News
Update on John Muir House SPOC and new Collaborative Hub
Preparations are continuing to be made for the introduction of a new ‘Single Point of Contact’ (SPOC) at John Muir House.
Later this Spring, the counter at the Court Street entrance – which handles customer payments and other enquiries - will close to the public. The main reception on Brewery Park will then become the SPOC for all customers and visitors to John Muir House.
Plans are also being made for the relocation of Haddington Police Station to the former Sheriff Court building in 2020. The Court Street entrance will be used to access reception for the police station. A new Collaborative Hub will also be developed within JMH enabling relevant council staff to work alongside colleagues from the police, fire service and other partners.
Joined-up service
“We want to provide the best possible, joined-up service to our customers. The SPOC will be a one-stop shop for people coming to see the council at John Muir House,” explains Eileen Morrison, Service Manager for Customer Services.
“Whether someone is coming in about a planning application, housing or welfare issue, to pay a bill or attend a meeting with colleagues, they will be greeted in one place by Customer Services staff. It will be a smarter and more efficient way of working, as our team will no longer have to work across two counters in the same building.”
Ahead of the SPOC’s opening, some work in and around the current reception area is due to get underway in February.
The layout will be revised to include new spaces and some rooms for council employees to meet and greet customers. This area will include the space behind the front counter (the old planning reception) and extend slightly into the adjacent corridor. The new rooms will be managed by Customer Services staff so won’t be on the booking system.
Anyone meeting a visitor in the reception area will need to advise Customer Services in advance who can ensure there’s a suitable place to meet. There will be additional waiting space for customers calling in without an appointment.
The John Muir House SPOC is part of wider work to make it easier for customers to access council services.
For example, there are a number of digital transformation projects which will enable people to do more online, help the council become even more efficient and focus on delivering frontline services. This includes the new-look website, development of online payments and the introduction of a new on-line Customer Services Platform. It’s also beneficial for customers – meaning they can interact with the council at a time and place of their own choosing.
Partnership working
In 2020, the Court Street counter will become reception for Haddington Police Station, which is due to move into the adjacent former Sheriff Court. There is no impact on the existing marriage rooms.
“This presents an opportunity to enable ‘smarter’ and more integrated ways of working between the council, the police and other partners to support the prevention agenda, to make a positive impact on as broad a range of outcomes as possible and further enhance public service delivery,” explains Tom Reid, Head of Infrastructure.
“That’s why we’re planning to create the new Collaborative Hub which will be an area for relevant council staff to work more closely with colleagues from the police, fire service and other partners on shared priorities. It will include, for example, the Scottish Fire & Rescue Scotland Local Area Liaison Officers and the council’s Safer Communities Team. Work is underway to identify the services that will be based in our use the drop-in/hotdesk facilities in the new Hub.
A project team is in place and a decision will be made on the exact location and occupants of the Collaborative Hub. Look out for more updates in the months ahead!
Importance of FOI
The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 was introduced to give the public the right to access recorded information held by public authorities which includes government departments, the NHS, police forces, schools, colleges, universities and local authorities.
Its remit covers all recorded information held by a public authority. It is not limited to official documents and it covers, for example, emails, recordings of telephone conversations and CCTV footage.
Chief Executive, Angela Leitch, said: “It’s extremely important that all FOIs received by the council are answered promptly and ideally well within the 20 working day deadline. Transparency and openness is important for effective government, which the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) plays a part in supporting.”
The FOI Act requires Scottish public authorities to produce and maintain a publication scheme. Authorities are under a legal obligation to:
- publish the classes of information that they make routinely available
- tell the public how to access the information and what it might cost.
East Lothian Council has adopted the Model Publication Scheme produced by the Scottish Information Commissioner.
“Each service manager must ensure that their service information details are regularly reviewed and updated within the Publication Scheme. By adding as much as possible within the Publication Scheme, FOI enquiries can simply be directed to the relevant information rather than having to research and identify new information. This helps us respond quickly to the 1500, or so, FOI requests we receive each year."
All employees are reminded that a learnPro module on FOI is available on the Intranet along with full information of our requirements under the FOI Act.
Work underway on new Whitecraig Community Centre
Work is gathering pace on the new Whitecraig Community Centre. Groundworks began on the site in October, with the finished centre due to open in August 2019. 
Once completed, the centre will be include a multi-purpose games hall, creche and café. Changing facilities for Deantown Welfare Bowling Club members are also included in the plans as the new centre is on the site of the club’s former clubhouse.
The structural frame for the games hall is in place with blockwork beginning in that area. The timber frame for the main part of the building will be put in place in early 2019, unveiling the shape and scale of the whole project.
Cabinet member for Wellbeing Councillor Jim Goodfellow visited the site to see the progress that is being made. He said: “It’s great to see the new Whitecraig Community Centre taking shape. Having the hall’s frame in place is starting to give a sense of the scale of this investment. I’m sure the community are looking forward to it opening so they can benefit from the modern facilities.”
The new community centre has been designed by East Lothian Council’s in-house team following extensive community consultation. Hadden Group was awarded the £1.4m contract following a competitive tender process. Hadden Group previously worked on the extension to Law Primary School in North Berwick.
Steven Brady, Managing Director from Hadden Group said: “We’re pleased to have been chosen to deliver this new community centre for Whitecraig which continues our excellent working relationship with East Lothian Council. Our construction team are progressing well with the build and we look forward to delivering a first-class community asset.”
Education services celebrates Professional Learning
At the tail end of last year, 14 teachers were presented with Professional Learning certificates at a special event held at John Muir House. 
The certificate ceremony is held for participants on our First Steps into Leadership, Next Steps into Leadership and the Coaching for Success programmes - all three programmes now have the prestigious Professional Recognition award from the GTCS.
In February 2018, First Steps into Leadership and Next Steps into Leadership both received Professional Recognition which recognises the enhanced, significant and sustained enquiry a teacher has undertaken. In order to meet the criteria for Professional Learning, the learning must meet the characteristics of masters level learning (SCQF Level 11). It recognises the teacher as an accomplished practitioner in a particular area. A key characteristic of professional recognition is evidence that the participant's practice is underpinned by ongoing reflective enquiry.
As part of that on-going reflective enquiry, before their certificate ceremony each participant is given a series of five questions which ask them to reflect on the impact their learning has had on their practice. At the ceremony participants work in small groups to discuss how their professional learning has informed their practice and impacted on them, their colleagues and most importantly their pupils.
David Scott, Quality Improvement Officer, presented participants with their certificates, on sharing his thoughts on the afternoon David said: “Today we saw the participants asking critical questions about themselves and how they would apply their learning in their future work. This is professional learning in action, and shows how effective leadership can enhance learning and teaching. I was really struck by the enthusiasm and passion that all these participants had to make a difference to the children and young people of East Lothian.”
For more information on these training courses for Education Services staff, contact Margo Cunningham, Training and Development Officer on 01620 828767
Casual Workers Policy consultation
A consultation is currently taking place on the council’s Casual Workers Policy.
Casual workers are an essential part of service provision in a variety of areas, particularly in frontline services such as schools, residential and domiciliary care. The council recognises that, while the contractual relationship with casual workers is fundamentally different, they work alongside permanent and temporary staff in delivering services as valued members of a team.
Updates to the current 2009 policy are proposed in order to incorporate clarifications regarding its practical application, national changes to teachers’ conditions of service and the pension rights of Local Government Employee Group casual workers.
The consultation runs until 18 January - have your say
Look out for MyHr coming this April
Last year details were included in Inform about progress for the introduction of a new HR and Payroll system. 
The aim of the system is to enable the delivery of more efficient processes for our employees, managers and core support services. Making it easier to book holidays, submit expense claims or overtime requests, access online pay slips, record training and enable remote access to your employee profile.
The council’s project team have been working with the appointed contractors gathering the essential information required to implement the new system.
A key difference for staff will be how they access the system. There will be two separate portals into the system – the first will be MyHr an on-line system for individual employees. The second - MyPeople will be for supervisors and line managers to use to manage their employees' HR details including leave and expense claims.
MyHr will be available from April and, to those employees already used to accessing their payslips online via Hr 21, it will offer similar online information including personal HR details, job title and pay information. The benefits of an online system will be available to more employees, including school based staff, when MyHr launches.
Further information on what will be available from the launch of the new system will be provided to employees over the coming weeks.
In the meantime, if you have any questions please email hrpayrollsystem@eastlothian.gov.uk
Enjoy eResources at East Lothian libraries
East Lothian Library Services have a wide variety of eResources that are available free to East Lothian Library members. These resources are useful if you are thinking of learning a new skill, developing your PRD or even taking up a new hobby. These resources might also benefit customers or clients you work with. 
Universal Class- This offers over 500 courses including Yoga, Digital photography, Computer Basics, Excel, Stress Management and many more. With real instructors guiding the learning, video based lessons, graded lesson tests and certificates of achievement students can enjoy an engaging and measurable learning experience.
Theory Test Pro- This is a highly realistic online simulation of the UK’s driving theory tests for all vehicle categories. It contains all the official test questions licensed from the DVSA.
Transparent Language Online- Online language course which provides free unlimited access to library members. Unlimited access to over 90 languages from Afrikaans to Zulu. English Learning for Beginner and Intermediate levels with English materials for speakers of more than 25 languages.
ArtistWorks- Whether you are starting out or just looking to improve your skills you’ll get the help you need with ArtistWorks Step by Step learning videos from some of the world’s sought after musicians and teachers. It offers everything you need for musical and artistic instruction.
Ancestry Library edition- This has over 4 billion records available to search, from historical censuses and parish records to military and passenger lists. Please note this can only be accessed from a computer at one of our libraries.
Encyclopaedia Britannica – Library members have access to three versions of Encyclopaedia Britannica. Britannica Full Library Edition, Britannica Student (aimed at 12-18 year olds) and Britannica Student (aimed at 5-11 year olds)
SCRAN- Scran is a charitable online learning resource base with over 360,000 images and multimedia files from Museums.
We also have a range of eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers, eComics, eFilms and concerts available available.
Visit our library homepage for more information on all these resources and how to access.
Not a Member? - If you’re not already a member then it’s really easy to join. Please see the link for more details on becoming a library member.
If you would like material about these resources to provide to customers please contact Kelly Gallacher, Senior Library Assistant
Graduation event celebrates students' success
A celebration event took place at the Brunton Hall in late December as seven young people graduated from the Musselburgh Construction Skills Academy ready to move into the construction industry. 
The S5 pupils, who originally attended Preston Lodge and Ross High schools, studied at the Construction Skills Academy from June until December working towards a Level 5 SCVQ Pre-Apprenticeship in Carpentry and Joinery. The course is delivered in partnership between East Lothian Council and Edinburgh College and based within the Construction Skills Academy at Musselburgh Grammar School. It combines practical woodwork and tool experience, employability skills and health and safety legislation to leave them workplace-ready. Previous students have moved into paid apprenticeships within the construction industry or employment after completing the course.
Cabinet member for Education Councillor Shamin Akhtar attended the event alongside students’ families, councillors, representatives from the county’s secondary schools, the police and Developing Young Workforce (DyW) staff. She said: “I was delighted to attend tonight’s event and to meet with the students and their families and to hear more about the difference this course has made. It was obvious how much they had gained from their time at the Construction Academy. They were rightly proud of their achievements and excited for the next steps. Having Jewson, Wickes and Howden support their efforts with a toolkit that they can take on to their working life was a lovely gesture and we’re grateful to those firms.”
Jewson, Wickes and Howden Joinery firms provided each of the student with their own toolkit, worth £150, ready for their next steps into the industry.
Clare Hindle, Principal Teacher of Construction and Technology at Musselburgh Grammar School, leads the skills academy. She said: “I’m very proud of the students and the progress that they have made. Apart from learning a skilled trade, they have all grown in confidence and self-esteem. They have a better understanding of the industry and how they can contribute to it. They’re leaving the course ready for the workplace with a national qualification, a CSCS card and, thanks to the three local companies, their own professional tool kit. It was lovely to come together with their families to celebrate their achievements.”
The Musselburgh Construction Skills Academy was set up in November 2016 to give pupils in East Lothian an opportunity to get a head start in construction while also responding to industry needs. The centre is a partnership between East Lothian Council, Edinburgh College and industry. Pupils attending the county’s six secondary schools can choose to study at the centre for a SCVQ in level 4 or 5. Courses include Joinery and Carpentry, Plumbing, and Painting and Decorating.
Christmas came early for Knox Academy Meadowpark pupils
Pupils at Knox Academy, Meadowpark, Haddington received an early Christmas present of digital cameras kindly donated by Canon UK. The cameras will be used by the pupils, who have a range of communication difficulties, to record their learning projects and progress.
Charli Prime, Deputy Head Teacher of Meadowpark Communication Provision, Haddington, said: “We are very grateful to Canon for their generous gifts which are appreciated by both pupils and staff. We believe passionately that all young people at Meadowpark deserve the very best education with an expectation that they will be able to continue a lifelong journey either into work, further study or in some cases, independence. The cameras will provide extra opportunities for the pupils to express themselves and to record their work.”
Cabinet member for Education and Children’s services, Cllr Shamin Akhtar, added: “It was great to see how delighted the young people at Knox Academy, Meadowpark were on receiving the cameras from Max Sykes. The school has developed a great partnership with Canon UK which is helping to support the young people develop their digital skills. Thank you to Canon UK for their donation which I think is a great example of how businesses can support our schools and our young people. I hope that this will encourage other businesses to do the same”.
Max Sykes, Canon UK, said: “The Directors of Canon UK Ltd are proud to support the Digital Skills and Learning of the students by donating a selection of digital cameras to be used to explore the exciting world of photography. Digital skills and the world of digital imaging is an exciting place, we hope the young people enjoy their new Canon cameras to explore and discover the world of digital photography.
“Enabling young people to learn supports the Canon philosophy of Kyosei which lies at the heart of our brand, business and sponsorship activities. Kyosei is a Japanese word that means living and working together for the common good a principle that is embraced by all Canon employees. It shapes our mission and our values, the way we treat our people and conduct our business.
“We look forward to seeing the photographs taken by the young students at Meadowpark School.”
Did you know that you may be eligible for UK citizenship under the Windrush scheme?
The windrush scheme is for long term residents of the UK who do not have documents to demonstrate their status, as well as Commonwealth citizens and their children (the ‘Windrush generation’).
The scheme is open to ANY NATIONALITY as long as you arrived in the UK before 31 December 1988 and you have lived continuously in the UK since your arrival, as well as Commonwealth citizens and their children (the ‘Windrush generation’).
It is FREE to apply and you can apply for a document that confirms that you:
- are already a British citizen
- have the right of abode in the UK
- already have the right to live permanently in the UK
Full details of the Windrush scheme, along with the Application Form are available on the Home Office website.
If you have any queries or need help in completing the application please contact the Home Office on 0800 678 1925. The line is open Monday – Friday 9 – 5 and Saturday and Sunday 10-3.
Could you be a Listening Ear?
Would you like to be a Listening Ear? 
Would you be interested in finding out about becoming a Listening Ear providing support in a voluntary capacity for other ELC employees when they need someone to talk to in confidence? Perhaps they are having a bad day, problems at home or just not feeling too great.
To become a Listening Ear you would need to complete the two day Mental Health First Aid course. The next dates for this are the 11th and 18th February (Penston House) or the 18th March and 25th March (Penston House/John Muir House).
If you are interested, please contact Rebecca Grangeret.
We’re particularly keen to hear from people who:
- Have generally good mental health – you may or may not have a mental health condition currently or in the past. For example, you may have depression but are managing this well.
- Are good listeners, non-judgemental and accepting of others concerns
- Able to keep other’s information confidential except in an emergency situation
- Are able to recognise the limits of the role – a first point of contact for signposting and a listening ear, not trying to solve the problem
Benefits to you:
- Volunteering our time makes us feel good
- Learn and enhance skills which could be useful outside work or for another role/current role
- Be part of a network of people who you would meet up with regularly
Give Blood as a New Year resolution
Only 3% of eligible Scots give blood. 
Yet each pint of blood can save or improve the lives of up to three people.
The next East Lothian visits by the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service will be to Dunbar Grammar School on Thursday 17 January at 4.00pm-7.30pm and Corn Exchange, Haddington on Thursday 24 January 2.00-4.00pm and 5.30-7.30pm
To find out if you can donate blood check out https://www.scotblood.co.uk/
What's On
What's on at East Lothian Museums
Happy New Year from all our museums. We are very excited about our programme of exhibitions and events. In Dunbar we have secured funding from Museums Galleries Scotland for a project around John Muir’s Writings which will include the display of three first edition books by John Muir in the permanent exhibition at John Muir’s Birthplace, a temporary exhibition and writing competition for East Lothian Secondary Schools. Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery will be hosting the Bodies of Evidence exhibition from Durham University about the Scottish Soldiers who were marched to Durham after the Battle of Dunbar in 1650. Staff coordinating exhibitions at John Gray Centre are currently working on a top-secret idea. We hope to bring you good news about this shortly!
All our museums have FREE ADMISSION and lots of drop-in crafts and activities that are perfect if you are looking for something to do at the weekend. See www.eastlothian.gov.uk/museums for details.
Regular Activities
Fun & Crafty Drop-in Activities in January
Join us for fun drop-in crafts from Friday lunchtime to Sunday! Suggested donation £1 per craft. Follow us on Facebook at East Lothian Council Museums Service, John Muir’s Birthplace or John Gray Centre to find out more.
Good Memories Café Friday 25 January in the Star Room at John Gray Centre from 2pm till 4pm. A friendly & informal drop-in café for people with dementia and their carers. Join us for tea and cake! The café has a lovely atmosphere and often includes singing, music, crafts and museum objects.
Exhibitions:
FLORA: Saturday 5 January to Saturday 16 February at John Muir’s Birthplace.
In her exhibition of artwork and photography Cathy Bell is concerned with capturing a personal connection with the natural world of "flora". For paintings she has chosen to depict plants. Flowers and trees which mean something to her personally and also for their shape, line and colour. She is not interested in rendering a realistic likeness, however, she does endeavour to capture an image which is true to the essence and spirit of the subject. Her photographs are similar in that they are not created with technical merit in mind. Rather, they are derived from an instinctive connection with the subject, some of the photographs are enhance to heighten the mood, thereby, altering the aesthetic. In all of the work on display she tries to follow John Muir's advice to "keep close to nature's heart".
Up Our Street features some of the shops which were on Dunbar High Street at the time of Frederick George Sanson. Open weekends 2-4pm at Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery courtesy of Dunbar & District History Society.
Street, Shore and Sea… Photography by Frederick George Sanson (1874-1965) is on display until mid March 2019, open weekends 2-4pm at Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery courtesy of Dunbar & District History Society.
Amateur photographer Frederick Sanson capitalised on his hobby to produce postcards of local sights. They were retailed through the family drapery at the height of the Edwardian postcard boom. Our selection is drawn from private collections and East Lothian Council Local History Collections. Hands-on activities for families. 
Can you help us? We have photos of two fishermen that are part of the Sanson Collection, but as yet we have been unable to identify them. Do you recognise a relative? Can you help us solve this mystery?
Raise Your Glass! Celebrating Haddington's Brewing Heritage
Explore the story of the breweries of Haddington and of the people who built, owned and worked in them as well as the malting and distilling that took place in the town. Bottles, barrels, coopering tools and photographs explore the production of beers and ales from the early days of very small-scale production to a thriving and well-developed industry employing many at four major breweries in the town. The essential raw material, high quality barley, was readily available from the farms of East Lothian and well-established markets for ale both locally and further afield made brewing commonplace in the town.
19 January to 23 April. Organised by Brewing Heritage Scotland in partnership with East Lothian Council.
Exciting opportunities to use our exhibition spaces:
John Gray Centre Museum is looking for artists, historians, photographers, community groups, researchers and anyone with a story to tell or a discovery to unveil to apply for exhibition space in the museum from April 2019 to March 2020. To find out more email jgc@eastlothian.gov.uk or phone 01620 820690
Dunbar Town House Museum & Gallery is looking for artists, makers, crafters, photographers or anyone with a story to tell in the first floor gallery. To find out more email museumseast@eastlothian.gov.uk or call 01620 820699
Launch of Lothian Care Framework for Huntington's Disease
Our People
Spotlight On ...
This issue our staff spotlight falls on Greg Gilhooley ... 
Name: Greg Gilhooley
Job title: Graduate HR Intern. My role is to assist in the development of organisation systems to enhance the operational performance of HR on a strategic level. I provide research and data analysis to support the HR Division in achieving key business objectives.
Background: I graduated from Queen Margaret University in 2018 with a MA (Hons) in Business Management. After 3rd year I moved to New York and worked at Camp America for four months. This was an amazing opportunity were I got to meet people from all over the world and travel with the remaining 30 days of my VISA.
How long have you been with the council? I have worked in the HR department since June 2018.
Who do you work with? I work in the HR department and I am part of the Performance & Business Support team. I work closely with the Disclosure Team ( Stuart Pert, Liz Hutchison & Tracy Thomson), Recruitment, Annie Gates, Service Review, Nick McManus & Gillian Robertson, HR Performance, Eleanor Stewart & Charlann Peggie, and Wendy McNeish (PBS Leader).
What is your typical day to day routine? Every day is different. I update our internal databases with new starter information and details of employment. I support the My Job Scotland builds as part of our recruitment and selection process. I also deal with sickness absences management information and provide password resets for our HR21 system. I work within the job evaluation team helping evaluate jobs and pay grades.
Any interesting projects you are working on? I have been working on a range of new developments. I have recently finished working on a BREXIT project which focused on EU citizen settlement. ELC staff from the EU will need to be a part of the EU settlement scheme in order to stay working in the UK.
I have also been working on the Disability Confident Employer project. This will give candidates applying to ELC job vacancies with disabilities a guaranteed interview if they meet the essential requirements of a role.
Plans for the future? I would hopefully like to work abroad again in the future within the business discipline, using my skills from my degree, people management, HR, business strategy & logistic and supply chain management.
What do you enjoy outside of the office? Outside work I enjoy dog spotting – walks with my black pug Marco and playing football. I also enjoy travelling, learning about new cultures and keeping up to date with current world affairs.
New Development Team to help shape East Lothian’s future
Many of you will know Andy Stewart from his previous role as Policy & Strategy Team Manager in Planning and Catherine Molloy as Legal Team Leader.
Andy and Catherine have been appointed into new Project Manager roles which means, along with Ray Montgomery, they will be overseeing the progress of three of the most significant developments in East Lothian for decades: 
- A new settlement at Blindwells – a large area, to the north of Tranent, which the council believes can be transformed into a vibrant new community for the 21st century and beyond, and an exemplar place in which to live, work and play. Outline planning permission is in place for 1,600 homes, with potential for more than 6,000 home on the larger site.
- The former Cockenzie Power Station site – land purchased by the council, where there is significant potential for economic development and job creation.
- Land around Queen Margaret University – where development is proposed for 1,500 new homes (including 375 affordable), a new primary school and delivery of the Edinburgh innovation Park. This is a joint collaboration between East Lothian Council and Queen Margaret University, which will include a Food and Drink Innovation Hub funded in part through the Edinburgh and South East City Region Deal.
It’s a huge responsibility and an exciting challenge for this new Development Team as these projects are not just long term – they have implications for East Lothian across the next three decades and beyond.
The projects are all at different stages but they are all identified or, in the case of the new larger settlement, safeguarded for development in the recently-agreed Local Development Plan (LDP).
Andy explained: “This is a unique opportunity to unlock some of the infrastructure that East Lothian needs. What’s key in all of this is to make sure the developments are complemented by the infrastructure they need. Traditionally there has been a market-lead approach but what we’re trying to do upfront is to shape the delivery model of these sites and to get the best we can in terms of making best use of the economic opportunities. It’s a great chance to get involved at the front end of a development process which isn’t something the public sector traditionally does these days.”
Catherine agreed: “The other key element is linking in with the South East Scotland City Region Deal and to unlock the funding opportunities there. It’s a wide-ranging project which will help us retain employment and skills in East Lothian as well as elements like affordable housing. When you look at these three sites, and when you drive along the A1, it’s incredible to think of how different the landscape will look but, as well, what benefits these developments will bring to East Lothian over the next 30 years. We need to make the most of this opportunity as something like this doesn't come along very often and it really is transformational in scale. We need to maximise the benefit of all this inward investment to deliver the ambition and economic goals that we have set ourselves.”
The team’s background in infrastructure, planning and law will help draw the project together in terms of both uniting council services - such as Procurement, Economic Development, Education, Estates, Property, Asset Management and Transportation - as well as private sector partners including landowners and developers, key agencies an governments, in forming partnerships to bring the developments forward in the most beneficial way for East Lothian.
Another benefit of the team working on these three major projects together is to ensure they are not developed in isolation – rather developed in tandem so that they complement each other in terms of the housing types they provide, shared infrastructure and the economic possibilities.
They will also ensure the developments complement the council’s strategic objectives including the Council Plan and Economic Development plan and help ELC meet its strategic aims.
Catherine summed up: “It's a very exciting opportunity, bringing forward unprecedented types of development in East Lothian and shaping what the landscape of East Lothian will look like in the next 10 to 30 years and being part of that significant change is obviously very exciting. It will bring with it challenges which we’re ready for but the magnitude of it in the short and long term means it will be a very rewarding job as we’ll be integral in bringing forward employment land to ensure that we retain jobs and skills in the county, make the most if the City Region Deal opportunities and bring forward affordable housing for the future of East Lothian residents.”
Andy added: “What you’ll see in the coming months is a real pace beginning to develop around these sites. The projects are at different stages but there will need to be a real momentum and buy-in from council and buy-in from external agencies. Collaboration will be key.”
New Year Honour for Andrew
Area Housing Manager Andrew Gordon is one of six people in the county to be recognised on the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list. Andrew will receive a British Empire Medal (BEM) for “Services to Longniddry Villa Football Club and the Community”. 
Originally from Port Seton, Andrew has lived in Longniddry for 24 years and has previously been involved in the Community Council and Bowling Club Committee, as well as helping with the After School Club. His involvement with Longniddry Villa started when his son took up football with the club 16 years ago. Although Chris no longer plays with them, Andrew has continued as a coach and has also served as Chairman for the last 10 years serving a spell as secretary too. Alongside twice-weekly training sessions and a weekend game, Andrew is also responsible for the smooth-running of the club and its administration. Longniddry Villa provides football activities from pre-school to under 19s, with six teams at 11-a-side level.
Andrew admits that he was surprised to be considered for the honour and at first he mistook the official envelope as a call for jury service! “It was nice to think that someone thought you were worth considering for an award. There is a real sense of pride especially for my wife, Pauline, and my family as they know what goes into it,” he says.
Andrew joined the council’s Community Housing Service Development team in 2004, coming from Communities Scotland. He is now based in John Muir House managing the Haddington Area Housing team following years in Musselburgh. The role can be challenging but Andrew admits that his interest in helping people drives him in his professional and volunteering life. “I’ve always had a strong interest in helping people and find it’s a very satisfying part of my work,” says Andrew. “It’s also a real joy with the club: trying to encourage kids to keep fit and the benefits you get from sport and being part of a team. When I was young there was someone who ran the youth club, someone else that ran the football club. I just see that it’s my turn to give back.”
Play award win for Morag
Morag Waterston from Yester Primary School has received the first School Staff Play Champion award from East Lothian Play Association (ELPA). 
Play is vital to children’s emotional and physical health and wellbeing, contributing to all aspects of learning and laying the foundation for an active lifestyle. ELPA’s play champion awards recognises school staff’s important role in creating fulfilling opportunities for children to play, learn and develop.
ELPA Chair Theresa Casey said: “‘Morag’s creative ideas and positivity buoyed and sustained the importance of play. Feedback from everyone - other staff, parents and most importantly the children - was incredibly positive. Parents were telling us their children were playing more at home with loose parts rather than technology. Morag's enthusiasm and passion for play shines through everything she does; she is the embodiment of what we are trying to achieve with our projects.’
Morag joined Yester Primary School in 2016. As Senior Early Years Practitioner at Yester Primary School she leads the school’s morning and afternoon nursery classes alongside nursery assistant Mrs McWilliams. She also works with the school’s ‘Play Champions’, a group of primary 4 pupils who create opportunities and focus for play across the school. Examples include a ‘cardboard day’ where classes across the school worked together in their lunchtime on a mini building challenge.
East Lothian Council’s Play Champion, Lesley Brown, said: “This is well-deserved recognition for Morag and great for all the children that she works with at Yester Primary School. The importance of play for children’s development is widely recognised, including by the UN. Our play policy has been embedded across East Lothian to make sure that we create supportive, engaging and inclusive opportunities so that all children can play. I’m delighted to see the success of the activities, including Loose Parts play, in schools and commend all those who work in this important area.”
Morag commented: “I’m really proud to have achieved the first School Staff Play Champion Award. It’s really rewarding to see the excitement and fun that the kids have. They are so engaged, working together to solve problems and make their own creations. It’s about bringing play alive for them.”
Green Corner
Workforce Plan update
The Cabinet approved the Workforce Plan in June 2018 and shortly after that an Implementation Plan setting out seven workstreams to implement the Plan’s 38 actions was approved. 
The Council has an ambitious agenda for the next four years as set out in the Council Plan. In order to achieved this Plan the Council needs to continue to focus on its staff who must be capable, flexible, responsive, and focussed on productivity. It must ensure that it has the right people with the right knowledge, skills and behaviours deployed appropriately to deliver the Council Plan.
The Workforce Plan, which was developed through extensive consultation with service managers, services and staff is based around three themes:
- Sustaining a skilled, flexible and motivated workforce
- Supporting and initiating transformational change
- Building and sustaining leadership and management capacity
Seven workstreams have been established to ensure the Plan and its 38 actions are implemented:
- Workforce Planning
- Employer of Choice
- PRD, Performance and Development
- Leadership and Development
- Wellbeing
- Recruitment, Selection and Retention
- Rewards and Recognition
A recent update report that was considered by the Council Management Team outlined the progress that has been made in each of these workstreams, including:
- Progress with developing service workforce plans or including workforce planning in Service Plans
- The review of the East Lothian Way and drafting a ‘Staff Deal’
- Reviewing the PRD process
- Development of Management & Leadership Development programmes for Service Managers and Managers, which will be rolled out over the coming months
- A wide range of new Healthy Working Lives development including the Minds? Aye! Campaign on mental health issues, Mentally Healthy Workplace training for managers and personal resilience training
- A review of recruitment and selection processes
- The review of the Managing Attendance Policy
A further update report on progress will be considered by the Council management team and the Trade Unions through the Joint Consultative Committee in the spring.
Care in the Car Parks
Safety Notice: 
Staff are requested to ensure responsible and safe driving, with added caution when using car parks at John Muir House, Randall House and Penston House. These car parks are extremely busy and pedestrians can feel vulnerable when crossing to access buildings.
Please reduce your driving speed when using the car parks and be aware of blind corners and pedestrians, particularly during winter’s darker mornings and evenings. Follow the set flow for traffic, observe the advisory arrows, give way and no entry signs and park your vehicle in designated spaces only, not within visitors spaces and disabled access spaces are only for use by Blue Badge holders. For electric vehicles, ensure the EV Charging Spaces are used appropriately and with courtesy.
Where pedestrian routes have been demarcated, use these when walking in and around car parks.
Please report any incidents / concerns to the Health & Safety Team: healthandsafety@eastlothian.gov.uk
An evening with Alice Roberts at The Brunton
An evening with Alice Roberts - Digging into Britain's Past! 
Professor, writer and broadcaster Alice Roberts is embarking on a UK-wide tour with her only Scottish date at The Brunton on 21 February.
Alice will share insights, anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories from her personal journey to explore Britain’s past, with clips from programmes, from Time Team to Britain’s Most Historic Towns and excerpts from her books.
Each show will finish with 20 minutes Q&A.
We really want to hear your views
Just before Christmas (on 20 December 2018), East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership launched the first stage of its consultation and engagement around the priorities for the next East Lothian Integration Joint Board (IJB) Strategic Plan. The plan is what determines the work of the IJB and the ELHSCP over the next three years, including how services will be prioritised and developed and how funding will be allocated. We are talking about social care services and health services, like GPs, so the strategic plan is relevant for every single one of us.
At the moment, our engagement centres on the strategic aims we set ourselves when the IJB was established in 2015. We’re asking people to tell us which of those aims are most important to them now, and asking them to look at some new priorities that have arisen from rising levels need, a growing population and new legislation.
We are really grateful to a number of people who have already responded to our survey, which went online just before Christmas. I also wanted to remind people who haven’t taken part yet about how important it is to get your views in now, as we would really value your input and ensure that the new plan really reflects the views of staff.
The aims from the 2015 IJB Strategic Plan include:
- making universal services more accessible and proportionate to need and developing our communities
- improving prevention and early intervention
- reducing unplanned admissions to hospital
- providing care closer to home
- delivering services within an integrated care model
- enabling people to have more choice and control
- further optimising efficiency and effectiveness
- reducing health inequalities
- building and supporting partnership working.
We also asked if people thought our six new local priorities are right. These are Primary Care, Adults with Complex Needs, Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Shifting the Balance of Care, Reprovision Programmes and Carers. Over two-thirds of respondents thought we’d got it completely right; nearly 11 per cent didn’t think so, and a further 21 per cent made suggestions of their own, including more focus on mental health services for adolescents and dementia services, which we will be looking at very closely as part of our work around mental health.
This first survey will close on the 3rd February so there’s still plenty of time to take part. We’re also going to be holding staff events and meetings between now and mid-March to allow more in-depth discussions. And, we will factor in feedback we have from other consultations like the Carers Strategy; What Do I Want For My Life, and Growing Older.
We will also be issuing a fuller version of the draft strategic plan soon so that people can see the impact of what they have told us so far in setting the priorities for health and social care in East Lothian.
The aims emerging from the questionnaire as the most important so far are:
- improving early intervention and prevention
- providing care closer to home
- enabling people to have more choice and control.
If you would like to tell ELHSCP what you think, you can find:
You can keep up to date with development by following us at: