budget pressures - West Dunbartonshire Council

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AUTUMN 2014
OFFICES
OF THE
FUTURE
ARE ON
THE WAY
Best Scottish internal publication 2012 and 2013
Plans for new offices in Clydebank and Dumbarton
are well underway, with the first teams due
to move into their ‘Workplace of the Future’ in
January 2015.
Around 300 staff based in Rosebery Place will move to Aurora
House at Queens Quay, where designs for the modern new interior
spaces are currently being developed.
The new Dumbarton office will retain the façade of the Grade
A listed ‘Old Academy Building’, and will accommodate 500 staff.
Initial artists’ impressions for the new office (pictured) will be
developed further following the appointment of a design team in
October.
The £19.3m project will also involve refurbishment of the
Municipal Buildings and Bridge Street offices
in Dumbarton, with further office space
provided within depot locations. Overall, the
project will reduce the size of the Council’s
office space by over 50%.
Chief Executive Joyce White said: “This
project is fantastic news for our employees.
The new offices will give us a great
opportunity to modernise the way we work, and put into
action new flexible working practices which will improve
employees’ work-life balance and environment.”
Like the fourth floor pilot project at Garshake, the new
offices will have informal meeting spaces and break-out
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family of four at
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A year’s
gym
membership
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Leisure
BUDGET PRESSURES
AT COUNCIL
West Dunbartonshire Council needs
to find savings of approximately £20
million in the next three years in order
to balance its books.
The gap is the result of anticipated reduced funding
from the Scottish Government, partly as a result of
on-going austerity measures being implemented by
the UK Government, and partly due to population
reduction in West Dunbartonshire.The budget is also
affected by spend pressures on Social Work services
and changing legislation.
Senior managers are currently considering a
range of options to help the Council find the savings.
Some of these will be taken by the Corporate
Management Team and others will require the
approval of Councillors at the budget meeting in
February 2015.
Employees will be kept informed throughout the
process and we will continue to work in partnership
with our trades unions to encourage all to share
ideas for saving money.
will
Aurora House in Clydebank
f
be the new office for 300 staf
areas, providing
staff with the
opportunity to
Early artist’s impression
have meetings
of how the Dumbarton
and breaks away
offices might look
from their desks.
Manager of Organisational Development and Change,Angela Terry
said: “One of the main concerns our employees have expressed is
about desk sharing, and whether they will be separated from their
teams.
“Space will be allocated for ‘neighbourhoods’ - groups of workers
that share similar teams or departments. This will help ensure
that team communications and working relationships are not
broken, and that staff can access resources
like personal storage, team filing and equipment.”
“I’ve also been asked whether the new
offices will be paperless, and the answer is
no - but we would like there to be less
paper.”
The Organisational Development and
Change team will be on hand throughout the
process, to support employees
For more information,
through the changes and help
visit the Workplace of the
them adjust to their new working
Future page on the Intranet.
environment.
“The project is
fantastic news
for our employees”
“We need to adapt to working
differently and be ready to
think creatively about doing
more things with less money”
Joyce White, Chief Executive, said: “Around 60% of
our budget is spent on wages and the Council
is committed to protecting people’s employment.
That means the savings will have to come from
adapting the way we work, changing service delivery
and making our buildings and other assets more
efficient.”
“These savings targets are a real challenge and we
need employees to understand that we can’t generate
efficiencies like that and keep everything the way it
is now.
“We all need to be ready for change, maybe giving
up things that we have been used to receiving, adapt
to working differently and be ready to think creatively about doing more things with less money.
“I can assure you that all areas of the public sector
are facing these challenges and need to deliver our
valuable services more efficiently and effectively.”
The Council faces big pressures
to reduce its budget
2
Got any stories or news? Let Corporate Communications know at communications@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
The
population
of West
Dunbartonshire in 2013. This was a decrease
of 0.6% from 90,340 in 2012. The
population of West Dunbartonshire
accounts for 1.7% of the total
population of Scotland.
89,810
£38,986
The amount of benefit fraud
recently identified by the
Council with the help of Audit
Scotland’s National Fraud Initiative.
The Council is now taking
action to recover this sum.
The
number
visitors
that
enjoyed this year’s Scottish Pipe
Band Championships. People
visited Dumbarton’s Levengrove
Park from as far afield as America,
Australia and China.
20,000
The percentage
of residents
that thought
the Council
was efficient and well run in a
recent telephone poll. The survey
was conducted in the first three
months of 2014 and interviewed
300 randomly selected people.
This is a record satisfaction
rating, and an improvement
of 17% on last year’s poll.
75%
The daily
cost of
cleaning
litter from
West Dunbartonshire’s streets.
This could buy school meals for
a class of children for an entire
term. Alternatively, the money
spent on litter picking could buy
1,100 Meals on Wheels for the
elderly or disabled or pay for
over 200 new library books.
£2,200
NOMINATION TIME
The new Housing Project
Team won the 2014
Team of the Year award
FOR EMPLOYEE AWARDS
Chief Executive Joyce White has called on Council employees
to nominate fantastic colleagues and teams for the forthcoming
Employee Recognition Awards.
The annual awards recognise the brilliant contribution of employees who consistently
deliver an excellent service, have gone that extra mile for customers, colleagues or
the wider community or have made a positive difference to their departments.
“I’m asking everyone to
take a couple of minutes to
nominate their colleagues
across the Council”
Joyce said: “It is fantastic to be recognised for a job well done, so I’m asking everyone
to take a couple of minutes to nominate their colleagues across the Council for the
Employee Awards. Every single person who is nominated will receive a letter from me
saying they were put forward and congratulating them. So every nomination really
does count.” Individuals or teams can be nominated across five categories:
Team of the Year
Outstanding Achievement
Team Leader of the Year
Excellent Customer Service
Those shortlisted by the panel of judges will
be invited to the award ceremony in March
2015 where the winners will be announced.
Nomination forms are available from the
Council’s intranet, internet or directly from
the Organisational Development Team.The
final shortlist will be announced in February
2015.
NEW TEACHER
FOR SPTA
St Peter the Apostle High School’s new Head
Teacher says it’s an honour and privilege to lead
Catholic Secondary Education in the Clydebank
area.
Linda Booth took up the post after being the Depute Head
Teacher in the amalgamated St Peter the Apostle High School, and
helping colleagues to ensure the school got off to a flying start.
The number
of residents
who ‘like’ the
Council’s
Facebook page broke the 6,000
barrier in August. This means that
around 7% of the population of
West Dunbartonshire are now
keeping up-to-date with Council
news and events via the popular
social media channel.
6,000
The number of
courses and online
resources currently
available on the Council’s e-Learn
facility. Courses can be accessed
from work or home using a
simple log-in. The top 5 courses
accessed in July were Dementia
Awareness, Induction, European
Union Procurement Guidance,
Computer Basics Software
Licence Management.
Employee of the Year
“I am determined that every
member of our school community
has the opportunity to flourish
and achieve their very
best potential”
350
Linda wants ever y one
of her pupils to flourish
As a local and former pupil of St Columba’s and
teacher of St Andrew’s, Linda is passionate about the
young Bankies enjoying the very best quality of education.
Linda said: “It is an absolute honour and privilege to
be Head Teacher of such a fantastic school. As Head
Teacher I am determined that every member of our
school community has the opportunity to flourish and
achieve their very best potential.
“Our inclusive ethos reflects the Christian values and,
supported by our highly committed staff and extremely
supportive parents, I am confident that our young people will
develop into responsible and successful young adults committed
to achieving their best."
Nomin
deadliation
Fr ne
24 Ocidtay
ober
NEW CARE HOMES
PROGRESSING WELL
Plans for hundreds of Care Home employees
to provide support to residents in new stateof-the art centres in Dumbarton and Clydebank
are progressing well.
A planning application was submitted in August for
the new multi-million pound care home and day centre
in Dumbarton.The plans are expected to go to Planning
Committee in November and the project is due for
completion in autumn 2016.
The Council also plans to build another care home
at Queens Quay in Clydebank. The combined cost of
the two projects is just under £22m.
Director of the CHCP, Keith Redpath said: “The
plans for both our new care homes have received
excellent feedback from the Care Inspectorate, who
classed the layout and design of the care homes as an
‘optimal example of modern care home design’. As
well as providing high quality, safe and comfortable
accommodation for our elderly residents, the new
care homes will be modern, pleasant places to work
for our dedicated care home staff.”
The two care homes will replace all existing care
homes and day care services in West Dunbartonshire.
Further updates will be featured in Talk as the project
progresses.
BE THE BEST LAUNCHES
Find out who has been getting on their bikes P4
The Council is supporting staff to Be The Best as “I’m excited about what we can achieve if we all work together.
part of its new strategy to improve the culture, Hopefully this commitment demonstrates how much we value our employees
and how we are doing everything we
performance and service of
can
to respond to their feedback. I always
the organisation.
“I’m excited about what we can
achieve if we all work together”
Be The Best officially launched this
month with a striking awareness campaign
at offices and depots at Rosebery,
Garshake, Bridge Street, Richmond Street and Elm Road.
The material sign-posted employees to new projects such as Ask
The Chief Executive, The Good Idea Fund, Back To The Floor and the
Mentoring Excellence & Coaching opportunity.
There was also a reinforcement of the commitment to Personal
Development Plans, the new Customer Services training available and the
potential of e-Learn.
Angela Wilson, Executive Director of Corporate Services, said:
“This strategy is focussed on how we can all work together
to Be The Best Council we possibly can be.
“If there is a problem we want to hear about it, if there
is a great new idea for something we want to support it,
if employees feel they don’t see enough of their senior
management then we will address that.
believe that you get out what you put
in and so now the challenge is over to
our employees to get involved.”
COUNCIL RESPONDS TO STAFF SURVEY
Head of People and Transformation
Vicki Rogers says work is now well
underway to address issues raised
through the 2013 staff survey.
staff saying they wanted to feel valued and be
recognised for the work they do. In response
the Council is launching two new recognition
programmes called ‘Going the Extra Mile’ and
While the survey showed positive improve- ‘Simply Thank You’.The two schemes recognise
ments in every area,there are areas which require outstanding service provided to colleagues and
customers.
further support.
Vicki said: “When you receive feedback from
“Feedback from more
more than 2,000 employees, that provides a
powerful insight into what staff are thinking
than 2,000 employees
and want from their employment.
provides a powerful
“We have carefully considered all responses
and held focus groups with groups of staff to
insight”
talk over some of the themes that came out.
I’m confident that the resulting improvement
To strengthen the commitment to staff
plan tackles those areas where staff felt a change development, there will also be an option to
was needed.”
incorporate a career planning discussion into
One of these was employee recognition with PDPs from September;
The strategy has been promoted
across the Council
Other comments in the survey reflected a
desire for staff to be given more information
and have greater involvement when change is
taking place in the Council. The Council is
responding by offering support through the
Business Change team and will also be sharing
examples of good practice across services. In
addition, a change management toolkit and
intranet resources to support change in your
area are being introduced.
Staff also highlighted through the survey that
they wanted improved access to learning and
development.
Help and support including sponsorship
will be offered to help and support
staff to access external qualifications.
3
Joyce
White
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Listening &
responding to staff
Dear all,
Since being appointed Chief Executive
of this Council I have been keen to
introduce a strategy that could connect
with our valued employees and support
improved performance.
I’m delighted that this has now become a
reality with the launch of Be The Best earlier
this month.
We’ve worked really hard to create a
strategy that is simple and focuses on
improving services, improving yourself and
improving customer services. We’ve also
created a simple set of ambitious measures
to judge how successful we are at it.
At every step we have wanted to work in
partnership with our staff across the Council.
Where you’ve told us that you want more
open communication we have created
‘Ask The Chief Executive’, where you’ve said
you want support to be inventive we have
introduced ‘The Good idea Fund’, where
you’ve asked for more development we
have committed to the PDP process and
e-Learn and where you’ve said you want to
see more leadership we have launched the
‘Back to the Floor’ initiative.
I am sure you will agree with me, this
is an exciting time to be working for
West Dunbartonshire Council. I am looking
forward to seeing how it develops and I
hope you are too. Let’s work together to
Be The Best we can.
BOSSES GO BACK TO THE FLOOR
Vicki Rogers says the survey
‘provides a powerful insight’
Chief Executive Joyce White has kicked off the Back “Myself and my senior managers have all committed to going Back To
To The Floor project by spending the morning as a The Floor across the Council and I have future appointments with the
Home Care team and Greenspace. If you want me or any other manager
School Traffic Crossing Patroller.
Joyce worked beside Pat Tonner at the junction of Bonhill Road and to visit your service then nominate them using the intranet form or
Round Riding Road in Dumbarton and helped ferry children safely to contact them directly.
“There is nothing like seeing a service first hand through the eyes
Braehead Primary School.
Before undertaking the duty Joyce had undergone a training session of those in the team and I know this knowledge will help me when
I perform my role as the Chief Executive
with the traffic crossing team. After her shift she was invited to Braehead
of this Council and in helping improve
Primary School to see their weekly assembly.
the way we deliver services in our
Joyce said: “I absolutely loved my morning with Pat seeing what our
communities.”
school traffic crossing team do to keep our children safe and the impact
they have in our communities in West Dunbartonshire.
“Back To The Floor is a direct response to the feedback from employees
in the staff survey that senior managers were not visible enough and did
not know enough about what was happening on the front line. As well
as meeting with Pat I also met many other employees on their way to
work.
Joyce worked a morning as a
patroller in Dumbarton
Best wishes,
4
Got any stories or news? Let Corporate Communications know at communications@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
YOU’RE HIRED!
of
The Council’s new intakelooking
all
are
es
ntic
pre
Ap
n
der
Mo
forward to their roles
Q
Did you
enjoy the
Commonwealth
Games?
I think the Games were more
successful than
anyone
anticipated
and not just
because
Scotland won
a record
number of
medals. I spent a day
in the city to experience the buzz
and wasn’t disappointed.
David Hay, Litter Control Officer
The Games were fantastic and
it was great to
see
Scotland
do so well.
Glasgow
really pulled
it off!
Service Officer
Nina Ward,
Customer
I enjoyed the Games - the TV
coverage was
great!
It really
showcased
Glasgow
at its best.
Craig
Campbell,
Acting Unit Manager,
Residential Child Care
It was such a great atmosphere.
I went to see
the Track
and Field
and also the
events at
Kelvingrove
Band Stand.
Jane Doogan,
Health
Improvement Practitioner
I went to Glasgow Green and
watched it on the
screen and also
watched
the cycling
as it made
its way
through
Glasgow.
The atmosphere was fantastic.
Janice McIntyre, Head of Centre
at Auchnacraig EECC
Council is taking on over 80 apprentices this year.
Thirty new modern apprentices have been welcomed also earn a wage.
into the Council this year with another 56 trainees set Executive Director of Corporate Services Angela Wilson, said: “We have
invested heavily in our Modern Apprenticeship programme and currently
to be taken on in the coming months.
The new recruits, aged 17 to 23, will learn skills including administration have 107 young people in training.
“Apprenticeships not only provide valuable training and skills but give young
and care and construction crafts such as joinery.
people the confidence which will help them to progress
Among this year’s intake is Paul Biggins, 19, from
in
their chosen career.
Dumbarton, who found out about the opportunity
“Apprenticeships give
“I would like to welcome all of our new Apprentices
at a job fair in the West Employability Hub. Paul has
young people the
to the Council. I’m positive they will take full advantage
now started work as a Hospitality Modern Apprentice
confidence which will
of all the opportunities they are given and be a credit
based at Dumbarton home for the elderly Willox Park.
to our organisation.”
He said: “I genuinely like cooking so this apprenhelp them progress in
Every year hundreds of young people apply for
ticeship is an opportunity for me to see if I can shine.
their chosen career”
the Council’s Modern Apprenticeships. Among the
It’s great experience and will hopefully lead to a
opportunities available this year were four-year Level
permanent job.”
Paul and his colleagues will work towards either Level 2 or 3 Scottish 3 apprenticeships in plumbing, plastering, painting and decorating and electrics.
All Level 3 recruits in West Dunbartonshire passed their Vocational
Vocational Qualifications (SVQ) or Modern Apprenticeships (MA) over the
Qualifications last year and 95% secured employment at the conclusion of
next two to four years, both of which are recognised nationally.
As well as receiving training and learning new skills, the Apprentices will their apprenticeship.
POOL
BIKE
SCHEME
LAUNCHES
The pool bikes are primaril
All staff at Garshake,
y
use but can be used at lunfor business
chtimes
Rosebery and Elm Road can now
make use of new Council bikes
and get fit on the way to site visits primarily for business use but may also be used
for leisure purposes at lunchtimes.
or meetings.
If you have a short business-related journey
to make that’s a bit too far to walk, the car or
bus are no longer your only options. Three
pool bikes are now available for use at Garshake
Road, two at Rosebery Place and one at Elm
Road. Equipment such as helmets and gloves
are also available.
The bikes are Carrera Subways, a cross
between a road and mountain bike. They are
Sheryl Harvey, Jo Winterbottom and Ailsa
King have already signed up to use the bikes at
Garshake. Sheryl said: “I’ve been using the
bike to get to meetings at the Joint Hospital in
Dumbarton, as I don’t have access to a car
every day. It’s a 10 minute journey by car, and
only takes about 15 minutes by bike so there’s
not much difference, and it’s definitely quicker
than the bus.”
The Council’s Sustainability Officer Amy
Brown added: “This is a great way for people
who don’t have much free time outside work
to incorporate some exercise into their working
day. It’s really easy to take part and there are
so many great cycle paths in this area that you
can get to many places without even having to
cycle on the road.”
ister to
Full details on how to reg on the
nd
use the bikes can be fou g Amy on
Intranet, or by contactin
01389 737344
n Sherry from Glasgow
Pictured (from left) are Ala t Woods, UNISON;
Kelvin College; Margare
er;Vicki Rogers, Head
Billy McEwan, GMB Conven ; Charlie McDonald,
of People and Transformation
rigan, Glasgow Kelvin
UNITE Convener; Brian Cor
n, EIS Convener.
College and Stewart Paterso
HEALTH AND SAFETY
P A R T N E R S H I P
The Council and the Trade Unions
have agreed a partnership to promote
health and safety in the workplace.
The Health and Safety Partnership Agreement and
Safety Representatives Charter were adopted earlier
this year and mark the culmination of discussions
aimed at strengthening the health and safety culture
of the Council.
The partnership strives to build better working
environments alongside improved service delivery.
It also recognises the need for co-operation and
communication within the Council and with outside
agencies on health and safety related issues.
A key element of the agreement is continued support
for trade union safety representatives. The Council
is committed to facilitating the provision of TUC
Health and Safety courses at Council venues, and the
trade unions will continue to promote the role of
safety representatives and further increasing the network
of trained representatives. Currently, 15 employees
are undertaking stage 1 training and plans are underway for further stage 1 and stage 2 courses.
Find out who would like to have been a copper P6
PUPILS
OPEN
EXAM
RESULTS LIVE ON AIR!
acher
Dumbarton Academy headteresults
the
out
ds
han
am
Lyn
ui
Jacq
live on BBC Radio
Excited pupils from Dumbarton Academy were on their first National
national television and radio last month as the BBC qualifications this
featured the school during its exam results coverage. year.
A handful of pupils were invited to attend the school with their parents “The results show
the commitment
to open their results letters live on BBC Radio Scotland.
Following interviews on Good Morning Scotland, pupils and their parents of our young
were then filmed and interviewed for that evening’s BBC Reporting Scotland. people who have
Pupils across West Dunbartonshire have embraced the new National worked so hard
Qualifications with 82% of the 713 who sat them achieving Literacy and throughout the year, the dedication
and enthusiasm of our staff guiding them to achieve such high levels, and the
Numeracy qualifications.
More than 2,900 Highers were taken in the authority with 71% passed. support offered to our young people by friends, family and carers at home.
Congratulations to all involved.We look forward
65% of Literacy and Numeracy qualifications at
supporting them on the next stage of their
Higher level were attained. Every pupil who
“It’s a source of great delight” to
learning journey - whatever that positive destination
sat Advanced Highers in Art & Design,
proves to be."
Home Economics and Music passed.
Terry Lanagan, Executive Director of Educational Services said: "It’s
a source of great delight seeing this first group of young people
Highers taken...with
passed
who have worked their way through the new curriculum achieving
2,900
71%
JOY FOR WORLD CUP PREDICTION WINNERS ORMOND FAMILY TAKE ON GREAT SCOTTISH SWIM
Two football fans are still celebrating
after taking the top prizes in Council
competitions to correctly predict
World Cup scores.
by Ben (John)
B o n n e r, a
former Roads
employee
ICT Security Officer Iain Kerr took the first who entered
prize of £112 in the competition involving 120 through Anne
employees run by Richard McLean, an analyst Tolland. Ben
Brazil Brazil! Ian and Ben
programmer.A cash prize of £56 went to second took the top
got the scores right
placed Rodney Marshall, community waste officer. prize of £324,
Iain said:“It was a close thing between me and beating off another 214 competitors. Bob’s
Rodney right up until the very end, so there was competition also raised £385 for the charity
Water Aid.
a lot of teasing in the
Ben said: “I like to
office about me being
“There was a lot of teasing in
jammy. The prize the office about me being jammy” think I know a bit
about football so it
money helped towards
was great to win. I’ve not spent my prize money
a weekend in Venice.”
The second competition was run by Bob Mackie, yet but I think it will be going towards a
a senior officer in Licensing Services. His was won holiday.”
UNION
VOICE
CHARLIE McDONALD - UNITE
I have been fulltime Convenor
for Unite for the
past ten years
and have seen
many changes at
the Council over
the last 32 years.
Recently we've been helping our members to
ensure they are claiming their correct holiday
pay which should include any overtime payments.
We are discussing this amongst other issues with
MEDIA
IN THE
Stewart Ormond is a mile race, while Judy opted
sucker for punishment. for one mile. Kirsty beat her
Not content with taking
to chilly Loch Lomond for
last year’s Great Scottish
Swim, this year the Roads
Operations Co-ordinator
was back for more - and
this time he roped in his
wife Judy, Section Head for
Early Years and Childcare,
and daughter Kirsty.
Open to amateurs and
professionals, the event
had three distances - half
a mile, one mile or two.
Stewart and Kirsty went
head-to-head in the two
dad’s time by four minutes.
Stewart said: “It was a
great day, the conditions
were good with the water
a balmy 16oC! I would
encourage anyone to give
it a go, and perhaps we
could get a Council team
together for next year?”
Stewart, Judy and
m
Kirsty after the swi
Our new regular column giving a Trades Union perspective
management.
Looking further ahead, we face many challenges
with the forthcoming budget. This time of year
is always met with some trepidation from our
members but they can rest assured that Unite
will be behind them, as always, to protect them
and to ensure that they are not affected by any
potential budget cuts.
I've been proud to carry out this position for
the Union, though it hasn’t been easy at times.
I have always had a good team to support me in
the Shop Stewards Committee who are throughout the Council in a wide range of departments.
While I would encourage all members to become
involved, I am the first person to acknowledge that
with the pressures of the job, this can sometimes
be difficult.
Unite is the biggest union in Britain and being
part of this union has given me great satisfaction.
Our goal is to assist our workers through
their careers and if they do need our support
we will work with our members and management
to ensure we reach a satisfactory outcome that
suits everyone.
I believe in us all working together to ensure
we have happy, motivated members and I'm sure
the Council shares the same goal.
You can contact Unite on
01389 608011 or 0845 604 4384
or email:
charlie.mcdonald@
west-dunbarton.gov.uk
for further information and advice.
5
We round up where the Council
has been featured in the past
few months...
Featured a two-page spread on
the At War exhibition at the
Clydebank Town Hall. The exhibition features a rare collection of
artefacts from the Great War and
tells the story of local soldiers
who fought for their country.
Reported on the Council’s free
driving lesson scheme for young
people. The pilot project offered
free lessons to 17 to 24 year olds
in a bid to help them find a job.
Two of the Council’s Modern
Apprentices, Kevin Lacon and Daryl
Williamson, were featured.
Featured the Queen’s Baton
Relay’s visit to West Dunbartonshire. Dozens of community
champions carried the baton
through the streets visiting
Clydebank, Dumbarton, Alexandria
and Balloch.The route highlighted
West Dunbartonshire’s stunning
scenery.
Reported on the Council being
the first local authority in Scotland
to use pavement cleaning adverts
as part of its ‘Do the Right Thing’
litter campaign. Using campaign
stencils, messages encouraging
people to put their litter and dog
mess in the bin have been power
washed on to streets around parks
and in schools.
Visited the Vale Pool as part of
a feature on gold medal winning
swimmer Ross Murdoch. The
news piece featured staff including
David Duncan, who taught Ross
how to swim at the centre when
the athlete was just six-years-old.
Ross, who trained weekly at
the Vale Pool for years, took first
place in the 200m breaststroke
at the Commonwealth Games in
Glasgow this summer.
Publicised the Council’s successful
Picture This photography competition. The new images will be on
public display until 27 September
at Clydebank Library.
60
6
Check out your chance to win tickets for a family of four at Go Ape, Aberfoyle P8
SECONDS
WITH...
STEPHEN DALY
Section Head,
Customer Services
KEVIN
IS
KING
OF THE BOWLS
Kevin is bowled over
victory and future trip toby his
Australia
What’s your favourite hobby?
Rugby - I coach primary school
age teams at Loch Lomond
Rugby Club and I’m really proud
to be a member of the club.
Describe your perfect day.
Fun with my family followed by
dinner and an offer of babysitting
by my Mum, then a night out with
my wife, Caroline.
What did you want to be
when you were growing up?
A Police Officer - one day I’ll
grow up and it might happen!
What’s the best piece
of advice you have
ever been given?
“Always let your
conscience be your
guide” - Jiminy Cricket
What’s your favourite
holiday destination?
Florida - every year with
precision planning! I love Disney
and I’m not afraid to admit it. I’m
a Beauty and the Beast kind of
guy, it’s a tale as old as time!
What’s your favourite film?
The Goonies. It reminds me of my
Granda taking me
to the pictures
in Dumbarton.
I wanted to be in
the Goonies so
much, especially the
water slide part
near the end.
If you could only take two things
to a desert island, what
would they be?
Lucozade and Twitter.
If you were stuck in a lift
with someone, who would
you like it to be? My mate
Gary Miller as he’s very funny
and knows folk that fix lifts.
If you were Prime Minister,
what would you change?
The retirement age for my Mum
who would like to be at home
with my Dad.
What is the strangest thing
anyone has ever said to you
on the phone? Nothing’s ever
strange from our customers, it
always makes perfect sense to
the person on the other end!
Council electrician Kevin Anderson
is the newly crowned Scottish Gent’s
Singles Champion and the first
person from West Dunbartonshire
to win the title in over 50 years.
“It’s an amazing feeling to have won the Scottish
title but seeing everyone else with a smile on their
face that night, especially my mum Maureen,
made it even more worthwhile. Over the years
she’s travelled with me the length and breadth
At 23, Kevin is believed to be the youngest of the country, supporting me in every game
winner of the national title which was fought over I play. I don’t know how to thank her enough.
As she works for the Council, I know she’ll be
at the National Championships held in Ayr.
He took up bowling aged nine after watching reading this, so thanks a million mum.”
Kevin hopes to continue his success when
his relatives play at Dumbarton Bowling Club
and has gone on to win both the Scottish and he plays in the World Championships later this
British Under-25 Singles. Along with winning year in Australia.
Kevin added: “I received a letter asking me
the championship at his local club twice, Kevin
to attend a trial match in
has won the Under 25
“Seeing everyone else Falkirk and I was lucky
Championship an astonishing seven times.
with a smile on their face, enough to be selected to
represent Scotland in
Kevin, who is based at
especially my mum
the World Under 25
Elm Road, said:“When I
Maureen, made it even Championships on the
got back from Ayr, the
Gold Coast in Australia
president who was down
more worthwhile”
later this year.
watching me invited me
“I’ll be up against all the champions from all
back to the club for a couple of celebratory
refreshments. This ultimately resulted in a full over the world which is really exciting. If you
scale party with a free bar all night put on by had told me 14 years ago when I took up
my club. My family, friends and plenty of my club bowling that I would be going to Australia to
mates were there, so it was a great night for me. compete I would never have believed you.”
Linda O’Dell
Office Administrator
My son has always wanted
a dog and with me being at
home on maternity leave,
it seemed like the perfect
time to adopt a puppy.
me a
ET
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SPEC-TACULAR SUCCESS
Hundreds of Council staff grabbed the
opportunity to buy heavily discounted
Polaroid sunglasses and raise cash for
charity at the same time.
Polaroid Eyewear set up their stall at Garshake
in August and offered high-quality adult sunglasses
for just £5 and children’s glasses for £2.
The money raised from the glasses, which had a
retail price of up to £60, was to be donated to the
Children’s Hospice Association Scotland and other
local charities.
On the day employees queued in huge numbers
at the stall and ended up purchasing more than
600 pairs of glasses which raised £3300 for charity.
Paul Sheerin, Director of Polaroid Eyewear, said:
“We had a fantastic response with staff literally
queuing up to take advantage of this offer.We look
forward to working with the Council again in future.”
Some staff asked for the event to also take place
in Rosebery but this was not possible on this occasion
as Polaroid only had the capacity to stage one sale
with the Council.
DAD JOY AT
MURDOCH GOLD
,
Ross Murdoch’s dad, Graham
works for WD Leisure
Swimmer Ross Murdoch became a
Scottish hero when he won a gold
medal in the Commonwealth Games
- and for one WD Leisure worker the
victory was real cause for celebration.
Graham Murdoch, an assistant swimming
development officer based at the Vale Pool, is
Ross’ very proud dad and was in the spectator’s
gallery at Tollcross when his son claimed his
momentous victory in the 200 breaststroke.
He said:“As a family we were hoping for a medal
of any colour in the Games and Ross was of the
same mindset.
“As the race closed off
I was thinking ‘has this
really happened?”
nd
I was looking for a dog with a good reputation
for being around children so after a lot of
research we decided that a Dogue De Bordeaux
would be the best for our family and our lifestyle.
Floyd was from a litter of 16 pups and he pretty
much picked us, we went for a few visits to see all
the pups and he came straight to us each time.
He’s now seven months old and has all the
typical silly puppy traits but for his size and age
he is extremely gentle, calm and well behaved. He
is very protective and loving to all the family but
especially with my one-year-old daughter Hazel they are always together causing mischief.
Although he’s still young, Floyd is almost seven stone but he’s still
just a baby. He’s a little frightened of the window cleaner. Whenever he
comes into the garden Floyd will try to hide behind me or sit
on my lap which means I tend to get a
us know
little squashed.
to bits? Let
CHARITY SALE A
Te ll us
ab o u t
yoeut !r
p
“The final was amazing, however the parents’
section was at the turning end of Tollcross. The
view was very much perspective, so to see exactly
where Ross was positioned I had to look at the
TV, ironically!
“It was also surreal, as the race closed off I was
thinking ‘has this really happened’? I was looking
at the scoreboard for the result to be confirmed
just like Ross.”
Graham admits he thought his son had a great
chance in the 200m breaststroke after his performance in the trials for the Games back in April.
Graham added: “I spoke with a few international
coaches at Tollcross in April.They were of the same
opinion as me, Ross was an elite performance
breaststroker, possibly the best in the world.
“In terms of swimming the next big thing for
Ross is the Kazan 2015 World Championships
in Russia. If he fails to make that team he will travel
to the world university games and of course he is
looking to compete in Rio in 2016.”
Win a WD Leisure gym membership P8
7
GO
TEAM
WDC!
A number of Council employees joined the 15,000 volunteers at Glasgow 2014 and
helped make the best Commonwealth Games ever. Talk caught up with them to find
out what they got up to during their time as Clyde-siders. Why volunteer? It
was too good
an opportunity to help show what a
great city Glasgow is, and because of
the chance to meet people from
around the Commonwealth.
Why volunteer?
BRIAN
harrigan
building standards
surveyor &
games field of
play marshall
I wanted to be part of something
big, help promote Scotland to
people who came to the Games.
What did the role involve?
What were you doing?
I was responsible for driving games
officials from their accommodation base
s
to the various venues around the city.
I chose
the driving role because I have a goo
d
knowledge of the city and because
I wanted to meet a variety of people.
At the Games I was outside
working with different people.
During the triathlon I warned people
at crossing points of oncoming cyclists or
runners, and also warned oncoming cyclists if a rider
went down. During the marathon I was at a water
station giving the athletes water. At the cycling time trial
and road race, I was in charge of crossing points, deciding
when to close them.
DENISE
MCKINNON
quality
improvement
officer & games
driver
Is it true that you’re a vetera
n Commonwealth volunteer?
I have previous experience with the
1986 Commonwealth Games in Edin
burgh where I
was a member of the organising com
mittee for the recruitment of Games
volunteers.
How does it feel to have taken part? When
Where did you get
your hands on the Queen’s Baton?
The Baton briefly visited the fleet dep
ot, and I was lucky enough to be finis
hing my shift
and was allowed to catch this quick
photo opportunity, which was a fabu
lous treat.
my two-year old boy Archie is older, I can’t wait to tell
him about my experience at the Commonwealth Games.
Why volunteer? I wanted to be part of an exciting,
Why volunteer?
memorable and a once in a lifetime experience.
My wife goaded me
into it. I think she just
wanted me out of the
house.
What did the role involve? I worked at the
lawn bowls competition at Kelvingrove Park, recording
the scores electronically and then sending them on to
the broadcasters to be shown on the screen. I do like
bowls, and was a member of a club for a time, but
initially when I was given the venue I was a little
disappointed as I would have liked to have been at
Ibrox for the rugby, or at the SECC. However, once the
Games had started I really wouldn’t have changed it.
What did the
role involve? I was
dancing and prancing
about in the middle
of Celtic Park at the
opening ceremony
on 23rd July. I’ve heard
Rod Stewart has been
bragging about singing
on stage with me!
I had 19 rehearsal
to get through
ions
sess
in preparation, starting
at the end of June.
How did your Games role
differ from your day job?
DAVID
JONES
education support
officer & games
opening ceremony
performer
Why volunteer?
I am very enthusiastic about the
Games and always like to be a
participant in things.
What did the role involve?
ROBERT
KELLY
solicitor
&
games
assistant
I worked for Team Singapore
throughout the games, helping to
arrange flights to and from Scotland
for the athletes and updating the
medals table when required. I also
helped put up flags and bunting in
the Team’s area of the athlete's
village and on the evening of the
closing ceremony I led the athletes out
of the village carrying a placard of the
Singapore flag on a pole. I also had
the responsibility of making sure that
Team Singapore were safely conveyed
to Hampden Park for the closing
ceremony. The evening before the
opening ceremony I was introduced
to the President of Singapore who
had come to see the athletes.
Altogether it was a marvellous
experience which I feel very
privileged to have had.
In some ways it was similar as I was observing and
recording results. However, I didn’t need to climb
any scaffolds or wade through muddy fields!
Was it hard to stay impartial if
Scotland were playing? Yes, especially
when I was scoring the semi-final between Scotland
and England, which Scotland won with the final bowl!
ANNE
GILLARD
capital programme
support co-ordinator
& games doping
control chaperone
GREGOR
PORTERFIELD
clerk of
works & games
scoring and
timing operative
Why volunteer? I love sport and wan
ted
to be part of Scotland and Glasgow
’s history.
What did the role involve?
We would be told just before the end
of a
competition which athlete was to be
tested and
we would then verbally notify them.
The athlete
would be allowed to speak to the med
ia, go to a
medal ceremony if they had won a med
al or have
a cool down with their team mates. W
e observed
the athlete from the point of notificat
ion until we
escorted them back to the control
room
where they provided a sample. What did you love most about
it?
I loved my job because we got to wat
ch netball,
gymnastics and boxing while carrying
out our
role. We got to chat to the athletes
one on
one, which was fantastic.We even got
to see
Usain Bolt up close when he spectate
d at
the Jamaican netball game. I wouldn’t
have
swapped volunteering at the Games
for
anything. It was one of the best experien
ces
I’ve ever had and the early morning
shifts
and late nights home were all worth
it.
I also met some fantastic people from
all over the world, even bumping into
Clyde in the corridor of the Hydro!
BLOOMING
MARVELLOUS
MY DAY
Don’t miss the next edition of Talk due out in the winter
STAFF ENSURE DALMUIR PARK LOOKS
8
TALK TALKS TO...
Mags Milloy
The hard working staff at Dalmuir Park saw their efforts pay off when the
parkland was officially relaunched following a £1.5million restoration.
The Council and Heritage Lottery
Fund met the cost of the project
which included restoring historic
features within the park such as
the Edwardian fencing, ornamental
fountain and floral boat feature.
equipment and creating a new outdoor events
space complete with picnic area.
Staff also ensured the park’s flower beds were
in full bloom and trees and shrubs were trimmed
to perfection.
A community gala day was held in August to
The park’s Greenspace team assisted with showcase the park’s new look and was attended
works including the preparation of the park for by hundreds of residents.
the introduction of new children’s play
“The park looks fantastic thanks to the dedicated staff
who work there”
Ian Bain, Manager of Greenspace, said:
“The park looks fantastic and it’s thanks
to the effort of all the dedicated staff
who work there. They work hard all year
round and their endeavours can be seen by
everyone who visits Dalmuir Park.”
COMPETITION WINNERS
Congratulations
to our Talk
competition winners!
Helen Kirkwood
Clerical Assistant
won a feast for 4 in
Erskine Garden Centre
David Dearie
Overburn Depot
won lunch
for 2 at the
Loch Lomond
Arms Hotel
The Dalmuir Park team have worked hard to
ensure the restoration has been a huge success
M
WIN A Y E AR ’S GY
M E M BE R SH IP
WIN TIC KE T S F OR
!
A FAMILY OF FOUR
You already know that regular exercise is good
for you but if you’re still looking for a reason
to join a gym here are a few good reasons
why you should join West Dunbartonshire
Leisure as a WDC corporate member today:
Adventure
Tree Top
Aberfoyle
at Go Ape
Head to Go Ape Aberfoyle for
two to three hours of tree top fun.
It’s a great way to get outdoors
and have some fun.
The stunning scenery of the
Queen Elizabeth Forest Park provides
a jaw-dropping background for a great
day out. Enjoy two of Britain’s longest
zip wires, each stretching over 400m
long, flying you 150 feet above the
ground and over a 90 foot waterfall.
= State-of-the-art fitness equipment
= Wide range of group fitness classes
such as Kettlercise, Callanetics and Spin
= Access to all our swimming pools,
saunas and steam rooms
= Gym facilities accessible from
7am - 10pm*
= No contracts apply
For your chance to win a year’s gym
membership, answer the question below
and send your answer to:
communications@
west-dunbarton.gov.uk by Fri 17th Oct.
For your chance to win a family voucher, just
answer the question below and send your answer
to: communications@
west-dunbarton.gov.uk by Friday 17th Oct.
Q
What is the name of
the park where Go Ape
Aberfoyle is located?
Q
* Family Voucher (worth £108). Booking is essential, either book online at www.goape.co.uk
or by calling 0845 838 0495. Supervision and participation ratios apply. Excludes Saturdays,
Tree Top Junior and Corporate Events.
What is the name
of one of the group
fitness classes?
To join, just visit your chosen centre with your 1st instalment, £27 per month and a recent wage slip.
(Couple memberships are also available). Join before Friday 31st October 2014 and the admin fee**
will be waivered. *Opening /Closing times vary at each site. **Normal admin fee is £15
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Head of Centre, Brucehill Early
Education and Childcare Centre
Mags Milloy arrived at
Brucehill Nursery last
year, but in her short
time as Head of Centre
her skills have been
fully tested. This has
never been more so
than the day a section
of the nursery roof
landed in the car park after a particularly bad storm.
She said: “The great Scottish weather hit
Brucehill with a bang last December, resulting
in the roof being ripped off and us having to
close for a week. Luckily no one was hurt.
We even managed to put on our Christmas
show in St Michael’s Church hall while the
nursery was closed. Children, parents and
staff all worked so hard to ensure as little
disruption as possible, and showed true
team work and community spirit.”
A more typical day for Mags starts at
around 8am. She says: “As Brucehill is one
of West Dunbartonshire Council’s larger
nurseries, there’s always something going on
so I like to get in before the staff arrive and
the phones start ringing. I open the doors
at 8.40am and welcome our families. I enjoy
this part of my job as it gives me the chance
to chat with the children and parents, and
watching the children bound into nursery
looking so happy always make me smile.
Then the day really starts, and every day is
different!”
“I open the doors at 8.40am
and welcome our families”
Mags manages a staff team of 16 who
deliver the early years curriculum to over
100 children.This includes activities such as
sports development, forest schools, PATHS,
fundraising events and involvement with the
local community to create a community
garden. When the morning session ends at
11.50am, Mags will then have an update with
her team before lunch and then welcome
the afternoon children at 12.40pm. Her day
usually ends about 4pm.
Before Mags decided on her career in
Early Years Education, she considered becoming a midwife.“I have a real soft spot for
babies and if you visit Brucehill you will often
see me holding younger siblings as parents
drop off their older children at nursery!”
Despite this, she is very happy with her
choice of career. “There is no other job that
can give you as much satisfaction as working
in Early Years. Children are so inspiring and
make me remember on a daily basis why I
chose this line of work.”
At weekends, Mags enjoys spending time
with her husband David and two children,
Cara and Joseph, and getting out and about
on her new road bike. She says: “I live in
Greenock and am still gaining confidence on
the road, so for the sake of other commuters’
safety, it maybe a while before I attempt to
cycle to work!”
THE
TEAM
The editorial content of Talk is produced by the
Corporate Communications Team: Malcolm, Moira,
Anna, Amanda, Diane,Trish, Jonathan and Pauline.
Photography is undertaken by David Norwood.
Email: communications
@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
Talk is printed on carbon balanced
paper. Carbon balanced meets the
challenge of climate change through
projects that both offset carbon
dioxide (CO2) emissions and that
also conserve biodiversity.