MAGAZINE
Yay! We've been shortlisted!
Summer 17
The Paisley 2021 bid enters the home straight‌
The Lens
David Amos
Staff Survey
The Spree
Meet our winning intrapreneurs
Our Head of Policy and Commissioning on Renfrewshire's ambition
Find out what we've learned
Music, comedy, drama, film and much, much more!
Get the most out of working for Renfrewshire Council
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IN THIS ISSUE
IN THIS ISSUE… Send us your favourite pics of this beautiful area.
You told us, we’re listening! . . . . . . 8 Check out the results from our recent staff survey.
Staff stories . . . . . . . . 10 You're an inspiring workforce, read about what your colleagues are doing for charity.
We’re on the shortlist! . . . . . . . 12 Our Paisley 2021 bid is now the only Scottish contender for UK City of Culture, so what happens now?
Bringing your ideas to life . 18 . . . . . . . 14 Take a look through ‘The Lens’ at our winning intrapreneurs!
2017—its been an eventful year! . . . . . 18 Which of these amazing events did you catch this year?
All about . . . . . . . . . . 20 Directors Peter MacLeod and Shona MacDougall take you on a tour of their services.
MAGAZINE
Revealing Renfrewshire! . . . . . . . 6
All in a day’s work . . . . 22 Join our wardens service on patrol.
Closing the digital divide . . . . . . . 24
ISSUE 2 Summer 17
Our innovative approach to digital is attracting national interest, find out what we’re doing.
What's on across Renfrewshire
Spotlight— David Amos . . . . . . . .25
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Our Head of Policy and Commissioning talks about Renfrewshire’s ambition
Shows, gigs, exhibitions and events—what will you be going to?
FYI—What do you need to know?
‘Spree’ mendous! . . . . 28 The packed programme of music, comedy, drama and film returns —get these dates in your diary!
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Our New Council . . . . .34
• • • • • • • •
Meet the new Council Leader Iain Nicolson and Provost Lorraine Cameron.
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Showcasing in The Atrium The Russell Institute Leadership Development 2017/18 Our new depots Business World update Best Value Audit Moving to Microsoft 365 Calling All Users
R Magazine is produced by the council's communication and marketing teams. Other formats are available.
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WELCOME
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WELCOME
Welcome Welcome to our second staff magazine and thanks to everyone who has provided feedback so far. Your views are helping shape how we do business across the council and are important to the success of our organisation. In this edition, we report back on our recent staff survey which sought your opinions on a range of subjects about how we communicate with you and what improvements you think we could make. This survey will inform our approach going forward and allow us to evaluate how we’re doing on a regular basis. We also celebrate Paisley being shortlisted in the UK Government’s competition for UK City of Culture 2021. Renfrewshire is already benefitting from a packed major events programme and a whole host of cultural and heritage-led regeneration projects which have been turbo-charged by Paisley 2021. Your hard work has already achieved momentous change in how people see Paisley and Renfrewshire, and as we move into phase two of the bid, your support will play a vital part in realising our ambitions. I recently attended the Lens awards ceremony in Johnstone Town Hall which recognised the work of teams across the council who had submitted ideas that would benefit people across Renfrewshire. As the first local authority in Scotland to take part in such a programme, I found the whole process truly inspirational as I saw the passion and commitment our employees have for improving the lives of our communities —and I know from the teams themselves that they also found the opportunity very worthwhile.
As a result, many of those projects will now be implemented and I’ve encouraged all the participants to carry on working with colleagues and with our partners to find ways of bringing these fantastic ideas to life. Watch this space for the next round of the competition. Following the recent local government elections, we now have 43 councillors with key appointments to our policy boards and committees now confirmed. We profile the new Council Leader, Iain Nicolson, and Provost Lorraine Cameron, for an insightful introduction to their ethos and ambition for our local communities. The recent Best Value Audit, which measures how we demonstrate continuous improvement in how we deliver our priorities, recognised the strength and clarity of our ambitious vision for Renfrewshire; and its resonance with our partners. Following the audit, the Accounts Commission have now published the Best Value Assurance Report for Renfrewshire and I am happy to say that, overall, it is a positive recognition of our sound financial planning and steady pace of change during challenging times which highlights our good partnership working and our ability to implement initiatives focused on making a difference at a local level. Our staff, partners and elected representatives play a vital role in delivering our priorities and, as we work together to prepare the new Council Plan and Renfrewshire Community Plan, I would like to thank you for your commitment and valued contribution to our council.
Sandra Black, Chief Executive
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REVEALING RENFREWSHIRE
'Overlooking Renfrew Ferry' Carol MacDonald This fantastic picture sent in from Carol, Senior Committee Services Officer, highlights the beautiful part of the Scotland we live in and we want to showcase it even further!
Win tickets to the Spree! Send us a photo of your favourite place, building or scenery and you could win two tickets to ‘Friday Night Comedy’ at The Spree in October. Send them to internalcommunications@renfrewshire.gov.uk by Friday 29 September and we’ll pick a winner.
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REVEALING RENFREWSHIRE
Send your photos to: internalcommunications@renfrewshire.gov.uk
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STAFF SURVEY
What we’re doing well… 84% of respondents
60% of you felt
you were ‘informed’ or ‘fully informed’ about what’s happening in the Council.
Here's what we learned
Two-thirds of you were fully aware that Renfrewshire Council is an accredited Living Wage employer.
nfo is You told us Re pdate in need of an u is outas information of-date.
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74% of you said your Director was either ‘Not at all visible’ or only ‘To some exte nt’.
What we need to improve on…
What you told us…
Popular channels for receiving important information: • email (84%) • my manager (71%) • team meetings (61%)
felt their Head of Service/Senior Manager was ‘Fairly visible’ or ‘Very visible’.
Staff wished to be informed about: • changes in policy or service provision • organisational structure for each service (and any changes to these) • budgets, and • major board decisions.
STAFF SURVEY
How we connect our people, ideas and information is everyone’s responsibility—so we asked you to tell us what you think… More than 700 of you replied to our recent survey which included questions about decision making and news from across the Council; the visibility of our senior leaders; your awareness of the Council’s vision and values; and how you prefer to find and receive information. You told us that, mostly, you feel well informed about what’s happening in your own area. You also said that you prefer email and face-to-face briefings and want to know more about decisions and news from other parts of the organisation. While many Senior Managers were considered to be ‘visible’, a large number of you feel that your Directors weren’t so much. Renfo was also widely regarded as outdated and unreliable. These results will help inform and shape how we plan and deliver honest, up-to-date information that helps you to do your job well. With such a diverse workforce spread across numerous
Frontline workers were identified as an area that should not be missed out when cascading information
You told us, we’re listening
sites, it’s important we provide a choice of channels that reaches everyone. We have introduced a number of “I would like to thank everyone new channels over recent months, who took the time to respond including this magazine, which aims to our staff communication to highlight and showcase your work from all service areas as well as an survey. It’s encouraging that update on key priorities, achievements so many of you are engaged and plans. The Team Brief will with what’s happening across continue as a concise, consistent the Council and willing briefing cascade for managers to inform and update teams about key to share your ideas and issues and encourage discussion, suggestions. These results will feedback and questions. Poster inform our refreshed internal frames will soon be installed in council communications strategy, the locations, particularly those where there’s limited access to email or team brief, communications online. A new intranet is also planned, toolkit and the next phase which together with the new digital of activities.” tools, such as Skype for Business Sandra Black, Chief Executive and Yammer, will transform how we communicate and collaborate across the Council. We will conduct regular ‘pulse’ surveys, checking in with you to Your thoughts matter so please take make sure we’re getting the right the time to answer future surveys or information to you at the right contact internalcommunications@ time—connecting people and sharing renfrewshire.gov.uk if you have any what we do best for the people of suggestions you’d like to put forward. Renfrewshire.
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STAFF STORIES
w e r d n A r o f g n i Pedall
It might not be the Tour de France but John Mitchell’s reason for getting on his bike this summer was just as significant. Climbing into the saddle, John cycled over 100 miles to raise money for the Scotland West branch of Special Olympics GB. They are the primary body in the West of Scotland for the co-ordination of, and participation in, sports and formal competition for athletes and sport participants with Intellectual (Learning) Disabilities. Alongside council colleagues Jim Wardhaugh and George McMillan, John put his body on the line, all for the benefit of his son Andrew. Andrew, who is 14 years old and has both learning and physical disabilities, has performed so well in his swimming that he and eight other
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members of his club, the Clyde Valley Beavers, were selected to represent the Scotland West Team at the Special Olympics National Games in Sheffield in August. The costs incurred to make it to competitions are extremely high and as such the parents or guardian of each child involved in the programme have resolved to undertake some form of fundraising to support the organisation's expenses. Having only ever cycled around 82 miles previously, this was a huge test of John’s endurance but as it is for such a worthy cause, this drove him on to the finish! Well done John, Jim and George!
£1,116.25 Total raised by John and co so far, exceeding their £600 target. If you would like to make a donation in recognition of John’s efforts, you can do so via: www.virginmoneygiving. com/team/CVBAndrew
STAFF STORIES
Hair today
Gone tomorrow
Earlier this year, Stephanie Bain decided to put others before herself and undertook a personal challenge in order to raise money for charity. After reading online about The Little Princess Trust, who donate real-hair wigs to children and young people suffering from hair loss due to an illness, Stephanie decided she would donate her own hair in support of the cause. She hosted a charity night in Paisley for friends, family and colleagues where an auction and raffle raised a fantastic £552.62. Stephanie then opted for the chop—a huge 17 inches of hair snipped for the Little Princess Trust—a wonderful gesture which will make a
£926.15
real difference to the lives of young people who are suffering from illness. The money raised—the running total of which now stands at £926.15—will be also be donated to the Make a Wish Foundation which grants final wishes to children and young people with terminal illness. Since then, Stephanie has also competed in the Miss National Treasure pageant, winning the title of Charity Queen for her work with Make a Wish Foundation.
Raised by Stephanie for the Make A Wish Foundation.
To make a donation towards Stephanie’s efforts visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ stephanie-makeawish
What do you want to share? Let us know. Working on an inspiring project? Tell us about it! Has your department won an award? Let us know! Been to an event in Renfrewshire? Write about it! Does your colleague inspire you? We want to know!
R magazine is designed to inform you about what’s going on within your workplace. We want to make sure you know what’s gone on, what’s going on and what’s coming soon.
But this is your magazine too. Tell us your ideas for content, your inspiring stories and showcase the great work in your department. So if you’ve got ideas you want to share then email us at internalcommunications@renfrewshire.gov.uk and we’ll bring together your submissions to create the next edition of our magazine. 11
PAISLEY 2021
We’re on the shortlist! Paisley is now the only Scottish contender in the UK City of Culture 2021 competition. The news came in this summer that we had made the competition shortlist—joined by Coventry, Stoke, Sunderland and Swansea. We believe that Paisley can do this.
5 reasons why winning UK City of Culture matters:
What happens now?
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September 2017 A second-stage bid will be lodged with the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
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October 2017 The competition judges visit Paisley.
December 2017 The winner is announced!
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There will be loads happening Music, dance, comedy, theatre, festival, poetry, art …it’ll be great! Everyone’s invited Whoever you are and wherever you are from—you will be a part of it. Tourism It will put Paisley on the map as a tourist destination.
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Money and jobs More people visiting and spending more money=more jobs. Town pride People are saying good things about Paisley again—let’s keep that going.
PAISLEY 2021
Here’s some of our favourite Paisley 2021 moments Brad Paisley backs the bid
Grammy-award-winning US country star Brad Paisley gave his backing to the bid ahead of his show at the Clyde Auditorium in March.
Malcolm trailers spread the message
Top logistics and construction firm Malcolm Group unveiled two special Paisley 2021 branded trailers which will spread the word across the country.
Stunning kingfisher mural unveiled
This beautiful artwork, which received funding from Renfrewshire’s Culture Events and Heritage Fund, highlights the work of Paisleyborn ornithologist Alexander Wilson.
Gerard Butler backs the bid
A certain Hollywood megastar was left impressed by Morgan Spence's Paisley-themed LEGO video— the Paisley-born Gerard Butler! See Morgan's video here: https://youtu.be/JUJ3Q859GqQ
What can I do?
We are on the final push now and the judges are paying a lot of attention to Paisley’s bid. You can help by lending your voice to the campaign. Go online at paisley2021.co.uk/ get-involved to learn how. Of course, there are lots of other ways you can get involved—contact us at hello@paisley2021.co.uk to share your ideas. Download and display one of our Back the Bid posters…
#Paisley2021
I back the Bid For Paisley 2021
Like and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube…
Push the 2021 button on the homepage (paisley2021.co.uk) and ask family and friends to do the same!
Talk to us on social media using
#paisley2021 For more information on Paisley’s bid, see www.paisley2021.co.uk
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THE LENS—THE FINAL
Our winners
Kasia Owczarek Renfrewshire Interpreters Bank A training programme for local people to become accredited interpreters, which will provide the necessary language support for those trying to access council services. Award: £5,000
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Sally Logan Soopir Bus A community bus for older and disabled people, who currently cannot access public transport, which will enable them to access social activities and reduce the impact of loneliness. Award: £10,000
Joan Ferguson Rediscover Gleniffer Braes To create awareness and generate greater footfall at the Braes, with the aim of promoting the venue as a cultural asset and making it an attractive visitor destination. Award: £3,000
THE LENS—THE FINAL
Bringing your ideas to life We’re proud to be the first local authority in Scotland to take part in ‘The Lens’—an intrapreneurship programme that aims to nurture and develop creative, innovative and entrepreneurial activity from employees working in the Council.
This first stage of the programme involved five services and teams from across the Council: Homeless Services and Housing Support; Strategic Planning and Policy Development; HomeLink; the Adult Services Referral Team (ASeRT); and Economic Development. 11 finalists were chosen to put forward their pitches, ‘Dragon Dens’ style, for a share of up to £30,000 in funding for their projects. Six of the eleven secured immediate funding, however all of the finalists were encouraged to continue working with partners both within and outwith the Council to turn their ideas into reality. The scheme is set to return later this year and will be rolled out to include a wider range of services. So start planning your pitch now!
Duncan McEwan and Ann Gall Smart Share
Morag Alexander Buddies Recycle
Yvonne Fenech I will be there
A flat sharing app for young people aged 16–24 which allows young people to match and self-select their ideal flatmate.
A store for items donated or recycled from abandoned tenancies that can be passed on to service users to furnish their tenancy and reduce new tenant arrears.
Award: £7,000
Award: £5,000
An app to support people engaging with Renfrewshire Council services to coordinate and prioritise their appointmentsenabling personal control through the delivery of a pictorial diary application. Award: £20,000 (funded by Economic Development)
The remaining shortlisted finalists were: Catherine McKay Homeless Services and Housing Support— 'A Listening Ear'. Duncan McEwan and Sandra Grant Homeless Services and Housing Support — 'This is your life'. Jennifer Moon, Elaine Scally, Jane Ahlfeld and Deborah Proctor Home Link— 'Branching Out'. Karen McNulty, Sarah Hamilton, Sophie Campbell, Rachel McKenna Economic Development —'Evolution of Communication'. Nerisa Jardine and Lindsey Muir Homeless Services and Housing Support— 'Home for Keeps'.
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WHAT'S ON AROUND RENFREWSHIRE?
What's on around Renfrewshire?
Dougie Wallace: 'Harrodsburg' and 'Road Wallah'
Tuesday 12 September– Sunday 29 October Paisley Museum, Free
Harrodsburg
Road Wallah
Street Level Photoworks presents two exhibitions from Paisley born photographer Dougie Wallace: ‘Harrodsburg’ and ‘Road Wallah’. Hosting its Scottish premiere at Paisley Museum, Wallace’s latest body of work: Harrodsburg, is an up-close wealth safari exploring the wildlife that inhabits the super-rich London residential and retail district of Knightsbridge and Chelsea. Road Wallah details the four years Wallace spent photographing the now defunct black and yellow Premier Padmini cabs of Mumbai, famous for their garish, psychedelic interiors and the elusive charisma of the drivers.
Stand By
Friday 15 September Paisley Arts Centre, 7.30pm £10 (£6 conc) + booking fee* Suitable for ages 16+ Four police officers sit in a riot van. Called out to a domestic dispute, they are on standby; waiting to enter a flat where a man is wielding a samurai sword. We wait with them, experiencing the relationships forged through the stress of the job and the turmoil of being caught between following orders and protecting themselves. A unique performance, audiences are asked to wear singleearpiece headphones to tell this urgent story in a multisensory way.
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WHAT'S ON AROUND RENFREWSHIRE?
Daniel Sloss
Saturday 16 September Paisley Arts Centre, 7.30 pm £13.50 (£11 conc.) + booking fee* 'Now' is the stunning new show from Scotland’s internationally acclaimed and award-winning stand-up comedian, Daniel Sloss. As well as extensive tours throughout Australasia, USA, UK and Europe, Daniel Sloss has starred in TV’s “Conan” and has performed nine sell-out Edinburgh Fringes, two solo off-Broadway seasons and given a 'Tedx Talk'.
The Story of the Little Gentleman Wednesday 27 September Johnstone Town Hall, 1.30 pm £5 + booking fee* Suitable for ages 4+
All the Little Gentleman wants is a friend. A friend he can sit in the sun and listen to the birds with. But nobody seems to like the Little Gentleman and nobody wants to be his friend. Until one day he is woken up by a curious dog who just wants to play. An energetic experience that playfully celebrates friendship and acceptance.
Damned Rebel Bitches Saturday 7 October Paisley Arts Centre, 7.30pm £10 (£6 conc.) + booking fee*
Tommy Smith Quartet: Embodying the Light Friday 29 September Paisley Arts Centre, 7.30 pm £14 (£12 conc.) + booking fee*
Internationally acclaimed saxophonist Tommy Smith launches a new band, the Tommy Smith Quartet: Embodying the Light. On 2nd February, Smith and his new quartet went into the studio to record his first acoustic quartet album since 2005. Entitled Embodying the Light, the album will mark Smith’s 50th birthday and the 50th anniversary of the death of one of his greatest inspirations, John Coltrane.
The thing about getting old is that everyone who can tell you off has died. Septuagenarian Scottish sisters Ella and Agnes survived the Clydeside Blitz in 1941 and now, in New York in the teeth of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, they are searching for Ella’s feckless grandson, whose life is in danger. Featuring an international cast aged 30-75; Damned Rebel Bitches celebrates the independent, risktaking women of the war year’s generation.
Buy tickets from the box office on 0300 300 1210 or online at www.renfrewshireleisure.com * A £1 service charge per transaction applies for bookings made by phone or online. There is no service charge for tickets purchased in person or for tickets booked by phone and later collected from the Box Office.)
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2017—ITS BEEN AN EVENTFUL YEAR!
2017…our biggest year yet for events
Monte Carlo Rally January
Over 70 classic cars departed from Abbey Close on an epic 1,300-mile journey to the south of France for this legendary motorsport event.
Our events programme is a big part of what we’re trying to do for Renfrewshire. Attracting thousands of visitors brings new spending into the local economy. It helps improve the perception of Renfrewshire and—as most of our events are free—more people can come along to join in the fun! Here are some of our highlights so far…and details of some events still to come.
Paisley Food and Beer Festival April
Fun in the sun as crowds flocked into town for our new food festival which runs alongside the everpopular beer festival— Scotland’s biggest!
British Pipe Band Championships May
Over 15,000 people came to St James’ Playing Fields to watch over 150 of the best pipe bands around compete.
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2017—ITS BEEN AN EVENTFUL YEAR!
Still to come in 2017…
Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award June
The Spree
Paisley Town Hall hosted this prestigious music industry event which saw Sacred Paws crowned the 2017 winner.
13–24 October
Sma’ Shot Day/ Weave July
Paisley’s historic Sma’ Shot Day celebrations were expanded this year into the Weave festival which celebrated our textile heritage.
Music, comedy, drama, film… the Spree has it all (see p28–29 for more details).
Halloween Festival 27–28 October A two-day spooktacular with a Halloween Ball, a town centre parade and a whole (g)host of family activities.
Fireworks Spectacular 4 November The sky over Paisley Abbey will be lit up in a fantastic display of fireworks.
Christmas Lights Switch-On 18 November (Paisley) 25 November (Renfrew) 2 December (Johnstone)
Been to one of our events? Share your pics and tell us what you thought!
Always a family favourite, everyone knows the festive season is here when we turn on the Christmas lights in our biggest towns.
Scottish Trad Awards 2 December For the first time ever, Paisley will host the Scottish Trad Music Awards featuring a Gala Concert in Paisley Town Hall.
For more information www.paisley2021.co.uk/events
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ALL ABOUT…EDUCATION
All about… Children’s Services Meet the Director Peter MacLeod started his career in Renfrewshire Council in 1996 as Area Social Work Manager in Renfrew, having worked as a social worker since 1987. He is now Director of Children’s Services— the largest service in the Council. Who are Children’s Services? Children’s Services was set up in 2015 to encompass all child-focused services provided by the Council including early years, primary and secondary education, children’s social work, community learning and development and criminal justice. What are our priorities? In Children’s Services we have a number of key priorities that we look to deliver—namely securing best attainment for all regardless of their background and we are doing this through our participation in the Attainment Challenge.
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We strive to improve the number of positive destinations for school leavers while delivering the best quality care and support for those involved with our social work service —as well as providing high quality criminal justice and social work services. We are committed to providing the best teaching environment possible. We want to fulfil our ambition of having the best education and children's services workforce in Scotland. Where are we succeeding? We are leading the way in a number of innovative programmes such as Promoting Positive Thinking
Strategies (PATHS) which encourages children’s positive emotional wellbeing and has been adopted by other local authorities. There is also the Functional Family Therapy programme—an evidence based intervention with families to try to keep children in their homes. What are you most proud of? Out of everything we have achieved as a department, I’m most proud that we have come together as a service—the first of its kind in this area—and are performing well, by providing support and listening to young people and their families.
"Every service we provide has protection at its core."
ALL ABOUT…COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Community Resources Who are we?
Here's just some of what we do
Our Community Resources team is made up of over…
Public Protection
• Over 1,500 premises inspected per year for health and safety compliance • Air quality monitored at 46 locations throughout Renfrewshire • Award-winning £1.5m Public Space CCTV and Community Safety Partnership Hub
1,800
employees employed on a full-time or part-time basis who look after over…
270
Council premises and over…
83,000
households and businesses.
Facilities Management • 90,000 housing repairs carried out annually • 1.6m healthy school meals provided per year • 59,466 morning club breakfasts provided last year
Amenity Services
• Over 10m waste and recycling collections per annum • 90,000 tonnes of refuse processed per year • 843km of roads maintenance
What have we achieved?
• Delivery of the Council’s £11m investment for LED street lighting • Development of the Renfrewshire Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) to tackle cases of high risk domestic abuse • Support of the Renfrewshire Tackling Poverty Strategy • Support of the Paisley 2021 City of Culture Bid
The Director of Community Resources is Shona MacDougall Shona started her career in the NHS as a Management Trainee in 1980 before moving to Renfrewshire Council in 1995 as Head of Commercial Operations. She is now Director of Community Resources—the largest front line service in the Council—and has led a number of service redesigns during her time in the role.
Community Resources—Key 2017/18 projects: Roads and Footways upgrade programme
£6.7m
LED Street Lighting Strategy and Lighting Columns Replacement
£3.3m
(of £11m)
Community Halls and Facilities Improvements
£2.7m
Depots Improvements
Parks Improvements
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF…THE WARDENS SERVICE
Wardens work in partnership with various agencies including: • Renfrewshire Community Safety Partnership Hub— (Investigators, Mediators, Youth Team, CCTV, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service), • Housing Officers, • Keep Scotland Beautiful, and • l ocal schools.
Working as part of the Renfrewshire Community Safety Partnership, the Wardens use a mobile CCTV van to monitor activity in the area.
An abandoned car is assessed and referred for removal.
An incident of fly tipping is discovered and steps are put in place for it to be collected.
"Although it can be a challenging role bringing difficult situations to deal with, there is a great satisfaction in resolving issues and concerns for members of the public." Craig Lawrie, Community Warden
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF…THE WARDENS SERVICE
Our wardens work a range of shifts from 8am–midnight depending on the season and provide a 365 days-a-year service.
Wardens Craig Lawrie and Stevie Paul patrol Johnstone Town Centre.
All in a day's work Our Wardens Service patrol the whole of Renfrewshire to keep our communities clean and safe for residents and visitors to the area.
On a normal day, the Renfrewshire Wardens could be tackling antisocial behaviour, dog fouling, littering, parking offences or a variety of other tasks. As well as conducting enforcement activities, educational programmes are delivered to schools— including the annual Safe Kids event—and warden patrols have become more visible to ensure everyone is aware that their help is available. If you need the help of the wardens, please call 0300 300 0380.
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DIGITAL!
Closing the digital divide Our innovative approach to digital is attracting national interest.
Renfrewshire's Digital Strategy secured multiple nominations at the Holyrood Connect and Digital Leaders 100 Awards last month.
Launched in 2016, our strategy tackles digital exclusion, a problem that often affects those on low incomes, older adults and people with disabilities or long-term health conditions.
Digital Leaders 100 Awards
We picked up two nominations at the prestigious Digital Leaders 100 Awards, which celebrates teams and individuals who are championing digital transformation in all sectors across the UK. Renfrewshire was one of only two Scottish Councils to make the grade for the UK Digital Council of the Year shortlist. We were also recognised alongside Roar: Connections for Life in the Cross-Sector Collaboration of the Year category for the tablet classes for older adults. Our Head of Policy and Commissioning, David Amos, also made the shortlist for the Digital Leader Award. He said: “We may not have taken the top prizes this time, but it’s fantastic to know that our work to digitally transform Renfrewshire is being noticed.” 24
Holyrood Connect Awards
We were also shortlisted for two gongs at the Holyrood Connect Awards, which celebrates public sector excellence in ICT. MyAccount was nominated for the Connect Citizen Award, a trophy that recognises citizen-centric services and projects that have used ICT to engage with customers.
“Making the shortlist for these awards is fantastic. It signals that we are on the right track. Digital exclusion creates social inequality so we are targeting those who face the most barriers first, ensuring everyone in Renfrewshire has the opportunity to reach their digital potential.” Diane Webb, Policy Lead (Digital Strategy)
Want to find out more? Go to www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/digital
PROFILE—DAVID AMOS
DAVID AMOS David has worked with the council for almost three years as Head of Policy and Commissioning. Over the following pages we find out a bit more about David and his passion for Renfrewshire.
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PROFILE—DAVID AMOS
Can you give us a brief overview of your role? I’ve got four main teams that provide a range of strategic and corporate support services for the Chief Executive, the administration and each of the Council departments. This includes things like the development of the Council Plan, the Renfrewshire Community Plan and Service Improvement Plans, managing the Better Council Change programme, undertaking all the Council’s procurement and managing key strategic initiatives and policy areas like the Tackling Poverty Programme, the Renfrewshire Digital Strategy and our approach to Equalities. What attracted you to the job at Renfrewshire Council? I’d been doing a 12 month interim job for the Council as Head of Procurement and Business Support, and this had given me a good understanding of just how ambitious the Council was for Renfrewshire and how focused the Corporate Management Team was on working together to achieve that ambition. When Sandra became Chief Executive, she created the new role of Head of Policy and Commissioning which I thought looked like one of the most interesting jobs I’d seen in local government for a long time. I like to feel that whatever job I’m doing I’m both making a difference and learning new skills, so I thought that I could really achieve that in that new role, so I was delighted when I applied and was successful.
Work has taken place with customer insight organisation Snook to better relate to our customers What do you enjoy about working in Renfrewshire? I enjoy working in Renfrewshire because of the ambition of the Council to make a difference to Renfrewshire communities and a willingness to try new things. I particularly like the focus on trying to help those who are most disadvantaged to get on in life, and the Tackling Poverty Programme is a great example of where Renfrewshire is leading Scotland on this, addressing inequality is at the heart of our Paisley 2021 bid. One of the great things about my job is I get the chance to support my team to develop new ideas and initiatives like the Lens Intrapreneurship programme, which has been a great success, and the Renfrewshire free public Wi-Fi programme which will be going live across Paisley, Renfrew and Johnstone. How does your department facilitate the work of the Council? My teams are there to support all of the Council’s service departments. The type of professional skills, knowledge
and expertise within my teams is essential for the successful operation of an ambitious and efficient council. By bringing these skills together into the Policy and Commissioning service we can ensure that all Council departments get the support they need to deliver and enhance their services. What are the major projects for your team currently or on the horizon? The big ones for the team at the moment are supporting the Paisley UK City of Culture 2021 bid, rolling out the Lens Intrapreneurship programme and working with local supplier Boston Networks to implement the Renfrewshire free public wi-fi service – part of our wider Digital Renfrewshire Strategy which aims to ensure everybody can take advantage of the benefits that digital can bring. Then there are the major corporate work programmes collaborating with all parties and partners to prepare a new Council Plan and Renfrewshire Community Plan. These major strategic frameworks will set the agenda and detail how we will deliver on our priorities such as our Paisley 2021 ambition.
"…one of the most interesting jobs I'd seen in local government for a long time" 26
PROFILE—DAVID AMOS
We are the first local authority to take part in intrapraneurship programme 'The Lens'
The team have completed the huge Strategic Needs Analysis for Renfrewshire, which highlights the significant challenges and opportunities for the area, and this informs the work with our partners to prepare the Community Plan, then both plans will be presented to the full council on 28 September. Throw in the Better Council Change Programme, a complete refresh of our approach to equalities and major procurements like the new Museum and Library developments, and you can see that we’re not short of things to do!
David visited India in January to discuss a collaborative training programme in garment design between India and Scotland
FACTFILE: Originally from? Kelso in the Scotti sh
Borders.
Family life? Mar ried to a consulta nt psychiatrist (who keeps me sane) and have three grow n up children 19 , 23, 27 who alternatively make me very pr oud and drive me mad . Hobbies? House renovation, runn ing to keep fit and ge tting ready to sp en da lot more time on a croft in Harris, in the Western Isles.
How do you see the council progressing in the upcoming years? Despite the major financial challenges facing councils over the next few years I’m optimistic for Renfrewshire in the future. The Council has a strong track record over the last few years of achieving the savings it needs to make, at the same time as bringing forward exciting and ambitious initiatives that are making a difference for our communities. Many of these are now underway and will start to physically materialise over the coming period like the free public wifi, the new Paisley Museum and Library and the major City Deal projects. And of course we’ll find out this year if Paisley is to be the next UK City of Culture, which would be fantastic for our biggest town, and for Renfrewshire as a whole. Taking all of this into account I think Renfrewshire will continue to be one of the Councils in Scotland that demonstrates the power of local government to do the best for our communities. What do you like to do in your spare time? Over the last few years my spare time has largely been taken up with a big property project converting a former office town house building in the centre of Edinburgh into a home. We’ve been living in building site for the last 4 years, but hopefully we’ll finish it this year! Tell us something we wouldn’t know about you. I used to busk on the street playing television theme tunes on a teapot (with a trumpet mouth piece in the spout) with a friend who played the banjo.
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THE SPREE
! n u f l a iv t s e f s u o d n e 'm 'Spree m 13-24 The Spree returns to Paisley fro cked October and we have another pa ma, programme of music, comedy, dra film and much, much more…
here in R We’ve highlighted some of the shows tion for rma info et Magazine, but details and tick at now le all festival events are availab e a great www.thespree.co.uk. We also hav for kids to s vitie programme of free Spree acti ake a look s—t day co-incide with the school holi se. tho online for more info about
Photo: John Morgan
What's on at The Spree? The Musical Tapestry with Ross Ainslie, Blue Rose Code, Angus Lyon and special guests Friday 13 October Spiegeltent, £12/£10
The Spree twins with one of India’s most prestigious festivals, the Rajasthan International Folk Festival, for a unique celebration of friendship and connections weaving together traditional music from India and Scotland.
Friday Night Comedy
Americana Night with Yola Carter and Laura Cortese & The Dance Cards Saturday 14 October Spiegeltent, £12/£10
Two great acts bring a slice of Americana to The Spree. This will be a great night of soul, gospel, country and a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll!
Friday 13 & 20 October Spiegeltent, £10
In association with Gilded Balloon, we bring you two night of guaranteed laughs each featuring four of the best Scottish circuit— always a good one for a team night out!
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Sharon Shannon and Fara Sunday 15 October Spiegeltent, £14/£12
Fans of folk and traditional music don’t want to miss this fantastic double-bill with the multiple award-winning Irish artist Sharon Shannon and up-and-coming Orkney band Fara.
THE SPREE
Win tickets to see Paisley the Untold Story
Dougie MacLean with special guests De Temps Antan Thursday 19 October Spiegeltent, £16/£14
One of Scotland’s national music treasures will share a stage with a fantastic ‘power-trad trio’ from Quebec.
Did You Know? Your council ID badge is not only for clocking in and out at the flexi machine (look right)
Lost Map: Strange Invitation Sunday 22 October Paisley, £14/£12
Kick back and enjoy a secret brew of musicians, DJs and pals from the Lost Map collective and some stripped-back performances stretching from Sunday afternoon into evening.
Former Love and Money frontman James Grant is a long-time friend of The Spree and, this year, he is curating a very special show telling the untold story of Paisley. We can’t tell you too much more as James is keeping it up his sleeve, but it’s sure to be good… AND it’s taking place in the beautiful Paisley Abbey. We’ve teamed up with our friends at the InCube Shop to make this great offer to Renfrewshire Council staff. Show your Renfrewshire Council ID badge when buying Spree tickets over the counter and the team will automatically enter you into a prize draw to win four tickets for ‘Paisley the Untold Story’ in Paisley Abbey on Saturday 21 October.
Could you be the next big thing? Our Danny Kyle Open Stage is a great showcase for unsigned musical talent. Applications forms are available now at www.thespree.co.uk. If you’re not so musically-inclined, you can show your support for these by joining us in the Spiegeltent at 5pm each night— you might just catch the next big star!
Breabach and Friends with Kris Drever and Talisk Friday 20 October Spiegeltent, £14/£12
BREWBAND
One of Scotland’s widest-travelled folk acts in recent years will bring some special friends to Paisley for a tantalising triple bill!
Friday 20 October PaisleyTown Hall, £10/£6 Marc Brew Company meld indie rock music with distinctive choreography to create an exciting evening that is as much a music gig as it is a dance performance.
Need a ticket?
office on 0300 300 1210 Ticket buyers can call the festival box p, 9b Gilmour Street, or you can pop into the InCube Sho to buy in person. or Paisley Arts Centre, New Street,
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FYI—What do you need to know?
FYI What do you need to know?
Showcase your charity, service or project in the Atrium. If you’ve nipped down to the Atrium for a soup or a sandwich over lunchtime, then it’s almost guaranteed you’ll have seen a local charity, or Council service displaying what they do. We like to encourage staff to highlight their good practice so if you feel your colleagues would benefit from an insight into what you do, then book a slot and showcase your work! Stalls in the atrium are free and can be booked by contacting Lynne Tervit (7513) in the first instance.
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Staff take up residence in iconic Russell Institute The iconic Russell Institute building is now open for business after completion of a £5million restoration programme to bring the category A-listed building back to its former glory.
The former health centre has reopened its doors as a Skills and Employability Hub, with Skills Development Scotland and our Invest in Renfrewshire employability team now calling it home. Regeneration Manager Susan Jones led on the project and is proud of the building’s transformation. She said: “The Institute is one of Paisley’s most magnificent buildings and its renovation is a boost towards revitalising Paisley Town Centre to support a creative hub of businesses and the town’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021.” The renovation works were funded by the Scottish Government's Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and the Council.
FYI—What do you need to know?
Leadership Development Programmes 2017/18
Are you a future leader? Aspiring to be a great manager? Join one of our new leadership and management development programmes:
These programmes aim to develop our leaders by focusing on enhancing skills, knowledge, and competency in key areas and strengthening capacity to lead and deliver change effectively.
Leaders of the Future
The Leaders of the Future programme is structured around five strategic development themes: • Leading organisational • Commercial and business change acumen • Leading with impact > Procurement • Creating a performance > Risk Management culture > Financial Management • Workforce of the future
Coming Soon
• Enhance your leadership and management skills, knowledge and competency • Develop your leadership style and personal effectiveness
Leaders of the Future For senior and operational managers
The Human Resources (HR) & Organisational Development (OD) teams are pleased to introduce two new development programmes: Leaders of the Future and ASPIRE Overview
Are you a future leader?
ASPIRE For first line managers and supervisors Interested?
Course details, dates and nomination forms available on Renfo or contact HR&OD. Please discuss with your line manager in the first instance.
Aspiring to be a great manager? Join one of our new leadership and management development programmes:
Leaders of the Future For senior and operational managers ASPIRE For first line managers and supervisors
• Enhance your leadership and management skills, knowledge and competency • Develop your leadership style and personal effectiveness
Interested? Course details, dates and nomination forms available on Renfo or contact HR&OD. Please discuss with your line manager in the first instance.
ASPIRE
The ASPIRE programme is structured around 5 strategic development themes: • Managing organisational change • Managing with impact • Creating a performance culture • Workforce of the future • Commercial and business acumen Programmes started at the end of May 2017 and feature a core programme of key workshops running for 8/9 months.
Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
Certificate in First Line Management The programme will be available after the summer and further details will be available soon.
For further information about any of the programmes and development opportunities on offer, please email CS Training Nominations or call 0141 618 7858.
Upgrading our depots
As part of the Better Council Change Programme, our three depots are being rationalised and integrated into one facility at Underwood Road. Phase 1 of the project was completed in September 2015 with the relocation of Roads Operation from its previous base at Scotts Road. Phase 2 will see the relocation of Building Services from its current base in Clark Street to join the other
teams at Underwood Road. Significant refurbishment of Underwood Road is also taking place and includes the renovation of current units, creation of a salt store and improvements to employee welfare facilities.
The £2.5m refurbishment programme commenced in May 2017 and completion is expected by the end of December 2017.
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FYI—What do you need to know?
A whole new (business) world The planned go live date for the Council’s new Business World system, combining HR/ Employee Services, Finance, Payroll and purchasing is 11 December 2017. The project team and dedicated ‘change champions’ are working closely with their services and partners over the next few months to ensure the technical design of the system is right and that our data, business workflow processes and—most importantly—our staff are ready for the new way of working. What’s happening now?
Testing has begun with core HR, Payroll, Finance and Procurement staff joined by a number of representatives from our service areas. The eight week testing programme will cover a variety of scenarios including purchase orders and employee self-service requests for leave, expenses and overtime. The full end-to-end process will be tested and the valuable feedback captured will help refine the system and inform the training requirements.
What’s next?
As the project continues to gain pace, there will be plenty of opportunities to see and get to grips with the new system with drop in sessions and roadshows beginning in October followed by formal staff training in November.
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What systems will it replace?
The new web-based system will replace the current HR, Payroll, Finance and Purchasing systems (ResourceLink, E5 and Pecos).
Who are the ‘change champions’? • • • • • • • • •
Chief Executives: David Amos Children’s Services: John Trainer Community Resources: Gordon McNeil Development & Housing Services: Alasdair Morrison Finance & Resources: Rhona McGrath Health & Social Care Partnership: Ian Beattie Renfrewshire Leisure: Fiona Naylor Renfrewshire Joint Valuation Board: Helen Whiteside Scotland Excel: Jim McLaggan
Help us get it right
Business World is a major part of our Better Council plan, underpinning the delivery of more efficient and effective internal services that future proof our ability to achieve better outcomes for our communities while continuing to be a well run Council. But we can’t make it a success without your help and support. Ask us questions, tell us what you need and how can we help you.
A dedicated area on Renfo (Toolbox: Business World) has been set up with more information about the project, useful FAQs, change champions and key contacts. You can also email the project team at businessworld@renfrewshire.gov.uk
FYI—What do you need to know?
Positively Best Value The Accounts Commission have published their Best Value Assurance report for Renfrewshire Council. This is a very important, and positive, report for the Council which praises our vision for Renfrewshire and our efforts to work with and involve local partners and communities— particularly our success in finding ways of doing things differently, such as Street Stuff and our Renfrewshire Community Safety Partnership. The report also recognises that, as for many local authorities, we face significant challenges with increasing pressure on funding and the impact of changing demand. With a financial gap of £56m for the three year period 2017-20, we must find new ways of working and delivering public services in the future. An action plan will be developed to address the recommendations made by Audit Scotland and will be presented to the full Council for discussion on 28 September.
What is Best Value?
It is our statutory duty to deliver Best Value, as introduced in the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003. Best Value is about ensuring public organisations are well managed, focus on improvement and deliver the best possible services for the public.
Who was involved?
Calling All Users
The audit took place between January and June 2017 and included interviewing councillors, senior officers and partner organisations; observing a range of council and committee meetings; reviewing documents and performance data; and conducting focus groups with councillors and officers.
‘All Users’ emails will be issued by the communications team when there is a need to inform staff of changes to the organisation or other relevant information.
About the Accounts Commission
To request an all users email, please contact internal communications detailing the following: • Subject • Background information • Key message • Deadline
The Accounts Commission is the independent public spending watchdog for local government. It holds councils in Scotland to account and helps them improve by reporting to the public on their performance.
Read the report online at www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/report/ best-value-assurance-report-renfrewshire-council
Please note: this service will change as we start to use the new collaboration and communications tools offered by Microsoft 365.
Microsoft—Office 365 A new range of online business tools and enhanced email facilities are being introduced to 4200 employees across the Council between August and November. Offering significant improvements to online services, Office 365 provides access to your email and files from your PC, laptop or tablet—wherever you are.
What’s included?
• Outlook: desktop email, including calendar, task manager, contact manager • Skype for Business: instant messaging, web conferencing, voicemail • SharePoint: document management tool for online collaboration and sharing files • OneDrive: a simple way to store and share files with other people and between devices. • Yammer: social networking for internal communications (Facebook for business). 33
OUR NEW COUNCIL
Our New Council Following May’s local election, meet the new Council Leader, Iain Nicolson (below) and Provost Lorraine Cameron (right).
How does it feel to be appointed as Council Leader?
It’s exciting but the challenge is huge. Although we have the largest political group, we need to work with others to ensure our agenda will benefit the people of Renfrewshire. I’m looking forward to making Renfrewshire’s voice heard more at all levels of business and government.
What are your goals during your time as Leader of the Council? No doubt finances are going to be tight but thousands of people depend on the services we deliver and our key priorities will be to maintain the basis of the services we provide while continuing to improve them. Renfrewshire is and always will be a distinctive place. If it maintains a dynamic economic base and continues to have a ‘can do’ attitude, it will maintain its position as a key part of Scotland’s economy and heritage.
As part of his role, Councillor Nicolson is the Chair of the Paisley 2021 Partnership Board. 34
What challenges does the Council face?
There needs to be a real overhaul of the way local government is financed. We all want good roads, schools and social services but the way they are funded is a relic from the past—it needs reform so we can continue to deliver the services we want for our communities and our families. The financial landscape, demographic changes and resisting the gravitational pull of things being pulled into the centre and away from local decision making are all challenges we face in delivering public services.
Fact File • I am 56 years old. • I am married to a Renfrew girl. We met outside a dance hall in Paisley in 1984 and married six months later. • I have five children. • To date, I have four grandchildren. Two have Norwegian passports and the other two have USA passports. • I was a graphic artist and then moved into computer graphics and design and then on to outdoor advertising. • I was at one point the stay-athome father of five children all at primary school while we swapped roles. It was the best thing that ever happened as far as sharing the care and my relationship with them now they are all grown up. • I have realised that as the children have moved out, dogs have replaced them! I suspect I would miss the routine of walking and feeding and so on!
OUR NEW COUNCIL
What are your goals during your time as civic head?
I recognise that there are many disadvantaged people in our communities and I will be engaging as many people and organisations as I can during the first few months with a view to finding out who needs my support and backing and how I can best give that to help them. I want to encourage young people to consider being a councillor, and that it is a role that they can, and should, consider now—not in their middle age. The role is a huge undertaking but I am up for the challenge, and I’m sure I will enjoy every moment.
What type of Provost are you going to be?
I want to be a Provost that everyone has access to. I want my colleagues and the staff of Renfrewshire Council to be able to approach me and count on my support if they need it. I have adopted an open door policy as I feel that people need to know that they can have access to the Provost should they need or want it.
I’m not above anyone, I’m only a person who has been privileged enough to have access to this role because I was an elected councillor– and anyone can become an elected councillor, there are no barriers to holding public office.
Family life
Becoming Provost of Renfrewshire has caused some excitement and hilarity in my family, with my children being particularly bemused and proud at the same time. There is no getting above your station with my family and friends! My little grandson Jack, who is six, believes we should address him as ‘Prince Provost’, so I guess he is relishing his gran being Provost!
The Provost is the civic head of Renfrewshire, representing the area at civic functions and events, welcoming international visitors while also presiding over the full Council meetings.
“One thing is certain, I won’t be following in the footsteps of the previous, and very brave, Provost Hall. I’ve got more stamina than courage so skydiving just won’t be for me!”
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Your new councillors Ward 1 Renfrew North and Braehead
Ward 2 Renfrew South and Gallowhill
Ward 3 Paisley Northeast and Ralston
Ward 4 Paisley Northwest
Ward 5 Paisley East and Central
Ward 6 Paisley Southeast
Ward 7 Paisley Southwest
Ward 8 Johnstone South and Elderslie
Ward 9 Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch
Ward 10 Houston, Crosslee and Linwood
Ward 11 Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank
Ward 12 Erskine and Inchinnan
Bill Brown (Labour)
Lisa-Marie Hughes (SNP)
John Shaw (SNP)
Jane Strang (Scottish Conservative and Unionist)
Edward Grady (Labour)
Cathy McEwan (SNP)
Jim Paterson (SNP)
Jennifer Marion AdamMcGregor (SNP)
Neill Graham (Scottish Conservative and Unionist)
Jim Sharkey (Labour)
Karen Kennedy (Labour)
Kenny MacLaren (SNP)
Mags MacLaren (SNP)
Carolann Davidson (Labour)
John McNaughtan (SNP)
Will Mylet (SNP)
Eddie Devine (Labour)
Paul Mack (Independent)
Marie McGurk (SNP)
Stephen Burns (SNP)
Lorraine Cameron (SNP)
Eileen McCartin (Liberal Democrats)
Kevin Montgomery (Labour)
Jacqueline Cameron (SNP)
John Hood (Labour)
Alistair Mackay (Scottish Conservative and Unionist)
Andy Steel (SNP)
Derek Bibby (Labour)
Bill Binks (Scottish Conservative and Unionist)
Andy Doig (Independent)
Emma Rodden (SNP)
Audrey Doig (SNP)
Alison Jean Dowling (Labour)
Scott Kerr (Scottish Conservative and Unionist)
James Sheridan (Labour)
Natalie Don (SNP)
James MacLaren (Scottish Conservative and Unionist)
Colin McCulloch (Labour)
Tom Begg (Scottish Conservative and Unionist)
Michelle Campbell (SNP)
Jim Harte (Labour)
John McIntyre (Scottish Conservative and Unionist)
Iain Nicolson (SNP)
For more information on our councillors and committees, go to www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/councillors