Are you retirement ready? Take a fresh look at your pension this September
Did you know? Our council partners with My Money Matters to provide employees with access to financial wellbeing support and retirement planning resources. My Money Matters is hosting a series of free webinars during Pension Awareness Week (14 to 18 September) to help employees better understand their pension and prepare for retirement.
When did you last check what your pension could provide in retirement?
If your answer is "I haven't" or "I'm not sure", you're certainly not alone. Research shows that 75% pension savers are currently on track for less than a moderate retirement income, yet many people have never checked whether they're one of them.
Pension Awareness Week is an opportunity to better understand your pension and consider whether you're on track to achieve the retirement lifestyle you want. We're encouraging colleagues to take a little time to think about their future selves and learn more about their pension options.
Why do we avoid thinking about pensions?
On Monday 14th September at 12.30pm, My Money Matters will host a live session featuring Vicky Reynal, a leading financial psychotherapist and author of Money on Your Mind. She'll explore why so many of us put off thinking about retirement and share practical tips on overcoming "pension procrastination".
Turn awareness into action
Following the keynote session, a series of practical follow-up webinars will run from 15 to 22 September. These sessions will help you:
- understand what your retirement savings could mean for your future
- learn how to boost your pension savings
- find out more about Shared Cost AVCs and other options available to Local Government Pension Scheme members
- Take simple steps to improve your retirement outlook
Attend and you could win!
Employees who attend both the keynote session and one of the follow-up webinars will be entered into a prize draw to win shopping vouchers, including a top prize of £100. Terms and conditions apply.
Take a small step today that could make a big difference to your future retirement plans
Your pension is one of the most valuable employee benefits you have. Whether retirement is a few years away or several decades off, now is a great time to understand what your pension is worth and whether you're on track to meet your goals.
Book your place today and take the first step towards a more confident retirement: Monday 14th September, 12:30pm
Follow-up webinars
Taking place after the keynote session, a range of follow-up webinars will explore practical ways to improve your retirement outlook and explain the options available. Choose the session that best suits your schedule:
Capital Credit Union visiting John Muir House: find out about savings, loan, mortgage options
We're pleased to welcome Capital Credit Union to John Muir House reception on Wednesday 9 September.
Capital Credit Union is a member-owned financial co-operative that helps people save regularly, access affordable loans, and make the most of their money. Capital Credit Union has supported our council employees for more than 35 years, offering a safe, affordable and ethical alternative to high street banks and high-cost lenders.
Through the payroll savings scheme, employees can save from as little as £5 per month, deducted directly from salary.
A representative from Capital Credit Union will be available in Main Reception throughout the day on Weds 9 Sept to answer questions and provide information about:
- savings products (including ISAs)
- competitive loans
- mortgages
- payroll savings options
Please take the opportunity to stop by the stand and have an informal chat about how Capital Credit Union could benefit you.
If you are unable to visit the stand on the day, you can call 0131 225 9901 or email contactus@capitalcreditunion.com to contact a CCU representative. More information is available on our council intranet.
Health & Safety roles and responsibilities training for supervisors
Are you responsible for supervising staff?
If you supervise employees, direct work activities, allocate tasks or oversee the day-to-day work of others, you have important health and safety responsibilities.
To support you in this role, a Health and Safety Roles and Responsibilities for Supervisors training course is available.
Who should attend?
This course is designed for those who:
- supervise employees or contractors
- allocate and monitors work activities
- provide day-to-day direction to teams
Course overview
The session will provide supervisors with a clear understanding of their responsibilities and the practical steps required to maintain a safe workplace. Topics include:
- Health and Safety legislation and responsibilities
- the role of supervisors in managing risks
- hazard identification and reporting
- safe systems of work
- incident and near miss reporting
- monitoring health and safety performance
- promoting a positive safety culture
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, delegates will be able to:
- understand their legal and organisational health and safety responsibilities
- recognise and address hazards and unsafe behaviours
- support incident prevention through effective supervision
- contribute to a positive health and safety culture within their teams
- understand when and how to escalate health and safety concerns
Why attend?
Effective supervision plays a critical role in preventing accidents, protecting colleagues and ensuring that work is carried out safely and efficiently. This course will equip supervisors with the knowledge and confidence needed to fulfil their responsibilities.
Scheduled course dates and venues
The following training sessions are available and additional dates will be scheduled in 2027.
- 19 October: 9.30am to 11.30pm, Garleton Rooms A and B, Penston House
- 19 November: 1.30pm to 3.30pm, Garleton Rooms A and B, Penston House
- 14 December: 9.30am to 11.30am, Garleton Rooms A and B, Penston House
Book your place today and help create a safer workplace for everyone
For further information contact the Health and Safety Team
or
Use the course booking form to book your place.
(please note spaces are limited to15 people per training session)