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Editorial policy                                                                              Friday 28 February 2025 

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Listening to your Voice - you said, we did

A key theme in our People First strategy is Voice, where we aim to create an effective ongoing dialogue between leaders and our workforce, to engage, listen to and gain clarity about what is important to you. Now in 2025, we would like to update you about how we have listened to your feedback and what we have delivered.

Celebrating success - Employee Appreciation Day

Employee Appreciation Day is an event that happens on the first Friday in March. It’s a great opportunity for us to say thank you, provide feedback on a job well done and recognise your efforts and valuable contributions. Your dedication, hard work, and commitment are the driving forces behind our success and the positive impact we have on Devon.

Recognising and appreciating the incredible efforts of our people is important, which is why we have created a recognition and appreciation toolkit. Please recognise and appreciate your colleagues ahead of Employee Appreciation Day by completing the form by Wednesday 5 March.

Take part in Employee Appreciation Day 2025.

Information security best practice - How to prevent an email security breach

Statistics show that incorrectly sent emails (from devon.gov.uk emails) account for 45% of the information security incidents reported to our Data Protection and Information Security Team last year. Read the top tips to ensure that sensitive information is kept safe when using email.

Learning and development 💡

Introducing your new mandatory training course on fire safety

The Introduction to Fire Safety course is now available. This course is mandatory for all staff as part of our commitment to safety.

Read about the Fire Safety training course on Inside Devon.

Preparing for Adulthood webinars

Thank you to everyone who joined the first of our Preparing for Adulthood webinars. It was great to see so many people finding out about the differences between children's and adult services, and the support that they offer. For anyone who missed it, a recording of the session will be available to watch soon. Our second session takes place on Tuesday 18 March and focuses on the training and employment opportunities available for young people who are transitioning into adulthood. We'll also be helping you to learn about vocational profiles - how they can support planning and career development and how to access these resources effectively. Find out more about the session. 

Enhancing health outcomes for children in care through intelligence online seminar on Tuesday 4 March at 1pm

Join our Public Health team for an insightful seminar about health needs analysis for children in care and care-experienced young people.

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding and contribute to improving health outcomes for vulnerable children.

See how to sign up and book your place.

In brief

iTrent availability

🚫 iTrent will be unavailable to all users today (Friday 28 February), due to it being upgraded. 

Annual leave purchase scheme window closing

🧑‍💼Our Annual Leave Purchase Scheme closes today (Friday 28 February). This scheme helps you to spread the cost of extra leave through salary sacrifice. Find out more.

Notice of removal of Essential Car User (ECU) allowance

The ECU allowance will no longer be available to Devon County Council employees from 1 July 2025. Recruiting mangers have been informed that no new employees will receive this from 1 March. Read more on Inside Devon.

World Social Work Day conference

Our Adult Integrated Social Care and Children and Young People's Futures directorates are hosting an event for World Social Work Day on Tuesday 18 March at Coaver Club. Book your spot on Inside Devon.

Did you know about Sexual Assault Referral Centres? 

Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) provide confidential support for anyone affected by sexual assault or abuse. Services include crisis care, medical/forensic examinations, emergency contraception and mental health referrals. Visit nhs.uk/SARCs.

What's trending on Viva Engage?

Donations for the Exeter Food Bank at County Hall. Sign up for Microsoft training Support a colleague in the Couch to London Marathon.

Where in Devon? 🔍

We'd love to see some of your photos of places in Devon to use in our Where in Devon competition. Read the guidelines, get snapping, then send your pictures to the communications mailbox.

Click on the image to see this week's photo on Inside Devon. You might spot some clues. Last week's winner: Victoria Mahoney, Highway Services Coordinator Last issue's answer: Tarka Trail, Torrington

Latest roles on Devon jobs

Take a look at the latest Devon County Council roles available on the DevonJobs website. You can check out the latest internal positions and secondment opportunities available on Viva Engage.

News from across Devon 📰

Work begins to build Okehampton Interchange

Work has begun to build Okehampton Interchange, a new railway station on the edge of the town.

The £15 million station is the newest addition to the Dartmoor Line and will connect West Devon, Torridge and North Cornwall with Exeter and beyond. The scheme is being funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) with contributions from us and West Devon Borough Council.

Further news headlines:

Your quick links 🖱️

How to report concerns

Book a Microsoft 365 training course

Choose from a range of courses

Access iTrent HR Self-Service

Search for a new opportunity

Access support for your wellbeing

Stay informed

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Your opinion matters

Thank you for continuing to feedback on Inside Devon. We will continue to develop the newsletter to meet your needs. If you have any thoughts or feedback on this edition please email our Communications Team, we love to hear your views.

Got something to share with your colleagues? Get in touch.