Staff News

Following Karen Greaves’ email from yesterday about the staff values, we’re delighted to share with you a short video from Stephen Brown, Chief Officer for the Integrated Joint Board speaking about the importance of People.

Our Staff Values launched in the spring - watch our Chief Executive Oliver Reid speak about how and why the five values - people, unity, trust, ownership, creativity - were chosen. 

The Council network will experience delays and disruptions this Friday evening (23 June) and possibly into Saturday as essential maintenance and testing works are carried out.

You may see the Progress flag flying over the Town Hall in Kirkwall this weekend (16, 17 and 18 June 2023.) It’s one way as a Council we can show our support for equality and diversity in the community during Pride month, and – as a provider of many vital services - our commitment to inclusive services and better experiences for all in our community.

The communications team can offer advice and support on the use of the guidelines so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team at digital.comms@orkney.gov.uk – we’re more than happy to help.  Similarly if you have feedback on the guidelines we’d love to hear from you.

Why is branding important?

A brand is a lot more than just a logo -  it is also how an organisation is perceived by the outside world. How we present ourselves in words, colours and imagery can help build a brand.  Having a consistent style nurtures trust and recognition.  This is key when we need to deliver key messages and communications to our audience and to improve understanding around the breadth of services this organisation provides.

Tips and information on taking care of you in 2023, at work and at home.

This Mental Health Awareness Week we have been talking about anxiety, sharing some insights into how anxiety can impact us, giving you some tips on how to manage your own anxiety and to support others in managing theirs.

Whilst Mental Health Awareness Week is a great opportunity to throw a spotlight on mental health, the support doesn’t stop there.

Breathing Space is a free, confidential phone and web based service for people in Scotland experiencing low mood, anxiety or depression. They provide a safe and supportive space by listening, offering advice and providing information.

Telephone 0800 83 85 87  www.breathingspace.scot

Samaritans Provides 24-hour, confidential emotional support to any person who is suicidal or despairing. Free helpline: 116123

Email: jo@samaritans.org website https://www.samaritans.org/. 

We would like to invite, and indeed challenge, all OIC staff to take the 10-15 minute Numeracy Challenge by following this link:

www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/challenge/llo (Your results are private and only you will see them, with feedback on areas you may need to improve.)

This apprenticeship programme gives employees the opportunity to study for a fully funded   degree level whilst working for Orkney Islands Council.  The programme is designed for employees who are working in the subject area which they are studying and applying the knowledge gained and their work experience to their learning. 

This is an excellent opportunity to study for a degree and you can be eligible, even if you already have a degree in a subject which is not relevant to your current post. One OIC employee has already graduated from this programme and another three will graduate in July this year.