Need to know
Last night the Prime Minister announced a national lockdown for England to help tackle soaring rates of coronavirus cases. We must now stay at home to help save lives and protect the NHS, leaving home only when absolutely necessary. You can see all the rules on Gov.UK. The national lockdown shouldn't affect your working arrangements - any member of staff who can do their job from home should already be doing so. However, if you are unsure if your service area or role is affected by the tougher restrictions, please speak to your line manager in the first instance. Anyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable should 'shield' and should receive a letter from the Government in the coming days.
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Who was Star of the Month in December?
Our December Stars of the Month have been recognised for keeping the deaf community informed, being an exceptionally supportive manager, managing our media response to Covid-19 news and more. They are: Chris Roe (Chief Exec’s), Jon Clinch (Housing), Samantha Cox, Sarah Blainey-Jones, Joana Martins (People), Emma Stubbs, Sue Hogarth, and volunteers for the Covid reactive team over Christmas (Public Health). Congrats! See all the reasons for their nominations and how to nominate someone for January.
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Help spread the word, not the virus!
Please update your email signature with an email banner to help reiterate the key messages about how to stay safe and to signpost to support for anyone struggling with the impact of the pandemic. It's quick and easy to do and can make a difference in helping spread the word … and stop the spread of the virus! Follow a few simple steps on our email signature page on izzi.
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A New Year's Resolution
News of a further lockdown will be difficult to take after so many months of restrictions and we understand it’s an anxious time for many. It’s more important than ever that we look after our mental health and wellbeing.
At work, this means to get some heathy working habits in place – taking regular breaks, and not letting long hours become the norm. Take a look at our guidance on flexibility, meetings and annual leave and make sure you start 2021 as you mean to go on.
Small changes can make a big difference to our wellbeing, but there are times when we might need that extra bit of support. You can also get help if you need it from the Employee Assistance Programme, Able Futures and our Mental Health Ambassadors. Our staff area of the website, for staff who aren't on the network, also has a summary.
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In case you missed it: order home working equipment
Covid-19 has fundamentally changed how we work and you must work from home if you can do your job remotely. In case you missed the announcement in December, office furniture and monitors are now available in the ICT Shop to support you to work from home. If you'd like to order furniture or equipment, check the information carefully first. Don’t forget you can also apply for tax relief to help cover home working costs.
Join the Mayor for an online charity quiz
Join the Mayor, Cllr Janet Burgess, for an online charity quiz organised by Age UK Islington on Tuesday 26 January at 7.30pm. The Question Master will be Hugh Fraser, best known for his role as Captain Hastings in the TV series Poirot. It promises to be a fun, social evening with a prize for the winning person or team! The quiz is £20 per person to join and will raise money for the Mayor's charity, Age UK Islington. Book your place!
Could you be a Covid-19 Health Champion?
It is more important than ever to stay up to date with the latest information on the pandemic in Islington. Signing up to become a Covid-19 Health Champion is a really easy way to get the most recent updates and resources on what’s happening in locally, including new testing sites, self-isolation payments and translated materials, which you can then share with family, friends and residents that you work with. Sign up now or see more information first. Young people can get involved too with the youth version of the programme. Anyone aged 16-18 can sign-up.
Secondment opportunity in HR
HR is offering a short term secondment, up to four months, with a possibility of an extension, to support an increase in employee relations (Disciplinary, Grievance, Improving Performance, Sickness Absence) casework across all directorates. Potential applicants must have knowledge and understanding of these key procedures and be able to work with our HR Business Partners, line managers and trade unions. If you are interested please send an A4 expression of interest setting your experience and skills by email to linda.nicholas@islington.gov.uk by 9am, Monday 11 January. More information is available.
Spaces available on Mental Health First Aid course next week
It’s really important that council staff are well-informed and feel confident in what to do if they think someone is living with a mental health condition, whether you work with residents or want to support your colleagues. Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to recognise the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues and to respond appropriately. You must complete all prep work and all four sessions to be awarded a certificate. The dates are: 11, 12, 13 and 14 January at 2.30-4.45pm. Register soon to book your place.
The transition period has ended
Now the transition period for the UK leaving the EU has ended, there may be some additional things that you need to do if you are travelling abroad. It could affect what travel documents you need, healthcare cover and driving. Check what you need to do at www.gov.uk/transition. If you are an EU citizen and haven’t applied for settled status yet, it’s important you don’t leave it too late to apply. There is support on the council’s website or you can contact the Employee Assistance Programme. If you have applied, please let Human Resources know and also tell them the result of your application when received, by emailing hradvice@islington.gov.uk.
Our statement in response to the announcement of a national lockdown
Read Islington Council's statement in response to last night's announcement including comments from the Leader of the Council, Cllr Richard Watts.
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