Inspire Awards - have you made your nominations?

Thank you to everyone who has already nominated colleagues in our new Inspire Awards, which celebrate the hard work, commitment and achievements of employees across our organisation.

There is still time for employees to nominate individuals and teams who make an exceptional contribution to our organisation's work for the benefit of the communities and customers we serve. Nominations close at midday on 19 September.

Who is eligible to be nominated?

Any East Lothian Council or East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership employee can be nominated. Any employee can make a nomination.

Who can make a nomination?

Any employee can nominate colleagues who they believe have gone the extra mile to deliver excellent service or make a positive difference to the delivery of high-quality services.

How can I make a nomination?

There are various categories and nominations are open online from today until midday on 19 September.

The nomination period has now closed

How will the winners be decided?

Nominations will be judged by a panel including the Chief Executive and Provost, senior officials and a Trade Union representative.

How will the winners be announced?

All finalists will be invited to a ceremony in Haddington Corn Exchange on the afternoon of Wednesday 5 November, where winners will then be announced and presented with a certificate. Further details and photographs will then be published in Inform.

What are the categories?

Customer Excellence Award

An individual or team who has truly excelled in supporting and helping others, contributing to the delivery of quality service.

Community Focus Award

An individual or team making a difference in the community by working collaboratively and effectively with our partners and local groups.

Unsung Hero Award

An individual who works selflessly and shows dedication to their role without seeking recognition or acclaim.

One Council Award

An individual or team who personifies our council values of Enabling, Leading and Caring by working collaboratively with colleagues in different areas to achieve shared outcomes.

Sustainability Award

An individual or team who champions sustainability - whether it’s in relation to improving services, doing things more efficiently or protecting and enhancing the environment.

Innovation Award

An individual or team demonstrating an innovative and inspirational approach in their work for the council to deliver for customers and communities.

Team of the year

An award which recognises the importance of effective teamwork and employees working together to ensure continuous improvement, with a clear focus on getting things done for the benefit of others.

Council employee of the year

Recognising a standout and inspirational individual who has truly gone the extra mile to carry out their work to the highest level and whose efforts have been praised widely by their colleagues.

Health and safety team report on new statistics and injuries at work

With over 4,800 employees working across diverse environments - from schools and care homes to waste services and property maintenance - we face a wide range of workplace hazards.

Since January 2025, nearly 300 staff have been injured while delivering services. Most injuries were minor, but some required hospital treatment or time off work. These incidents occurred in places like:

• schools and community centres
• resource hubs and care settings
• waste and property maintenance sites

Many of these accidents were foreseeable and preventable with the right planning, training and equipment.

National work-related deaths: figures published

According to the latest reports published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 124 workers were killed in work-related accidents in Great Britain in the year 2024/25, and over 2,200 people died from mesothelioma in 2023, a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

The HSE also recorded that 92 members of the public were killed in work-related incidents from April 2024 to March 2025. In Scotland, 26 workplace deaths were recorded, an increase of eight from the previous year.

Although fatalities are rare, serious workplace injuries are more common and can lead to lifechanging circumstances for those injured and their families, and fines or prosecutions for those deemed responsible.

In many cases serious injuries and fatalities are preventable and are the result of work not being suitably risk assessed or a lack of control measures in place.

What you can do

Every one of us plays a role in keeping our workplaces safe. Here’s how:

• complete risk assessments before starting tasks
• ensure there is proper supervision, instruction, and training
• wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• speak up if something doesn’t feel safe

These safeguards protect not just you but your colleagues, the public and your loved ones.

Health and Safety Advisor Judith Wood commented: "Everyone has a role to play in reducing accidents. If you aren’t sure of how to do something safely or have other concerns, talk initially to your line manager.”

For general health and safety enquiries contact the Health and Safety team on healthandsafety@eastlothian.gov.uk

Further information

HSE Work-related fatal injuries statistics 2025

HSE Asbestos-related disease statistics 2025

Below are some of examples of accidents in work environments similar to ours, which have resulted in severe consequences:

• worker severs finger while undertaking machinery maintenance
• a council worker was struck by a moving vehicle at waste facility
• pensioner dies from fall from faulty ambulift
• firm fined after 4 workers injured in house collapse

Protocol for work and personal use of social media

Social media has become one of the world’s most popular online activities with a wide range of platforms catering to different ages and interests. Recent research from Global WebIndex found that more than half the world now uses social media.

Followers on our own channels continue to grow making them a powerful tool to connect with local communities. We have a number of accounts that we use to provide valuable information on our work and our area to residents, businesses and visitors.

Professional and personal use 

Many colleagues also use social media for professional and personal reasons. Regardless of the capacity, or the platform, all employees have responsibilities and obligations where their activity might impact the council and our reputation.

A protocol is available that sets out how social media should be used within our organisation and by the people who work for it. It also provides a clear statement for all colleagues on the expectations on them. Key points include that all employees:

• must act with due consideration for others and in accordance with their professional codes of conduct
• must not – whether using social media in a professional or personal capacity – bring the organisation into disrepute
• should act in accordance with their professional codes of conduct where applicable 

The protocol links with other employee related policies including disciplinary procedures and codes, the employee code of conduct and IT acceptable use policy. It is complemented by a best practice document, which contains handy tips on how to maximise use of social media.

More information

Find the social media protocol on the intranet - from the homepage, click on the 'Communications, web, design and print' section. 

A full list of our social media channels, including the rules and guidelines we follow to manage posts, is available from our website: eastlothian.gov.uk/social-media

Brunton Hall update

Colleagues will be aware that significant parts of the Brunton Hall are closed due to the presence of RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) which is unaffordable to repair.

It was agreed earlier this year that the building would be closed and mothballed. A number of teams have since relocated while plans are being put in place for those remaining at the Brunton Hall to move to alternative accommodation in the coming months.

Which teams have already relocated?       

As noted in last month's issue of Inform, the Housing Options and Mental Health teams as well as the East Lothian and Midlothian Public Protection Office, all previously based in the Brunton Hall, have relocated to John Muir House, Haddington. The Arts Service has moved their office base to John Muir House.

Brunton Theatre Trust provides opportunities for artists and audiences to take part in and engage with arts and creativity across the whole of East Lothian. The Trust has relocated its main base to the Corn Exchange in Haddington and is committed to continuing to provide high quality cultural experiences in Musselburgh with a programme of events primarily at Northesk Church and Loretto Theatre. The Brunton staff team remain focused on delivering a fantastic range of concerts, comedy, theatre, dance, talks and film for everyone to enjoy in these alternative locations in Musselburgh and Haddington.

Which teams are still to relocate?

Justice Social Work, Musselburgh Community Housing and Musselburgh Customer Services continue to operate from the Brunton Hall at present, with Customer Services open to the public and staff still available to provide assistance, guidance, and information as required. They are expected to remain at the Brunton Hall until after the end of 2025.

When will these teams move and to where?

Musselburgh Community Housing and Musselburgh Customer Services will relocate to the former Citizens Advice Bureau at 141 High Street once the necessary work has been carried out at this building to get it ready for staff. It is expected to open in early 2026.

Justice Social Work Team is expected to move to the Fisherrow Community Centre after some works have been carried out to the building. This is also expected to be in early 2026.

What then happens to the Brunton Hall?

The building will be closed and mothballed. As fixing the RAAC issues is considered unaffordable, the preferred option is to demolish the building following appropriate consultation.

Work is taking place to ensure future accommodation for the arts in Musselburgh and explore opportunities to finance a replacement of the Brunton Hall. We are keen to progress this as quickly as possible to find an affordable solution for alternative accommodation to maintain all the associated cultural, economic and social benefits that has been delivered at the Brunton Hall over many years.

We remain ambitious for what a newly-provided facility could be that would replace this building – a building that reflects and enhances the Brunton Hall’s significant legacy and a space that is fit for the future with community, art, and culture at its heart.

Nominations open for community council elections

If you are looking to make a difference in your local area, you can now put yourself forward for election to one of East Lothian’s community councils.

Nominations for community councillors across the county opened on Monday, 1 September.

Anyone who is at least 16 years of age and is interested in getting involved has until Thursday 18 September to lodge nomination papers.

Depending on the number of nominations received for the places available per community council, elections will be held on Thursday, 9 October. Residents living in the corresponding community council area will be able to vote.

Volunteers provide a vital link

Community councils are run on a voluntary basis by local people. They act as a vital link between East Lothian Council and the local area and give residents an opportunity to speak out on local issues of concern. Meetings are usually held once a month.

Each community council receives annual grant funding from East Lothian Council comprising a contribution towards their administration and insurance costs and a local priorities grant, which is calculated on a per capita formula.

East Lothian community councils are supported by the Connected Communities Manager for their area, providing a first point of contact on any local issues or requests for advice on groups’ operational matters.

Passionate about communities

Councillor Colin McGinn, our Cabinet Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing, said:

“Across East Lothian, we are fortunate to have many volunteers who do such fantastic work in helping our towns and villages to be fantastic places to live. If you are passionate about the place you live and want to play a part in making it even better, I’d encourage you to consider putting yourself forward. It can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.”

Further information about the election, and how to get involved

New finance system

Our organisation been using the Great Plains (GP) finance system since 2005. Following a review, it was decided to modernise the way we work and that the most suitable way to do so would be replace our current finance system. The new system is called CiA (Connected Intelligence Anywhere). With this system, we will be adopting its processes, rather than adapting it to how we currently work. This has required dedicated input from finance colleagues and a great deal of learning, which will be ongoing beyond the planned launch in October.

The new system will:

• streamline our processes
• enable efficient processing of financial records
• provide accessible and insightful management information to inform decision making
• automate and integrate with other systems to reduce manual processing improve control environment

Our Head of Finance Ellie Dunnet said: “We are all going through this change together and all have a learning journey to take for us to progress as an organisation. The next update, due in mid-September, will feature key dates for system development and the launch of learning resources and support.”

What is in it for you?

Changing our systems to CiA will:

• reduce manual errors
• improve financial governance and controls – protects you
• improve financial planning
• improve budget monitoring
• increase automation, freeing up staff time for other value-added tasks

What will the impact be?

The adoption of this new system means there will be new ways of working to learn, such as purchasing/requisitioning which will now be done through the system and means we will no longer be using the blue slip method or any other work arounds – No Purchase Order, No Payment. This will streamline processes on a single system.

• Pecos will be phased out in 2026, in the short term, Pecos users will be able to continue using Pecos as before
• invoicing (to make a payment) will be automated using a new software called Eze Scan through a centralised team
• invoicing (raising to retrieve payments) will have a new process using the new system
• there will be new ledger codes, this mostly impacts technical developments to be able to integrate with other systems. Managers will receive conversion tables for the new coding system.
• improved visibility providing a greater oversight of tasks, trends and issues

How will you learn to use the new system?

System users

There will be a variety of self-directed learning available to understand how to apply the new processes:

• requisitioning – making a purchase order to make a payment
• approvals – relevant managers approving the purchase
• paying invoices – through the centralised team
• raising invoices – to retrieve payments

Budget holders

Budget holders will meet with their accountant in due course to discuss the changes, which will include more accessible reporting.

System administrators/operators

Many administrators have been involved in the testing phase which has helped with familiarisation, in-person training will be delivered after testing phase three by Tech One consultants and System Development Officers assigned to the project, who will be supported by the appropriate subject matter experts.

Self-directed learning

• recorded demonstrations with step-by-step instructions
• printable/downloadable workflow illustrative guides
• pre and post system launch – online surgeries via Teams
• buddy systems
• contact support line with subject matter experts

More information on the finance system project can be found on the intranet, just click the link on the homepage or email: financesysproject@eastlothian.gov.uk

Consultation launched on Local Biodiversity Action Plan

Colleagues can give their views on East Lothian’s new Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) after a public consultation was launched on 1 September.

The plan sets out objectives to tackle the nature emergency by improving the condition of habitats and protecting species while contributing to the restoration and enhancement of the landscape.

Produced by the council on behalf of East Lothian’s Biodiversity Partnership through work between a variety of partners, the LBAP aims to combat threats to biodiversity locally and empower people to take part in conservation efforts on their doorstep.

A vision for the next 10 years

The first East Lothian Biodiversity Action Plan was produced in 2003. This updated plan outlines a vision for the next decade to regenerate biodiversity across land, freshwater, coast and marine habitats while giving the community a vital role in their stewardship.

By setting out actions to be delivered by stakeholders in the Biodiversity Partnership, government agencies such as NatureScot, NGOs, neighbouring local authorities and community groups, the LBAP focuses on helping the natural environment, habitats, ecosystems and species to be diverse, thriving and adaptable to climate change.

The consultation runs until Friday, 10 October. To share your views on the plan visit the Consultation Hub.

Work due to start on Herdmanflat phase one development

Preparatory works have started on the Herdmanflat site in Haddington.

Cruden has been appointed main contractor by the council’s development partner Hub South East. The preparatory works will include tree protection measures and the installation of Heras fencing.  We are aiming to start main construction work on the site around 29 September. Once these have begun, members of the public will no longer be able to access the site until phase one construction work is complete, for safety reasons. 

Planning permission in principle was granted in November 2024 for 145 units of affordable housing for older people on the site. The development includes the construction of new homes and the conversion of existing buildings in later phases. An active travel link to the A199, new pedestrian access points and open spaces including woodland walks, a SUDS drainage system, tree removal and compensatory planting, biodiversity planting and woodland play locations all form part of the first phase of development. 

This first phase, which was approved by Planning Committee in May this year, will be in the southern section of the site and will feature four three-storey buildings and one two-storey building, accommodating 51 homes. The units are all designed for an ageing population including dementia friendly design, and all 51 homes have been designed to be accessible to wheelchair users if ever required, and to be easily adaptable in the future to suit individual tenant needs. There will be 30 one bedroom and 21 two-bedroom homes. Each of the four blocks will have access to a private courtyard garden space and clothes drying area as well as bin, cycle and mobility scooter facilities. 

The new homes will deliver a 64% reduction in carbon emissions, with each flat provided with its own air source heat pump and mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system.

The council purchased the site from NHS Lothian in April 2020, with support from the Scottish Government, when the hospital’s services moved to the new East Lothian Community Hospital.

Phase One is expected to be complete around March 2027.

Making work more accessible: Windows 11 features

Windows 11 includes built-in accessibility tools that can help improve comfort, productivity and wellbeing for Display Screen Equipment (DSE) users:

Speech: voice access
Control your PC using voice commands. Open apps, dictate emails, and navigate menus hands-free. Great for reducing repetitive strain.

Magnifier and text size
Zoom in on parts of the screen or increase text size across apps. Ideal for users with visual impairments or eye strain.

High contrast and colour filters
Customise screen colours to reduce glare or improve visibility which is helpful for users with colour blindness or light sensitivity.

On-screen keyboard
Use a virtual keyboard with mouse or touch input, supporting users with limited mobility or temporary injuries.

Live captions
Automatically generate captions for audio content. This feature is perfect for meetings, videos, or webinars and helps everyone, including people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Focus sessions
Built into the clock app, this feature helps you stay focused and take regular breaks which supports healthy screen habits.

Access these features by going to Settings > Accessibility to explore and personalise your setup.

Official Microsoft guide to using the accessibility features in Windows 11

For further information on safe use of DSE including workstation assessments, visit the Health and Safety intranet page or email healthandsafety@eastlothian.gov.uk

New pump track in North Berwick: now open to the public

A pump track in North Berwick is now ready to welcome riders of all ages and abilities following its completion.

The track, which is suitable for BMX bikes, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, and adapted wheelchairs, is now open to the public.

Council officers honoured with a top civil engineering award

Officers have been honoured with a top award for their work repairing North Berwick Harbour after it suffered severe storm damage.

The team behind the reconstruction of the harbour wall at the Grade B listed landmark shared the accolade at the Scottish Civil Engineering Awards 2025.

East Lothian Council, marine contractor Southbay Civil Engineering Ltd and specialist designer Royal Haskoning DHV (RHDHV) collected the prize. Their dedication and collaborative efforts were recognised with the Best Project Under £2 Million Award during the ceremony held at Edinburgh’s EICC on 29 August.

On October 29, 2023, Storm Ciarán inflicted significant damage on the popular harbour’s 120-metre main pier, creating a ten-metre-wide breach in the stone.

In response, council officers immediately assessed the rupture, hired RHDHV and Southbay to design a solution and conduct urgent repairs crucial to preserving the harbour’s historic appearance, and managed the complex project. The longer-term repairs focused on permanent structural enhancements which used local contractors and sustainable materials to minimise the environmental impact.

The award judges praised the project for not only reinforcing the harbour’s structural integrity but also showcasing the importance of community involvement in safeguarding the town’s heritage.

Councillor John McMillan, Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism said: “This was a brilliant example of partnership working between the council, Marine Scotland, RHDHV, Southbay, East Coast Masonry, and the North Berwick Harbour Trust along with members of the public who spearheaded a £42,000 fundraising drive.

“A special mention must go to Andy Hunter, Structures Officer with the council’s Roads Services department, for his crucial lead role. After Storm Ciarán hit, Andy developed a budget with contractors to use the most appropriate reconstruction methods while pursuing a procurement strategy taking best advantage of favourable spring tides and optimal weather conditions.”

In keeping with our Community Wealth Building agenda, the project sought to employ local labour and utilise the regional supply chain to complement experienced marine operatives. This included collaboration with partners such as Cockenzie’s Platinum Scaffolding Services, Edinburgh’s Bernard Hunter Mobile Cranes, and Geddes Group of Arbroath.