Challenging Inequality Strategy launch
We’re launching our Challenging Inequality Strategy at a special event on 11 March. The strategy represents a redoubling of our efforts to challenge inequality, inequity and racism in a tangible and meaningful way. A panel of community leaders, activists and creatives will share their experience of challenging inequalities, and there will be a performance by musician and writer Louis the Hippie.
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International Women’s Day, 8 March
This year's theme, #ChooseToChallenge, focuses on supporting work to progress gender equality, by challenging bias and stereotypes in our communities and work place. We’re running a host of exciting online events celebrating women’s achievements, including how inspirational women working in our voluntary sector have kept motivated during the pandemic. We also pay tribute to some of the phenomenal women who've made Islington so rich in its history and heritage, and invite you to contribute a patch towards the Islington4Womens Quilt of Kindness.
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Cllr Richard Watts to step down as Leader
In case you missed it, Cllr Richard Watts announced earlier this week that he will step down as Leader of the Council at the Annual Council meeting in May. The next Leader of the Council will be confirmed at the same meeting.
Elected as a Councillor in the Tollington Ward in 2006, Cllr Watts has been a member of the Council’s Executive since 2010 and Leader of the Council since 2013.
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The plan to ease lockdown
Our Corporate Management Board are working together to identify which services are affected by the plans to ease lockdown and when changes will take effect. In the meantime, there is no change to working arrangements and anyone who can do their job remotely must stay home. Together, we must continue to follow the guidance and keep up our guard as we push these next few months. Check the latest guidance on our coronavirus izzi pages and staff webpages at islington.gov.uk/izzi if you're not connected to the network.
Branded backgrounds for Team and Zoom meetings
You can now add a branded background to your virtual meetings. Download them from our branded templates izzi pages.
Apply to be a forum chair
Being a forum chair is a great opportunity to influence our equalities agenda, to represent your colleagues and to develop leadership skills. We have vacancies for forum chairs of the Carers, Disabled, Women’s and LGBTQ+ Forums. Please see further information about applying to be a forum chair on izzi and do your expression of interest by Friday 5 March.
Do something this week to celebrate with LGBT+ History Month
It’s the final week of LGBT+ History Month and plenty you can take part in until Sunday. programme of LGBT+ History Month events on the IslingtonLife Blog. You could also mark the month by sharing your sexual orientation on MyHR. Over 1,500 staff have not shared their sexual orientation, which has an impact on how we can monitor improvements to equality. You can easily change it under 'Personal Details' and 'Equal Opportunities'.
First Aid training for staff on site
If you have to go into the workplace to do your job, you might need, or want, to book onto a First Aid course coming up in March, including 're-qualifiers' for staff who've done the training previously but whose qualification is due to expire. If you work remotely, you should not book the training, which is at 7 Newington Barrow Way. Find out more about the First Aid courses on izzi or you can book a course directly on IRIS.
Questions about Covid-19 vaccines? #takethevaccine
The vaccine is our way out of this pandemic, but we know some people are unsure about it. So, we're running two open forums, where you can hear from health and social care professionals and have your questions answered. There's a session happening today and another next Wednesday (3 March), both at 12-1.30pm. Book your place on the online form.
If you have had or are getting your vaccine, please help build trust among colleagues and posting on Yammer, using the hashtag #takethevaccine to share what it means to you.
Changes to Thames Water bills for residents
Until now, water and wastewater charges have been included in the overall amount that council tenants pay to the council. But Thames Water have decided that from April this year, they will start charging them directly. See more on the bill changes on the council’s website.
New landlord licensing schemes help private renters
The council is making private renting fairer and protecting renters’ rights by launching two new landlord licensing schemes. The move is helping to secure a fairer deal for private renters in the borough by improving conditions. See the coverage in the local press below and read our press release on our Media site.
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