Newsletter for the employees of West Lothian Council
ISSUE 94 December 2013
Contact Centre move • Welfare Reform • Celebrating Suc cess
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Chief Executive’s column I would like to congratulate everyone who entered Celebrating Success this year. The tenth anniversary event was another fantastic occasion, with many staff present. It’s an excellent reminder of all the great work taking place in services across the council, and allows staff to showcase their activities to colleagues from other services. I would like to offer my personal congratulations to all the winners especially. Please see pages 7 to 10 of this edition of Inside News for full coverage. 2013 has been another challenging year for the council, but Celebrating Success proves that we are continuing to find new and innovative ways to improve the services we deliver on behalf of West Lothian residents. With winter fast approaching, I would like to extend my appreciation to all the staff who are preparing to deliver a range of essential services in severe weather. Local residents rely on your commitment and dedication, no matter the conditions, and we know that in emergency situations, many staff go above and beyond what is expected of them for the good of our communities. For more information on our winter preparations this year, please see page 5. Finally I would like to thank you all for your hard work during 2013, and wish you and your families a good Christmas and a happy New Year.
Graham Hope Graham Hope Chief Executive Chief Executive westlothian.gov.uk
Senior Trading Standards officer Ken Inglis, right, launching the Trusted Trader scheme with Derrick Findlay, centre, owner of 1st Choice Living, which was the first company to register for the scheme and its satisfied customer, Mr Strathearn from Bathgate.
Trusted Trader launches
Help is on hand for West Lothian residents looking to find reputable traders. The West Lothian Trusted Trader scheme has launched to assist local people in finding businesses recommended by others. Anyone looking to find a responsible business should visit www.westlothian.gov.uk/ trustedtrader to see feedback on work by local firms. Those without internet access can use the public access computers at council buildings such as libraries or contact Trading Standards on 01506 282500 to search on their behalf. The scheme will be operated by Trading Standards and aims to increase consumer confidence, support reputable local traders through the promotion of good practice and help protect consumers from doorstep crime. For more information on West Lothian Trusted Trader, please contact Trading Standards at tradingstandards@westlothian.gov.uk or call 01506 282500.
Respect for colleagues
The council has an ongoing commitment to protecting its employees from unacceptable and discriminatory treatment in the workplace. A review of the arrangements took place recently, in consultation with the recognised trade unions. This led to the Council Executive approving a revised Code of Practice entitled ‘Promoting Appropriate Working Relationships and Behaviour’ together with a supporting Policy and Procedure. These documents replace and update the former Fair Treatment at Work Code of Practice and reinforce the obligations on all employees to promote a working environment that is supportive, equitable and free from discrimination. The new Policy and Procedure for Dealing with Complaints of Bullying and Harassment supports the Code of Practice, which
promotes prompt and informal resolution of complaints wherever possible whilst at the same time providing employees with access to formal procedures as necessary to resolve the matters concerned. The key message for staff is that while individuals are entitled to hold their own personal values, beliefs and views, they are also expected to demonstrate tolerance and understanding of those of fellow employees which may be different to theirs. In all dealings, staff should treat each other with dignity and respect and take care to avoid actions and words that may be construed as being hurtful or offensive.
Employees should familiarise themselves with both the Code of Practice and the Policy and Procedure which can be accessed online at www.westlothian.gov.uk/jobs/ mytoolkit1/PolicyAdvice or copies can be obtained from your line manager. westlothian.gov.uk
Green awards for council fleet
West Lothian Council has secured two prestigious national awards for its innovative work to reduce the environmental impact of its vehicles. The council won the hotly contested Public Sector Fleet of the Year trophy in the medium to large category at the GreenFleet Awards recently, with Fleet and Community Transport Manager Joe Drew picking up the sought-after Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year accolade. The annual GreenFleet Awards aim to recognise pioneers from the public and private sectors for their efforts to reduce the environmental impact of their transport operations. The council won the fleet award for demonstrating our commitment to reducing CO2 and other pollutants with a range of measures, with Joe Drew picking up the personal award for leadership and management of the team. Joe Drew said: “I’m delighted that we have picked up two top awards recognising the hard work taking place to make our fleet of vehicles greener. Although it’s my name on the trophy, these awards are really for the whole Fleet and Community Transport team who have made a huge effort to reduce the
environmental impact of the council fleet. “The council currently has around 1,000 vehicles ranging from refuse collection vehicles, sweepers, buses and vans, to pool cars and electric vehicles, which are necessary to enable us to deliver many of the essential services we provide for local residents. The council’s carbon dioxide (CO2) output has reduced by 8.3% since 2012, which shows our efforts are having a real impact.” Head of Operational Services Jim Jack added: “The GreenFleet Awards are a fantastic accolade for the council, and reflect the excellent work being carried out by Joe Drew and the Fleet and Community Transport team. We all have a role to play in building on this success by applying the green travel hierarchy before making a journey. By considering if the journey is necessary and if so, what the most appropriate way to travel would be, staff from around the council can help reduce our environmental impact further.”
Local Government Pension Scheme changes
A new design of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) has been agreed.
The council, trade unions and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) have all agreed to the new scheme, which will go a significant way to ensure council staff make a decent provision for their retirement. A ballot of trade union UNISON members gave an overwhelmingly positive response to the new design, with 94% in favour. The new Scheme will start on 1 April 2015. The key changes to the new scheme are: • Move from Final Salary to Career Average Pension Scheme. • Increase in accrual rate from 1/60ths to 1/49ths. • Keep existing ill health and death in westlothian.gov.uk
service benefits. • Introduce a 50/50 option allowing employees to pay half the contributions for half the benefits. • Introduction of an Employers’ cost cap mechanism to ensure the future affordability and sustainability of the scheme. • Equality in partner pensions for co-habiting and civil partners as with married couples. Work will now start on the details of how the new Scheme will work. Lothian Pension Fund will circulate further details as they become available over the coming months. You can view the full statement and outline proposals as well as FAQs on the Fund’s website www.lpf.org.uk/lgps2015
Deirdre is top rated student
Dedication to her studies has helped a council Revenues officer earn a prestigious award. Deirdre Docherty was awarded the 2013 Student of the Year award at the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation’s (IRRV) annual awards. The key aims of the IRRV are to support its members’ professional and personal development and to promote the sharing of best practice. Each year, over 600 students sit their exams and vocational assessments with only a 50% pass rate, making Deirdre’s Student of the Year award an exceptional achievement. Deirdre’s win means that the council has now won the award two years running after Elspeth Rodger’s victory last year. Deirdre, who has worked for the council for seven years, said: “The course was definitely worthwhile. It was a lot of work but I got a lot out of it. I passed three out of four of the exams with distinction, and was a prize winner in the Non Domestic Rates Exam for the highest marks the examiner had given in this category – he said it was the best paper he’s ever marked! It helped in my professional development and gave me the opportunity to gain skills I wouldn’t usually have had.” Iain Aris, Senior Section Leader Revenues Unit added: “The dedication Deirdre has shown throughout this course, studying in her own time over countless evenings and weekends, has been fantastic. “The council actively encourages participation in the IRRV’s course and Deirdre is a great advert for it. It is rare to see one student excel across all areas covered by the course but that is only further testament to Deirdre’s commitment and hard work.” 9 3
Apprentices and graduates get a warm welcome New intakes of modern apprentices and graduates recently received their induction to the council at the Civic Centre.
Changes to Occupational Health ‘Working on Wellbeing’ is the council’s new occupational health provider. A well-established occupational health provider, Working on Wellbeing has a strong track record of delivering occupational health services to a wide range of organisations, including a number of other Scottish local authorities. The council is looking forward to working closely with them to provide a high quality, occupational health service that supports staff and aligns closely with our values and objectives.
Chief Executive Graham Hope was on hand to welcome the nineteen apprentices and graduates to the council. He said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this opportunity for both apprentices and graduates at West Lothian Council. I’m pleased to see so many young people in both programmes working across so many different council services.” Modern apprenticeships are a way of earning an SVQ qualification while also gaining valuable on-the-job experience and crucial core skills. The council has a very good record of successful apprenticeships and has
this year launched a graduate scheme as well. This scheme offers recent university graduates the opportunity of six months work experience in the council. Equalities graduate Hannah Gardner said: “The graduate scheme is a fantastic opportunity to build experience and develop skills. It should act as a great platform to break into future employment.” Apprentice lab technician at Inveralmond, Jenna Cowan, added: “The chance to work while gaining the qualification is fantastic. Nothing else offers the same sort of balance.”
Working on Wellbeing will provide the services which are provided by the council’s current occupational health providers, such as management and self referrals, and health promotion These services will continue to be based in the Community Wing of Strathbrock Partnership Centre in Broxburn. In addition to these core services, Working on Wellbeing will be looking at new and innovative ways of supporting employees to provide a healthier workplace along with the council’s own Health Improvement Team.
Media reminder Staff are reminded that all contact with the media should go through the corporate communications team.
Think communication, think digital
Staff looking to promote their council service developments and news are being encouraged to think digital. Customers and staff who have access to computers are being encouraged to use online services to help create savings and improve our services. The council website at www.westlothian. gov.uk receives over 100,000 visitors per month, and our Facebook page is one of the most successful public sector sites in the UK with over 25,000 ‘likes’. In addition the council’s Twitter, You Tube and 4
Flickr sites remain popular, with council information also available via the council’s free app for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch and via the Big Local App West Lothian for Android users. The regular E-Bulletin service also provides residents with council and community information direct to their inbox, with an emergency E-Alert service when there are disruptions to council services.
Section 14 of the council’s Code of Conduct states that, in your work with the council, contact with the media should only take place where this has been authorised by the council. All contact from media such as newspapers, radio stations, TV stations and news websites which has not been authorised should be immediately passed to a member of the corporate communications team at media@ westlothian.gov.uk or 01506 282007. For more information on the council’s policy for dealing with the media, please see The West Lothian Way communications strategy, which can be found near the top of the left hand QuickLinx section of the intranet homepage. westlothian.gov.uk
Positive for West Lothian A new plan to improve outcomes for West Lothian over the next ten years has been agreed. The new West Lothian Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) ‘Achieving Positive Outcomes’ came into effect on Friday 1 November. West Lothian’s SOA is a high level plan which aims to improve outcomes for everyone who lives, works and does business in West Lothian. It is based on outcomes for our communities and will be delivered at a local level. All staff across the council and partner agencies have a role to play in delivering the outcomes set out in the SOA, so will receive a briefing to ensure they have the information they need to play their part. Community Planning Development manager Lorraine Gillies explained: “The role of the West Lothian Community Planning Partnership (CPP) is to work together to improve the quality of life for people in West Lothian. Community Planning is a process or way of working that is based on working in partnership to deliver
the services that are important for local communities. Each of the 32 CPPs in Scotland has developed a new SOA for their area, in agreement with the Scottish Government. “The council has a statutory role to facilitate community planning, in partnership with 15 members from the public, private, voluntary and community sectors such as police, fire, health and West Lothian College. “The SOA is the main vehicle for developing, delivering and measuring community planning priorities, and sets out how West Lothian will meet the Scottish Government’s 15 national outcomes in a particular area.” Copies of the SOA are available at www. westlothian.gov.uk/communityplanning. For more information, contact the Community Planning Team at community.planning@ westlothian.gov.uk or call 01506 281690.
Tackling inequality
The key theme of West Lothian’s SOA is Tackling Inequality. To support the delivery of the SOA, a number of enabling plans have been developed. These include: Community Engagement Plan; Prevention Plan; and the Anti-Poverty Strategy ‘Better Off’, which all support the SOA to ensure that it is delivered with effective community engagement, a focus on prevention and early intervention, and that we tackle poverty and inequalities that exist in our communities. Eight local outcomes were identified through
a Strategic Assessment process of evidence gathering and data analysis of a whole range of information about West Lothian, which allowed the CPP to identify key priorities and translate these into local outcomes. The SOA contains a range of information underneath each of our outcomes which demonstrates how we will measure what we are doing. A number of Performance Indicators have been developed to help us measure progress in a meaningful way.
West Lothian’s Outcomes
1. Our children have the best start in life and are ready to succeed
2. We are better educated and have access to increased and better quality learning and employment opportunities 3. Our economy is diverse and dynamic, and West Lothian is an attractive place for doing business 4. We live in resilient, cohesive and safe communities
5. People most at risk are protected and supported to achieve improved life chances 6. Older people are able to live independently in the community with an improved quality of life
7. We live longer, healthier lives and have reduced health inequalities
8. We make the most efficient and effective use of resources by minimising our impact on the built and natural environment.
West Lothian COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTNERSHIP
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Take care on the roads this winter
Council all geared up to deal with severe winter weather. The council’s public information campaign West Lothian Winter Ready 2013/14 was launched recently. Backed by West Lothian Community Planning Partners, Winter Ready West Lothian highlights the council’s preparations for possible severe weather and encourages local people to prepare now. Chief Executive Graham Hope said: “Staff from across the council are gearing up for the possibility of severe weather this winter. If the worst happens plans are in place to be activated. Householders can also start to prepare by checking that pipes are lagged, how to turn off the water and insurance policies are up to date. “Parents/carers should check that their child’s school has up to date contact details. Drivers can prepare their cars by checking tyres, antifreeze, and carrying a shovel with them. “More ideas are available on the council’s website at www.westlothian. gov.uk/winter.” The winter issue of the council newspaper Bulletin included important information, which residents were urged to keep. You can keep up to date with the latest information in a number of ways:
d sign up for the council’s email news services: eBulletin and eAlert, these will be used to keep you up to date with any significant disruption to service: www.westlothian.gov.uk/email
d download the council’s App for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch from the App Store. Council Information will also be available for Android users through the Big Local App.
d In the event of severe winter weather up-to-date information will be available at the following sites: www.westlothian.gov.uk/winter www.facebook.com/westlothiancouncil www.twitter.com/lovewestlothian and www.trafficscotland.org
Helping hand this winter
Council staff are being urged to take a sensible approach when using pool vehicles if severe weather strikes.
Please consult with your line manager if you have questions or issues on use of pool vehicles during severe weather.
Things to consider before travelling:
d Check the weather forecast and road conditions. d Is the journey necessary? d Can email/telephone be used instead? d Can the journey be undertaken using public transport? d Can the journey wait until the weather improves? If you need to travel, employees should:
d Plan your route and allow extra time for your journey. d Ensure the windows, lights and mirrors are clear of mist, ice and snow.
d Ensure you have warm winter clothing with you. d If you have a mobile phone, ensure it is fully charged. d Consider whether you need to change your driving style to suit the conditions.
d Park sensibly to ensure your vehicle doesn’t block access for emergency vehicles.
d Consider leaving your appointment early if weather conditions deteriorate.
d Contact Fleet Services as normal in the event of an accident or breakdown.
Council provision:
d Each pool vehicle will be equipped with an ice-scraper, deicer, foil blanket and torch.
d Regular vehicle checks will be undertaken to ensure oil
and screenwash levels are topped up, and tyre tread is sufficient. An emergency stock of screenwash will be provided at each pool vehicle location. d A small supply of snow shovels will be provided at pool vehicle locations to assist with clearing snow from around vehicles. These shovels are for the location and should not be taken away in pool vehicles.
Volunteers are wanted to support vulnerable West Lothian residents should severe weather strike. The council, with the support of its partners, has set up an emergency volunteer service to help residents who are housebound due to bad weather conditions. The service is for vulnerable members of the community, who have
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no other support, to have their essential needs met. This service does not replace those that already exist to the public through the Social Work Duty Teams and out of hours Social Care Emergency Team (SCET). Volunteer ‘jobs’ may include
for example path clearing, collecting / delivering prescription medication, shopping including power cards. For more information or to volunteer, please contact the Health Improvement Team at HIT@ westlothian.gov.uk or Tel: 01506 775626 westlothian.gov.uk
2013 The dedication and innovation of council staff was showcased at a special anniversary celebration. This year is the tenth birthday of Celebrating Success, with nearly 300 staff members attending the superb awards evening at Howden Park Centre, Livingston on Friday 15 November. Celebrating Success recognises the outstanding work by teams around the council, by honouring the outcomes, projects and initiatives that are making a real difference to the quality of life for people in West Lothian. A special Team of the Year cup was introduced this year to mark the anniversary, sponsored by the corporate management team. Head of Finance and Estates Donald Forrest, who champions the Celebrating Success event, said: “It is a real privilege to chair the Celebrating Success group and learn more about all the excellent work taking place across the council. The judges have a very difficult job in selecting the three finalists and unfortunately there can only be one winner per category.
“There were 91 entries this year and I’d like to thank those teams who took time to submit entries. I’m always impressed at the high standard of entries. Across Scotland, West Lothian Council is known for its innovation and commitment to customer service and Celebrating Success allows us to demonstrate this. It is very important that we recognise staff achievement and I’m delighted that so many colleagues could join us. We are extremely grateful to Land Securities, who fully sponsored Celebrating Success for a third consecutive year.” He added: “I would like to thank all the staff who helped to make Celebrating Success such a special event this year. There are too many to name individually, but without their efforts we would not have been able to enjoy such as excellent night. As well as the awards, highlights included an anniversary cake by Ivory Tower Cakes from Polkemmet Country Park and a special video outlining ten years of success in West Lothian filmed by Eddie Anderson from the Corporate Communications team.”
Congratulations to the twelve finalists who just missed out on the top spot. (Winners on pages 8, 9 and 10)
Smarter n Whitrigg House (Social Policy) n Integration of Financial Strategy & Corporate Planning (Finance and Estates) Safer and Stronger n Developing Community Engagement (Area Services and Community Planning) n Refurbishment of Townhead Gardens, Whitburn (Housing, Construction and Building Services) Wealthier and Fairer n Delivering the Scottish Welfare Fund (Finance and Estates) n Developing Work Skills and Confidence in School Leavers (Operational Services) Healthier and Greener n Wind Power Project (Education Services) n Household Food Waste Collection Service (Operational Services) by Celebrating Success is sponsored Team of the Year Award n Human Resources (Corporate Services) n Site Selection & Development of a New Build Housing Programme Team (Housing, Construction and Building Services) Provost’s Award n Beecraigs Country Park – Mountain Bike Trail (Operational Services) n Securing & Supporting the Delivery of the British Pipe Band Championship 2013 (Planning and Economic Development) Leader’s Award n Planning for Economic Growth and Recovery (Planning and Economic Development) n On the Record – Information Management Working Group (Corporate Services)
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and the awards go to… Smarter
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West Lothian Careline
Area Services Presented by Katherine Armstead, Land Securities and sponsor of Celebrating Success The Careline system provides peace of mind for those caring for someone with memory impairments. A new GPS system activates once the wearer has left a pre-determined geographical area. It enables the Careline team to track clients with their safety in mind and allows families and clients more freedom and flexibility in their day to day lives. Should a member of the team be alerted to a client in distress, they can immediately alert the police or a family member of their location. Furthermore, should a client feel disorientated or get lost, they can activate an alarm which is then traced via the GPS system. The system has resulted in financial savings for the council and its partners: in the past, when clients were judged to be missing, large scale and expensive searches were launched. This is now no longer the case. The system is a fantastic example of partnership working; with Police Scotland, Occupational Therapy and Social Policy all involved. Careline’s use of new technology highlights the ability to respond, develop and grow customer service.
Safer & Stronger
Broxburn Flood Prevention Scheme
Operational Services Presented by Jim Forrest, Depute Chief Executive Incidents of flooding in Broxburn date back to 1877. More recently, significant incidents of flooding resulted in dozens of properties being damaged, with families being displaced from their homes as a result. Halcrow Group was appointed to provide specialist support to the project team. Community engagement was also key, given the expected disruption and a strong relationship with villagers within East Burnside was established. Community life has been restored and the project has enhanced the appearance of the village with a flood defence embankment, new flood defence walls, two new road bridges and new footpaths for pedestrians. This project demonstrates how a civil engineering project can contribute in a positive way to a safer, stronger and more resilient community. The flood defences have now been in place for over a year and have provided vital protection for roads and property. Now, residents do not lose any sleep when it’s raining.
Wealthier & Fairer
Modern Apprenticeship Programme
Area Services Presented by Mhairi Laughlin, Principal and Chief Executive of West Lothian College The council has a strong tradition of employing apprentices; providing experience with recognised qualifications. In recent years, the council has been able to employ over 80% of those who completed apprenticeships. Many of these roles are based in Housing, Construction and Building Services and Operational Services; however the programme now offers 40 additional apprenticeships over a two year period, extending the programme into additional areas of the council. This includes non-trade apprenticeships like customer service, IT, business administration and warehousing. The team works with colleagues in the council’s Skills Training Programme to break down barriers for young people who lack the life skills and qualifications to undertake an apprenticeship. The programme has resulted in developing a workforce for the future, rebalancing the age profile of the organisation and tackling youth unemployment in West Lothian.
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Healthier & Greener
Armadale Community Sport Hub
Area Services Presented by Martin Murray, Director of Business Adminstration, Shin Etsu Handotai Europe Community Sports Hubs are a key part of Sport Scotland’s contribution to the National 2014 Legacy Plan. Armadale Community Sports Hub started in January 2012 with the aim of making sure the Academy was open and accessible to the public. Clubs are involved in shaping the direction of the Community Sports Hub and make decisions on activity and policy through regular forums. There has been a 53% increase in club membership, a 42% increase in coaching levels and overall facilities usage has increased by an incredible 105%. The Armadale Community Sports Hub has made considerable progress and achieved all of its aims and objectives within its first year. It’s been so successful that Sport Scotland has identified Armadale as one of the best Sports Hubs in Scotland.
Provost’s Award
Murrayfield Park Regeneration Project Area Services Presented by Provost Tom Kerr This project involves three key developments within the Murrayfield Park area of Blackburn: the provision of a new sports clubhouse, playing fields and training facilities; open space park improvements; and the introduction of a new wheeled sports facility. Community participation and engagement was key to the process and was achieved through regular meetings between local young people and the project team. Blackburn United Community Football Club has already achieved success in strengthening their organisation after gaining accreditation marks from the SFA and West Lothian Council. The project has been taken forward in partnership between council services, the Youth Action Project and two local community groups; Blackburn United Community Football Club and Community Action Blackburn. Benefits will include increased skills and confidence for those taking the project forward, access to social and physical activity and significantly improved, productive use of open space.
Leader’s Award
Safe and Sound Adult Protection Social Policy Presented by John McGinty, Leader of West Lothian Council The Safe and Sound forum has created a route for the Adult Protection Committee to consult with service users and carers on both local and national issues. The forum provides an effective and meaningful way to consult with members on activities and wider community safety themes. It also creates opportunities for members to raise their awareness of safety topics such as unsolicited doorstep calling. The forum has effectively communicated and engaged with service users and carers to identify topics of safety they are interested in to enable them to feel safer and more informed. In the past, some clients have been the victims of crime and the forum set out to ensure that customers, and their friends and family are fully equipped to keep themselves safe.
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Supporting role helps secure Team of the Year victory The Social Policy Reablement and Crisis Care Team have clinched the first ever Celebrating Success Team of the Year cup. The new category was introduced to mark the 10th year of Celebrating Success, and is sponsored by the Corporate Management Team in recognition of excellent team work. Reablement is a supportive home service which assists adults and older people to enjoy living safely and independently in their own homes for as long as possible. The new Social Policy Reablement and Crisis Care Team has refocused its activity to intervene earlier and promote independence for older people. Their robust training programme ensures that Health and Social Care staff develop a shared vision from the outset.
Since April 2012, 400 residents in West Lothian have benefited from a Reablement service. Of those, 190 reached full independence with a further 90 becoming more independent and in need of less formal care. There is already significant evidence that preventative interventions are benefitting customers by avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions, delaying admissions to care homes and providing effective support to carers. The team is highly motivated and confident and has excelled in working with others to redesign community based services.
last but not least... thank you to... Thank you to Land Securities for sponsoring Celebrating Success 2013 ensuring that the awards event was delivered at no cost to the council.
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Discretionary Housing Scottish Welfare Fund Payment Fund
Did you know that West Lothian Council has a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) fund that can be made available to help people who face real hardship? The fund is made up of money received from the Department for Work and Pensions, The Scottish Government and West Lothian Council. In order to be considered for a DHP the applicant must: • Be in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (with Housing Support) and have a rental liability; and • Have a shortfall between the amount of benefit being received and the amount of rent that is due to be paid; and • Be having difficulty in meeting the shortfall in their rental liability; or • Be having difficulty in meeting rent deposit or rent in advance payments.
• Use the online application form on the West Lothian Council website • Use the downloadable application form on the West Lothian Council website • Pick up a paper application form from the council’s local offices The council may request any reasonable evidence in support of an application. In certain cases, for example where the property has been adapted to meet the needs of a disabled person, the local housing officer should be able to assist with the application and verify the extent of the necessary adaptations to the property.
In West Lothian the DHP Fund is administered by the Revenues Unit. To apply for a DHP award you can: • Telephone 01506 776800. • Visit our website: www.westlothian.gov.uk/ Community-life-and-leisure/ Welfarereform/DHPF
Gold standard for play
West Lothian Council manages Crisis and Community Care Grants through the Scottish Welfare Fund. A Community Care Grant is awarded to help people to: • establish themselves in the community following a period of care, • remain in the community rather than going in to care, • set up home in the community, as part of a planned resettlement programme, following an unsettled way of life, • care for a prisoner or young offender on release on temporary licence, • pay for travel expenses if the journey is essential in connection with a crisis or in support of independent living. A Crisis Grant can be awarded to meet expenses that have arisen as a result of an emergency or disaster in order to avoid serious damage or serious risk to the health or safety of you or your family. You should normally be entitled to Income Support, Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Related Employment and Support Allowance, any type of Pension Credit or Universal Credit, however you can still apply even if you do not receive any of these benefits. Community Care Grants are paid mostly in goods, and Crisis Grants are paid by Post Office bar coded vouchers. Apply online www.westlothian.gov. uk/welfarereform or phone 01506 773440.
A West Lothian Council play area has been given a prestigious Gold award for its role in providing play in care. The play area at the Strathbrock Family Unit in Broxburn received an Outstanding Contribution to Play award at the Nancy Ovens Awards recently. The awards were created ten years ago to promote and develop quality play areas, in memory of the tireless campaigner for play and youth work opportunities for children and young people. The garden is also shared with the nearby bungalow facility which provides short overnight breaks from caring for families of children and young people with a learning disability, physical disability or complex needs. Pictured are staff from Social Policy and NETs, Land and Countryside Services collecting their award. westlothian.gov.uk
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New conductor takes up baton One of Scotland’s most respected brass musicians is set to take up the baton in leading West Lothian’s talented young brass musicians. Anne Crookston has been appointed as the new conductor of West Lothian Schools Brass Band, following the retirement of Nigel Boddice MBE. Her wide-ranging musical experience in choirs, brass bands, orchestras and wind bands has led to her appointment to the prestigious post with one of the most successful youth brass bands in the UK. Anne Crookston said: “It’s a privilege to be given the opportunity to lead the hugely successful West Lothian Schools Brass Band. I aim to work to develop the next generation of talented young musicians in West Lothian, and continue the impressive success achieved by the band.”
Whitburn Band’s musical director since July 2011, Anne was also Whitburn’s solo baritone from 1992 to 2010. She also played with the CWS (Glasgow) Band when they became the first Scottish band to lift the National Championship title at the Royal Albert Hall in 1990. She has served as an adjudicator on a number of local music festivals, solo and ensemble contests and school music exams. Anne will combine the part-time conductor role with her current job as Head of the Performance and Design Faculty at St. Margaret’s Academy in Livingston.
Woodmuir Primary opens
Construction of the new Woodmuir Primary School in the village of Breich is now complete. The new £2.5 million facility is located on the edge of the village and includes a new multiuse-games-area (MUGA), within the school grounds, for community use and out-with school hours. A number of environmentally friendly features have been incorporated into the design of the building, including a ground source heat pump and a rainwater harvesting system. New photo voltaic solar panels will soon be installed onto the roof which will generate around 15,000kWh of electricity annually, and will save around 7.5 tonnes of carbon each year.
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The new school has two state-of-the-art classrooms with breakout space in the middle, designed with the staff to ensure great lighting, superb access to outside learning spaces and looking out on to fabulous natural environment, which will provide even more learning opportunities. There is also a multi-purpose hall, a meeting room, flexible entrance way, school offices and specially designed toilets. Head Teacher, Elsie Aitken, said: “Everyone is extremely positive about the new school and
we’re all delighted that work is now finished and the whole community can reap the benefits. “The pupils are excited that their own ideas are on show in the finished school and they are proud that this new building will encourage them to engage in even more exciting learning opportunities.” The Central Scotland Woodland Trust has designed, along with the children and staff, a superb parkland facility for the whole community as well.
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Trio for top school jobs
Three new Head Teachers have been appointed in local schools.
Siobhan McGarty has been appointed as Head Teacher of St Margaret’s Academy, Livingston, with Catriona Macrae and Julie Ross now in charge of Murrayfield Primary in Blackburn and Blackridge Primary respectively.
SIOBHAN MCGARTY Siobhan McGarty has been at St. Margaret’s Academy for two years in the role of Depute Head Teacher having previously held senior posts at St Kentigern’s Academy. She said: “St Margaret’s Academy is a wonderful community to be part of, and to lead it is a privilege. Our staff and young people work together to create a vibrant learning community. Our aim is to achieve the best that we can and to provide the highest quality learning and teaching experience. “We are designing our curriculum so that every pupil has a tailored pathway which is challenging and progressive, and develops them in all aspects of their life.”
CATRIONA MACRAE
JULIE ROSS
Catriona Macrae is well known to the Murrayfield school community as she was Acting Depute Head Teacher for seven months before taking up the reins as Head Teacher.
Julie Ross graduated from Edinburgh University in 2000 and spent time teaching in East Lothian before moving to West Lothian and Polkemmet Primary School in April 2001.
The former Mid Calder Primary Depute Head Teacher said: “I am looking forward to continuing to work with a dedicated team to ensure all pupils at Murrayfield Primary School receive the best possible learning opportunities.
She then moved in 2007 to Armadale Primary School as Depute Head and then to Blackridge as Acting Head Teacher in January 2013.
“I am very excited about my new role and am keen to build on the many strengths of the school.”
Julie said: “I am looking forward to continuing to work with pupils, parents, carers, community members and staff to deliver high quality learning and teaching experiences and to take the school forward in its journey of continual improvement.”
Pupils shine at Stellar Awards 2013 More than 300 young people, parents, carers, teachers, sponsors, councillors and council representatives enjoyed a sparkling night at the 2013 Stellar Awards. The popular award ceremony celebrates educational excellence and includes categories for academic attainment, citizenship, equality and diversity, achievement, enterprise and team work. The guests were entertained by music from Bathgate Rhythm and Soul Band,
westlothian.gov.uk
Windyknowe Primary, Deans Community High and soloist Ronan Coyne of St Kentigern’s Academy. Depute chief executive Moira Niven said: “The Stellar Awards are a highlight of the education calendar, recognising achievement, attainment, citizenship, diversity and equality, and team work. “We wouldn’t be able to celebrate the achievements of our pupils like this without the support of their teachers, parents and
carers, as well as the hard work of a variety of staff from across the council to stage the event. I would like to congratulate everyone who played their part in making the Stellar Awards a fantastic celebration of educational excellence. “Special thanks must go to Stellar Awards sponsors Land Securities and Kajima for their invaluable support in enabling the awards to be staged at no cost to the council.”
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Apprentice success
Two West Lothian apprentices have recently been crowned best in the country by the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE).
Congratulations to...
Garry Heron from Corporate Communications and Carrie Scott from the Chief Executive’s Office on their recent marriage. Gareth Young and Suzanne Higgins, both Revenues Unit, on their engagement and upcoming wedding on Hogmanay 2013.
Welcom e to... Douglas Dowling saw off competition from across the UK to win the 2013 award for Horticulture at the awards recently, while roofer Kim Armstrong won the National Female Building Skills Award. APSE is a non-profit organisation which works closely with local authorities across the UK to promote excellent delivery of frontline services to communities. These services include: waste and refuse, parks and grounds, highways, street lighting, leisure, school meals and housing and building maintenance.
Morgan Callachan, who has rejoined the council as an Executive Project Officer in the Chief Executive’s office.
Farewell to...
CIS Cashier Charlie Colton from Area Services, who has retired after 44 years with the council. Best wishes for a long and happy retirement from all your colleagues.
Send Anne up the Amazon One council worker is looking forward to a South American adventure. West Lothian Council occupational therapist Anne Sherriff has been accepted as a volunteer for an international medical project in Peru.
Keeping you posted
The council’s new centralised mail service is up and running. All internal and external mail is now processed centrally by the Civic Centre Admin Team, with collections from council locations throughout West Lothian by Community Transport staff. To ensure the new service was fit for purpose, staff benchmarked with other local authorities, met with services including schools, amended mail collection routes and times for customer needs and efficiency and provided advice and ongoing support on the most cost effective method of posting high volume mail. All staff are encouraged to consider what they send via the council’s mail service to ensure they are making best use of resources. For example, think about whether mail could be sent electronically, what the business requirements are for sending a piece of mail, or whether it can be sent second class rather than first.
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Anne, who has worked at the council for 19 years, has secured a place working on one of Bo’nessbased charity, The Vine Trust’s two Amazon Hope medical and dental ships in February 2014. The trust works in collaboration with Peruvian Government Health agencies to aid abandoned street children, build health centres and deliver medical services. Anne said: “I’ve been aware of the Vine Trust for a few years, so when I noticed they were looking for volunteer medical assistants, I jumped at the chance. It’s an opportunity for me to use my health background to improve quality of life along the Amazon. It’s for two weeks, so it’s not a huge sacrifice for me but it will make a big difference. It’s a really great way to spend a holiday. Apart from the work, I’m excited to see a part of the world I have only seen in films. It’s truly unimaginable geography and a real step into the unknown for me. I’m very much looking forward to the whole experience.” Anne has been hard at work fundraising for the trip with a baking event at Strathbrock Partnership Centre in October raising £305. If you would like to make a donation to Anne’s cause please visit http://secure.vinetrust.org/fundraise/pages/send-anne-up-the-amazon. westlothian.gov.uk
30th Toy Appeal unwrapped
Charity night success Council staff held a charity night for several very worthwhile causes.
The 2013 West Lothian Christmas Toy Appeal has been officially launched.
Facilities Management staff from West Lothian Council recently held a social event at The James Young High School in Livingston with the aims of raising money for charity and having fun. The event, which was a huge success and met both of these aims, raised over £1,600 for staff-chosen charities the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS), McMillan Cancer Research, CLIC Sargent and Guide Dogs for the Blind. The event included a quiz along with a tombola and a mini-disco. The event was organised by Facilities Management staff and the janitorial and domestic staff who volunteered in their own time on the night and the next day helped to ensure it was a success. Facilities manager Liz Wark said: “The staff were all very generous with both their time and their donations, we raised over £1600 for four fantastic charities. The staff involved put in a tremendous effort to make this possible and I’d like to say well done to them all.”
The highly popular charity event is now in its 30th year and helps around 1,000 children from around 400 families each year, including those from the most socially or financially disadvantaged families in the area. Both the council and West Lothian Leisure are supporting the appeal to help underprivileged youngsters this Christmas. Wendy Simpson, from River Kids, who are organising this year’s Toy Appeal, said: “As the name suggests, people are urged to donate toys. Having Santa deliver toys at Christmas may not make up for the dismal reality of living in refuge accommodation or being separated from friends and family members, but at least it brings a little brightness into the lives of innocent children.” Council staff can hand in donations to Helen Kelly in Members Services at the Civic Centre or to West Lothian Leisure’s Xcite venues before Friday 13 December.
Support homeless young people this Christmas Open Door, which provides accommodation, information and support to homeless single 16 - 21 year olds in West Lothian, is asking council employees to donate the money they would normally spend on Christmas cards to them, and send an ecard instead. Simply make a donation at www. justgiving.com/odap and tick that you would like a response to receive the links to the range of ecards to send to your friends and family.
You can also give by text by sending a message to 70070 saying ODAP22 and the amount you want to give. For example, text ODAP22 £5 to 70070 to give £5. Gift vouchers are also available for those who wish to support local young people this Christmas. Open Door would like to thank all the council staff who participated in their 2012 e-Christmas Card appeal, which raised £1,500.
For more information, visit their website at
www.odap.org.uk
1 in 5 women will experience domestic abuse in Scotland The Living in Safe Accommodation (LISA) project supports all adults and children who have experienced or are experiencing any form of domestic abuse. Domestic abuse is the mental, physical and/or sexual abuse by a partner or ex-partner. It is not an isolated incident. It is a pattern of controlling behaviour through which the abuser seeks to gain power over the victim. They offer practical and emotional westlothian.gov.uk
support for adults and children. This includes information and advice, advocacy and support in court, specialist housing support, a specialist service for children, safety planning and support for survivors of rape and sexual assault. Contact LISA for more information about the service they provide on 01506 281055, email dasat@westlothian. gov.uk or in emergency call the police on 999.
Cat and dog Help is wanted for West Lothian charities that care for abandoned pets. The annual Cat and Dog appeal has been launched to support neglected animals in West Lothian. Organisers are looking for donations such as tins of cat or dog food, treats, pet toys or clean blankets. Donations can be accepted up to Friday 20 December, with collection boxes at key points in council buildings across West Lothian.
Final collection on Friday 20 December
For more information email lynette.valentine@westlothian.gov.uk 9 15
Buy your Christmas tree from Beecraigs Beecraigs Country Park is now taking orders for Christmas trees. The Park offers a range of four traditional trees - Norway spruce, Nordmann fir, Fraser fir and Lodgepole pine. The trees are available in a range of sizes, from 4’ to 12’ and are priced between £18 and £73. The order book for Christmas trees is open now, for collection before Sunday 15 December, or book one of the limited number of deliveries available for West Lothian residents in December. Council staff get a 10% discount.
Food for thought
A new scheme has been launched to help West Lothian residents decide where to eat. West Lothian Council has joined the Food Hygiene Information Scheme (FHIS), a national system rolling out across all of Scotland’s 32 councils supported by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
are only a reflection of the standards at the time of inspection, and the responsibility for ensuring food safety every day remains with the operator and the staff working in the business.
Following routine food hygiene inspections by Environmental Health officers, businesses will be awarded an FHIS Pass or Improvement Required certificate to display to customers. This information will also be published on the FSA’s www.food.gov.uk website.
The scheme is initially targeted at any food businesses supplying directly to members of the public, and will include cafes, restaurants, takeaways, supermarkets, butchers, bakers and delis. Other businesses involved in the food industry may be considered in the future.
It is hoped the scheme will encourage businesses to maintain high standards to achieve Pass certificates, while giving consumers’ confidence when they go to buy food. Pass or Improvement certificates
The council’s Environmental Health team will continue to take strong enforcement action where businesses present a potential danger to health to ensure they comply with the law.
Save while you spend this Christmas Council staff have saved an estimated combined total of £250,000 in the last year through using the employee benefits scheme. Over £1 million was spent by staff through wlc rewards in the last 12 months, with average savings of 25%. The employee benefit scheme offers employees fantastic savings with childcare vouchers, bikes for work and thousands of discounts and special offers for use at a huge range of local and major national businesses
The Sales Area at the Visitor Centre is open until Wednesday 18 December, stock levels permitting. The Sales Area offers you the chance to choose your own tree as well as ask Park staff any questions you may have on how to look after your tree. Beecraigs has tree stands available and the Visitor Centre also has a range of stocking fillers and gift ideas, including the Beecraigs gift voucher which is redeemable against a wide range of goods including fly-fishing, caravanning and camping, Beecraigs venison, sawmill products and Ranger Service activities. To order your tree call Beecraigs on 01506 848943. If you get the answering service, please leave a message and someone will call you back as soon as they can. For prices and more information, visit
www.beecraigs.com
from electrical goods, days out, high street stores, fashion, motoring, travel, food and drink and much more. With over 9,000 discounts currently available, now is the ideal time to join the scheme and enjoy some amazing offers on all your festive purchases. Simply log on at www.wlcrewards. westlothian.gov.uk to register and start saving while you spend today.
We are always keen to receive suggestions for articles or features, and photography. For details on future deadlines for Inside News contact: Corporate Communications, West Lothian Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston, EH54 6FF Tel: 01506 282006 email: media@westlothian.gov.uk
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