, about 500,000 new learners have signed up worldwide. I'm one of the Gaelic Duolingo voices so it's tremendous to have such a high number of learners, around nine times the number of speakers in Scotland at the last census (58,000 in 2011).
"The development of online learning in response to the Covid pandemic has made language learning even more accessible than ever before."
Donald added: "We recently conducted two pieces of Gaelic specific research, one looking into the economic value of the language in Glasgow and another broader piece looking at Glasgow's Gaelic skill set and the community's attitudes towards Gaelic.
"Both pieces of work produced some fascinating insight and recommendations to assist with the enhancement and development of Gaelic in Glasgow. One area highlighted for improvement is the need for increased visibility and promotion of Gaelic throughout the city. This is something we are keen to improve within the council family and have included specific questions on visibility within this year's survey to gain more insight into staff attitudes towards Gaelic and gather suggestions for future development."
Glasgow has a strong reputation for delivering high quality Gaelic medium education (GME) - with over 1300 children and young people learning Gaelic across three GME nurseries, three primary schools, as well as a Gaelic secondary school. A fourth primary school is scheduled to open in the Calton area in 2024 and other developments are being discussed.
Gaelic learning in Glasgow continues to be very popular, with Glasgow Life offering a variety of courses, conversation classes and learning opportunities. Gaelic usage in the city is continuing to grow and is being promoted at events such as Celtic Connections and Aye Write.
Glasgow is home to over 10% of Scotland's Gaelic population, the largest percentage outside of the Western Isles and the Highlands. It is the largest centre of Gaelic culture in mainland Scotland and is known as Baile Mòr nan Gàidheal - the City of the Gaels.
How to take survey - share your views
Please help the Gaelic Development team by completing the survey which you can access at: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/0C27IS/
Submissions must be made by Monday 28 February
More information
You can view the current council's Gaelic Plan here
Further information about Gaelic activity and learning opportunities from Glasgow Life can be found on the Glasgow Life website at
https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/glaschu-be%C3%B2-glasgow-life
Twelve city schools have embarked on a scheme to reduce the amount of unnecessary plastic waste in their establishments.
The work forms part of the council's plastic reduction strategy, launched in 2019, that places the emphasis on prevention, reuse, recycling and recovery - with disposal always as a last resort.
The strategy aims to see Glasgow be free of unnecessary plastic by the year 2030 and is backed up by a public consultation that showed overwhelming support for work to reduce single-use plastic consumption in the city.
Plastic Free Schools is a nationwide accreditation scheme run by Surfers Against Sewage, an environmental charity dedicated to protecting oceans, waterways, beaches and wildlife who inhabit them.
At Hyndland Primary School eight plastic free pioneers are leading the fight to eradicate single use plastic and reduce the amount of unnecessary plastic waste in their school.
The primary seven pupils are running a project to help the school achieve a Plastic Free School accreditation award from Surfers Against Sewage.
The Plastic Free Schools programme teaches pupils how to run their own campaign in the fight against single-use plastic; from challenging government and industry to creating change in their schools and forming sustainable habits that will continue into adulthood.
As part of the scheme the pupils were asked to identify areas within the school that they thought produced the most unnecessary plastic and come up with a plan to reduce, reuse or recycle.
The areas where they thought that they could make the most change was litter in the playground, single use water bottles in classrooms and the school kitchen and dining hall.
One of the first things the pupils did was to buy new recycling bins and make a short video for the rest of the school, to demonstrate how to recycle properly and which items should go in which bins. They also showed how sandwich cartons needed to be separated so that the cardboard and soft plastic film could both be recycled. And pupils should be careful not to contaminate the recycle bins with bits of left-over food.
They are also collecting crisp packets, that can take 80 years to breakdown, to send away to be recycled into insulated sleeping bag liners for rough sleepers.
With covid measures currently precluding the use of water fountains more and more pupils were bringing in plastic water bottles which they are encouraged to recycle at the end of the day by putting them into the correct recycle bin.
Next on the list is tackling single use plastic in the school's dining hall. The pupils are currently writing a letter to the council's head of catering and facilities management to ask what can be done about reducing single use and unnecessary plastic.
They would like a chance to meet with the team to ask about things like use of polystyrene cups for soup, plastic tubs and lids and sauce sachets amongst other things to see if there are options to cut down on single use plastic or recycle more. The group are hoping to be able to work with the catering team on plans that could eventually be rolled out across all schools in the city.
Lewis Douglas, technical officer within Neighbourhoods Regenerations and Sustainability working on Sustainable Glasgow said: "Plastic waste is a huge problem and an issue that should concern all of us. In particular single use plastic represents a highly visible sign of our throwaway culture and needs to be addressed urgently. It has devastating effects on habitats and marine life, amongst other things, when it finds its way into our waterways.
"Our plastic reduction strategy and action plan has a mixture of relatively small steps to major interventions including recycling single use cups, encouraging refilling bottles, incentivisation and improving education on reuse and responsible recycling, that will have a cumulative impact on reducing plastic waste.
"Our schools recognise the urgency and the challenge and are directly taking action to look at the causes of the waste and how they can target different groups to change things for the better."
More information
View the Glasgow City Council Plastic Reduction Strategy
Find out more about plastic free schools at https://plasticfreeschools.org.uk/
It's no secret that Glasgow has recently taken on the role of 'Gotham City' for the filming of the latest Hollywood blockbuster to be filmed here - Batgirl.
A large part of the filming involved transforming areas around Trongate into a Christmas setting - giving shopfronts a makeover and installing 'American' vehicles and road signage. Visitors and residents flocked to the area each day to observe the sets and ongoing filming.
But do you know that council teams - particularly the Glasgow Film Office, and Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability (NRS), play a huge role in attracting and supporting tv and film productions to come to the city and to help things go smoothly while filming is taking place?
The council's Glasgow Film Office was established in 1997 with the aim of promoting Glasgow as a 'film-friendly' city.
Jennifer Reynolds, Film Commissioner, Glasgow Film Office, in the Chief Executive's Department said: "We act as a 'one-stop shop' for productions of all sizes and budgets filming or wishing to film in Glasgow.
"We aim to make sure that filming goes as smoothly as possible whilst delivering the greatest economic benefits. We work with productions to help minimise the impact on the daily life and operations of residents and businesses.
We help to co-ordinate meetings with appropriate agencies, location owners and other council departments, notably the Events and Filming team at Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability.
The NRS Events and Filming team also play a key role in supporting productions when they come to the city while at the same time keeping the city moving and thriving whilst filming is in progress.
The team is responsible for approving and managing all filming restrictions in the city - from parking restrictions to full road closures - as well as use of parks, open spaces and pedestrian precincts. This can also include helping to manage access to buildings and safe pedestrian movement.
Chris McCairns, Events and Filming Traffic Manager, Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability said: "My job is really varied working with film productions. I'm responsible for everything that affects a road; I write the regulation orders to allow filming to take place and make sure that production teams are following the legislation. Each production brings something different to Glasgow from car chases to superheroes leaping off flaming buildings. No two productions are ever the same and because of this it keeps the job exciting.
"I work with a wide range of partners and organisations including the Police, Fire Services, NHS, utility providers, local community councils, local businesses, bus operators, taxis, trains, Transport Scotland, and more. I also work closely with colleagues across the council family, particularly the wider events team, roadworks control, Traffcom, Parks Development and Roads Maintenance to make sure all the necessary arrangements are in place during the period of filming.
"Events officers are responsible for making arrangements to enable production companies to film in parks around the city which also involves them liaising with businesses and residents who will be affected by filming."
Chris added: "I was first approached about Batgirl in July 2021 whilst The Flash was still in production in the city. Warner Brothers had received such as glowing report from The Flash production team of Glasgow being such a film friendly city they decided that Batgirl had to be filmed in Glasgow.
"The whole council team has once again acted with professionalism and commitment to make this production happen - bringing another 'superhero' to the city from November 2021 until March 2022."
Recognition for support provided
The production company responsible for the six part drama called 'Vigil' (made on behalf of the BBC by World Productions, creators of "Line of Duty" and "The Bodyguard') wrote to The Lord Provost in November 2020 to thank the city for the assistance provided.
The Location Manager wrote: "The locations department depends greatly upon a close working relationship with many agencies and Glasgow City Council has proven to be an invaluable help to us throughout filming. In particular Chris McCairns, the Events and Filming Manager in the Neighbourhoods and Sustainability Department, has been friendly, prompt and efficient with his help and advice throughout the filming process and we could not have made the show without his help.
look forward to filming in the city again and working with Glasgow City Council in the future."
Film and tv productions in Glasgow
A number of notable productions were shot in Glasgow in 2021, including The Flash, the fifth Indiana Jones film, Tetris (yet to be released), Man & Witch (yet to be released) , Annika, Shetland, Guilt 2, The Control Room (yet to be screened) and Screw, filmed in the Kelvin Hall and currently showing on Channel 4.
These productions join a long list of major films and broadcast series shot in Glasgow, including World War Z, Under the Skin, Outlaw King, The Wife, Hobbs & Shaw, Outlander, Succession, Still Game and Vigil.
More information
Find out more about the Glasgow Film Office at glasgow.film.com
Glasgow Life have confirmed that The Burrell Collection will reopen to the public on Tuesday 29 March after major refurbishment.
The A-listed home of The Burrell Collection in Pollok Country Park is now a modern, greener museum that will show more of the Collection to visitors and give access to over a third more of the building.
Sir William Burrell devoted more than 75 years of his life to amassing, along with his wife, Constance, Lady Burrell, one of the world's greatest personal art collections, renowned for its quality of Chinese art, exquisite stained glass, intricate tapestries as well as its breadth of fine art.
The donation of the Collection to the city was described at the time as: "One of the greatest gifts ever made to any city in the world." (Sir Hector Hetherington, Principal of Glasgow University).
The Collection is home to the Wagner garden carpet which is one of the earliest surviving Persian garden carpets in the world, and has rarely been on public display since The Burrell Collection first opened in 1983. The museum's refurbishment and redisplay means this priceless carpet will now be on long-term display, accompanied by new and innovative methods of interpretation.
Other highlights include Chinese pottery and porcelain produced over a 5,000-year period, making it one of the most significant collections of Chinese Art in Europe; paintings by renowned French artists including Manet, Cézanne and Degas; Medieval treasures including stained glass, arms and armour, and over 200 tapestries and 150 carpets, which are among the finest in the world.
The Burrell Collection's refurbishment will also bring new visitors to Glasgow's south side and to Pollok Country Park to enjoy a full day out. Pollok Country Park is Glasgow's largest green space and is home to Pollok House, Pollok Stables and Sawmill which will be redeveloped, spectacular gardens, woodside walks and play areas. Paths and roads have been improved; benches, new signage, vehicle barriers restricting access along the main through route in the centre of the park have been installed, and electric vehicle chargers, electric shuttle bus stops, and NextBike bikes and e-bikes will prioritise active travel.
Dr Bridget McConnell CBE, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life, said: "The re-opening of The Burrell Collection is another compelling reason for people to come to Glasgow to visit our spectacular city. It will be the catalyst for more people to experience the wonderful Pollok Country Park and other attractions on the south side of the city and to enjoy the glory of the Collection and its magnificent home.
"The Burrell Collection stands among the finest personal art collections ever amassed and will bring people back many times to see it in the years to come."
Nearly half of the funding for the £68.25 million project was committed by the council, with more than a quarter coming from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and significant donations from The Scottish Government, the UK Government, and from many generous trusts and private donors.
As the world recovers from Covid-19, The Burrell is a reminder of culture's contribution to the vibrancy and international appeal of Glasgow.
The opening of The Burrell Collection in 1983 was one of the first demonstrations of Glasgow's commitment to cultural-led regeneration. By harnessing the power of its incredible cultural draw, Glasgow has positioned itself as one of the world's great cultural and creative cities, making it a must-visit destination.
More information
You can find more information about the reopening at https://burrellcollection.com/
Safer Internet Day takes place this month on Tuesday 8 February followed by the Scottish Government's Cyber Scotland Week, starting on Monday 28 February.
Kenny Meechan,Head of Information and Data Protection Officer explains: "These events are created to help raise awareness of cybercrime and provide you with top tips to keep you and your family safe online.
"During the pandemic there has been a marked increase in the number of phishing emails fraudsters are sending as we are all spending more time online. These scam emails attempt to get us to click on a link or open an attachment - quickly and without thinking, which can then lead to dangerous malware being installed on your device with the aim of stealing your personal and financial information. In some cases you are asked to phone a number and tricked into providing your bank details. Everyone should be vigilant to this type of activity at all times and to help you stay safe we would recommend you take the time out to watch the National Cyber Security Centre key training video."
Video
The video can be viewed at https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/training/top-tips-for-staff-scorm-v2/scormcontent/index.html.
It takes less than 30 minutes to watch and introduces why cyber security is important and how attacks happen. It focuses on four main areas:
Events
More information
On 5 May this year, the Scottish local council elections will take place.
If you are not yet registered to vote or have moved address and need to register again, you need to complete a new application to register to vote by Monday 18 April to be eligible to vote in this election.
Applications can be made online at gov.uk/register-to-vote
Who can vote?
You can vote in this election if you are registered to vote in Scotland and will be aged 16 or over on Thursday 5 May 2022. You must also be either:
How to vote - in person or by post
You can vote in person at your local polling station, where all the usual Covid protections will be in place to keep you safe. Or you can choose to vote from home by applying for a postal vote. The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday 19 April but it is recommended that you apply as soon as possible.
A TV advert is running across Scotland until 13 February to promote these options. We have worked with the other Electoral Registration Offices across the country to make sure that a consistent message is given to everybody in Scotland. This will be supported by messages across social media platforms, Facebook and Twitter.
William McFarlane, Electoral Registration Officer said: "If you are eligible to vote, please make sure you are registered to vote to allow you to have your say in May. Once registered you can then decide whether you want to vote in person at your local polling station or at home by post.
"We are also planning localised campaigns to encourage voter registration and participation of our newly eligible citizens who can vote in this election."
More information
For details on how to register to vote and apply for a postal vote in your area, visit www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voter www.glasgow.gov.uk/registertovote
A month-long publicity campaign is underway to increase awareness of Glasgow's Low Emission Zone (LEZ) and to help people prepare ahead of its full roll-out on 1 June 2023.
Using channels such as social media, radio, digital and outdoor advertising - the council is highlighting the health benefits of delivering cleaner air through our Low Emission Zone and encouraging people to go online to find out more about it - where it is and whether your vehicle is likely to meet the cleaner, less polluting emissions requirements. Our LEZ webpages also contain information about switching to more sustainable ways to travel as well as providing links to Scottish Government funding schemes which are designed to help those who will have the most difficulty complying with LEZ requirements.
Since 2018, Glasgow started phasing in our LEZ to address levels of harmful nitrogen dioxide in the city centre. As the main source of this pollution is from road traffic, our LEZ is an essential measure to improve air quality, protect public health and support wider climate change ambitions by encouraging more sustainable transport options.
LEZ Phase 1 affects local service buses only. When LEZ Phase 2 is enforced from 1 June 2023 however, all vehicles entering the city centre zone must meet the required emission standards to avoid a penalty. For practical purposes it is generally the case that diesel engine vehicles registered after September 2015, and petrol vehicles registered from 2006 onwards will meet the required LEZ standards.
Motorcycles and mopeds are not affected by LEZ schemes in Scotland and some categories of vehicle are exempt, such as vehicles for disabled persons, which includes blue badge holders. Phase 2 will also grant zone residents an additional year to comply with the vehicle emissions requirements, meaning enforcement would not start until 1 June 2024.
More information
Further information about Glasgow's Low Emission Zone is available at glasgow.gov.uk/LEZ and by viewing our animation on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=x-2zdaGvqy8&feature=youtu.be
Our Corporate Procurement Unit (CPU) located in the Chief Executive's Department has a team of 44 staff overseeing a staggering annual spend on goods, services, and work, across the council family of £286m. This spend is delivered across 237 contracts and involves liaising with over 869 different suppliers. The CPU is a one-stop shop for all the council's procurement needs.
How can CPU help you?
The CPU Team use their combined buying power and experience to get the best deal for you on your required goods and services. Covering every aspect of the procurement process whether that's buying stationery or procuring multi-million-pound capital works contracts.
The goods, services and works contracts awarded by the Corporate Procurement Unit benefit our citizens, communities and the city by providing, for example:
· graduate and apprenticeship opportunities to young people in the local community.
· realising community benefits amounting to £19k in support of our Food Strategy and the introduction of the Food Pantries scheme across the city.
Maureen Fitzpatrick, Head of Procurement explains: "Annually we buy a wide range of goods, services and works. Our CPU team works with all areas of the business to make sure that all our purchases support the key aims and objectives of the council's Corporate Procurement and Commercial Improvement Strategy 2018 - 22. We aim to make sure that our purchases are economically advantageous, legally compliant, fair, ethical and that the buying process is open and transparent."
More information
You can read more about how the procurement process benefits our communities and city at http://connect.glasgow.gov.uk/article/25207/Case-Studies
can find out more about buying goods and services at http://connect.glasgow.gov.uk/article/25209/Buying-Goods-and-Services
Following the easing of covid restrictions, the well-loved, and much missed, Blochairn car boot sale will reopen on Sunday 6 February from 6am to 3pm.
The car boot sale, established in 1993, is known for being one of the largest of its kind in Scotland. The weekly event is operated by City Property Markets - a trading division of City Property (Glasgow) LLP.
The Blochairn car boot site currently has capacity for over 200 cars plus over 50 long term traders selling fresh produce, household goods, hardware and more; it is hoped that capacity will grow over time as the car boot sale is re-established.
Advanced pitch booking is now required, with a new cashless system enabling traders to pre-book online. Refurbished onsite facilities, including new customer toilets, will improve the visitor experience.
The City Property Markets team of 21 staff is responsible for operating the largest wholesale fruit and fish markets in Scotland, several retail and farmers markets across the city, and the weekly car boot sale within the Blochairn complex.
Richard Watson, Commercial Group Manager, City Property (Glasgow) LLP said: "The car boot sale has been closed for over a year as a result of the pandemic and onsite building works, so we're really looking forward to welcoming everyone back.
"The weekly event provides a platform for our resident traders to showcase their products. It's very popular with locals and also attracts visitors from further afield to the city.
"Our various Glasgow markets make a positive impact in our local communities. The reopening of the weekly car boot event will undoubtedly contribute to the council's priority of developing a thriving economy."
More information
Find out more about the Blochairn car boot sale, and other markets operated by City Property. Visit citypropertymarkets.co.uk
Pat Kennedy,School Crossing Patroller at Wellshot Primary School, Tollcross, recently received glowing praise from a parent at the school where he works.
Parent Alison Wood was so impressed by Pat that she emailed Customer Services to say: "I'd like to take this opportunity to compliment the lollipop man who works the crossing at Wellshot Primary. He is always kind and caring towards the children and is always approachable and friendly. He greets the children as they cross and always has a smile for them.
"I would love to see him receive recognition for his hard work and effort - he is appreciated and valued as a member of the community not just by me but by the parents at Wellshot Primary school."
Pat, who has been a School Crossing Patrollerfor five years said:"Receiving this recognition is a great feeling, it's nice to hear lovely feedback about the job you do from both parents and your managers. All the School Crossing Patrollers do such a fantastic job.
"I love being a school crossing patroller because I get out and meet people every day. If I see someone I will always say "good morning" to them as I might be the only person that says anything to them that day. I always say to the children "have a fantastic day" to give them a wee boost to the start of their school day.
Derek Tarres, Area Operations Manager, Catering and Facilities Management, Financial Servicessaid: "Pat has an engaging personality and a genuine concern for the people in the community - and you can see how much he enjoys the job he does."
Tom McLaren, Head of Service Improvement, Catering and Facilities Management, Financial Services said:"We have around 300 School Crossing Patrollers across the city. The patrollers are valued members of our team and provide a very important road safety service to the children, parents and residents in the local community they work in.
"We're always looking to recruit more patrollers and we'd be delighted to hear from anyone who is interested in joining our team."
More information
If you, or anyone you know, would like to find out more about becoming a school crossing patroller, phone 0141 287 6440.