Staff News

When was the last time you checked your personal details were up to date?

The Council’s Strategic Projects team would like to invite you to an OIC staff drop-in session

Last week we were celebrating National Inclusion Week as an opportunity to promote inclusion in the workplace.

I am writing to ask that all staff ensure that when entering or exiting any Council premises

Orkney Health and Care is proud to welcome another registered social worker to the team. Esther Stephen has successfully completed her Continuous Professional Learning - a registration requirement that newly qualified social workers have to evidence with the Scottish Social Service Council at the end of their first year post-qualification.

Esther says the management support she’s received has been vital to reaching her goal of becoming fully registered:

National Inclusion Week is a great time for focussing on workplace activities that highlight the importance of inclusion as well as a time to celebrate inclusion in all its forms. The week is an opportunity to spotlight areas we do well and build on areas we can strengthen. As an employer, we are continually striving to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can bring their full selves to work, to feel valued and respected and to reach their full potential.

Orkney Islands Council is calling on members of the local community and visitors to help shine the spotlight on OIC employees or teams who have made a difference. 

Local people – including social care residents, school pupils, museum and library visitors, friends, family and employees – are all encouraged to nominate their VIPs for the new VIP Awards scheme. 

VIP stands for ‘Values In Practice’ – with the awards aimed at recognising work which reflects and embodies our values: People, Unity, Trust, Ownership and Creativity.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for everyone, please let us know whether you require us to make any adjustments to allow you to attend and participate in this training.

The following courses may be relevant to all employees dependant on job role. Attendance at a course requires approval from your line manager and the course added to your Personal Development Plan.

The Council is launching ViP Awards, a scheme to highlight and celebrate great work across the Council – and you can be part of the process!

ViP stands for ‘Values in Practice’ – with the awards aimed at recognising work which reflects and embodies Our Values: People, Unity, Trust, Ownership and Creativity.

Five good reasons to attend SMHFA:

1. Most people don’t know what to do in a mental health crisis. Take the course and you will be one of the few who knows what to do and is confident about putting that knowledge into action.
2. You will learn how to recognise when a person might need help and the best way to approach them.
3. You could save a life by learning basic suicide intervention skills.
4. You will learn what protects your own and other people’s mental health.
5. You will learn new skills that are useful in every part of your life.