Need to know

Extra guidance if you develop Covid-19 symptoms If you develop Covid-19 symptoms, it’s really important to stay home, book a test and inform your manager immediately. If you have to go into the workplace to do your job, and are on site with symptoms or have been on site in the 48-hour period before developing them, your manager must notify the Borough Emergency Control Centre (BECC), who will advise on next steps. Extra guidance around the test and trace process is in our FAQs on izzi. Be aware that staff should not get tested unless they develop symptoms, even if they have been in close contact with a person with Covid-19. Staff who can do their jobs from home must continue to do so while staff who do need to be on site must follow social distancing at all times. The measures are there to protect you and also help you avoid being told to isolate for 14 days if a colleague develops symptoms or tests positive. Follow social distancing

Working at home arrangements extended Last week we announced we are extending our working at home arrangements until the end of December 2020. If you are working from home, this means you must continue to do so until the end of the year, unless an earlier return date has been agreed for your service by the Resilience Strategic Group (formerly Gold). We’ll keep the return date under regular review and will keep you updated with plenty of notice before you will be asked to return. For those of you who are working at home, it’s important that your working environment is suitable, safe and comfortable. There is guidance on good practice around working at home on izzi and we’ll be developing further guidance and sharing this soon. In meantime, speak to your line manager, or email HRadvice@islington.gov.uk if you have any issues or concerns. See more

Three directors appointed to Resources ​We are pleased to announce the appointment of three outstanding candidates for director roles in our Resources directorate. They are Julie Foy (Director of Human Resources), Paul Clarke (Director of Finance), and Jon Cumming (Director of Digital Services). Jon has been at the council since July 2018 and will now join us on a permanent basis. We look forward to welcoming Julie and Paul in November. Read our press release for more information. More info

Introducing pool bikes for staff You might remember our Friday Feature a few weeks ago highlighted how great cycling can be. Now we're pleased to let you know that pool bikes are available for staff who need to travel into work, which can be used for travel you need to do as part of your job. It’s easy to check out a bike and means you can avoid public transport while building exercise into your day. Pool bikes are available at 222 Upper Street, 33-37 Brewery Road, Newington Barrow Way and the Town Hall. Watch out for another exciting new bike scheme for staff in next week’s ICbulletin. Find out more

Good to know

Last chance to download old appraisals

Earlier this month, we let you know that the previous online appraisal system will be closed on Monday 31 August, following the introduction of Quality Conversations to encourage regular and better conversations between managers and team members. If you would like copies of your previous appraisals, for example to look back at your previous learning objectives, please download these from the system before the 31 August by visiting http://appraisal/.

More MS Teams support and training available

With the announcement that working from home arrangements will continue, more MS Teams training has been added so you stay in touch with your colleagues and collaborate effectively. Both Introductory training and Intermediate training for Owners is available. Training only takes an hour and takes place Monday to Wednesday at 11am and 1.30pm. To book, go to MyHR​ and select 'Training' then 'Request Training' and do a keyword search for ​'Microsoft'.

Our Digital Services team are also regularly sharing bitesize hints and tips for getting the most out of MS Teams on Yammer. Take a look by searching for #tipoftheweek on Yammer. ‘Follow’ the hashtag to stay up-to-date.

Libraries to open from 1 September

We are delighted to announce that library buildings will soon be open to residents and staff for browsing and choosing books. Archway, Central, Finsbury, N4, West Libraries and the Local History Centre (appointment only) will be open from 1 September, Monday to Friday between 11pm - 4pm and Saturday from 11am - 5pm. There will be limits to visitor numbers and changes to how the libraries work to ensure social distancing. Find out more.

Safeguarding during Covid-19

We should all be alert to identifying children in the borough who may be at risk. If you’re in a resident-facing role, things you can do to help include: create opportunities to ask children how they are; listen to children and take them seriously; and discuss your concerns with a professional if you’re not sure. Remember, we all have a responsibility to keep children safe. If you are worried about a child, call Islington’s Children’s Social Care team on 020 7527 7400. Read more.

Islington in the news

Islington students brave Covid-19 upheavals to post strong improvements at GCSE

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