October 2011

the magazine for Belfast City Council employeesOctober 2011 Issue 35

www.interlink/intercom

Atrium Barista page 6

Titanic Belfast page 7

From Tinseltown to our town page 10

Meet our contributors ................... 4

Ask the expert ................................. 15

Welcome to ....................................... 18

Your big news .................................... 19

Absence figures ..................................... 3

Making a Difference Awards .......... 4

Windows 7 ............................................... 5

Alexandra peace wall ......................... 9

This magazine is printed on 75% consumer waste paper.

Our ability to deliver value for money services and add real value to the leadership of the city depends on having skilled and motivated staff.

Over the past year we have been working hard to address the issues highlighted by staff through the last employee survey and the trial Investor In People assessments last autumn.

This month sees the start of our new Core Skills Programme - aimed at developing managers and officers so they can help the council deliver improved customer focussed, value for money services.

Around 140 officers will take part in the programme between now and March 2012 and a large number of officers will go on to complete this programme over the next two to three years. The programme will cover a number of areas including managing change, working in partnership and working with elected members. Our own “internal experts” - council staff already skilled in these areas - will deliver the initial six modules bringing with them their personal experience and learning.

I am committed to ensuring everyone has equal access to develop necessary skills to do their jobs. In April this year we introduced a corporate approach to personal development planning (PDP), these meetings offer you the opportunity to discuss learning and development with your line manager to help you develop in your job.

It is only by continually engaging with and investing in our staff we can ensure that we have the right people to contribute to the ongoing improvement of our city while continuing to deliver quality services to our citizens.

Message from the Chief Executive

Peter McNaneyChief Executive

On the cover

Corporate updates Regulars

Contents

Send your feedback, article suggestions, photos and letters to:

Email: [email protected]: 9032 0202 ext 6274Post: intercom, Internal Communications, Room 204, City Hall, BT1 5GS.

Contact intercom

Look out for

Zumba queens ................................. 12

Quest for perfection ..................... 13

Support waste reduction .......... 17

Victoria Square competition .... 20

Atrium Barista ......................................... 6

Titanic update ......................................... 7

MTV .............................................................. 8

Tinseltown to our town ................ 10

On the cover

Contents

Atrium Barista page 6

Titanic Belfast page 7

From Tinseltown to our town page 10

2

4050-Intercom-October 2011.indd 2 28/09/2011 14:19

In previous years we set a two year sickness absence target at department and service level and performance against target was closely monitored by our Corporate Management Team (CMT) and council.

At the end of quarter one (April to June) sickness absence was 2.59 days per full time equivalent employee

Absence update: quarter one 2011/12and is very nearly on target. However this figure is an increase of 0.31 days compared to 2.28 average day’s absence for the same period last year. The management of attendance in your department remains a top priority.

The table below shows the actual absence levels within departments against the targets for quarter one.

Target for 2011/12

Target for quarter one

Average days absence per full time equivalent employee at quarter one 2011

Average days absence per full time equivalent employee at quarter one 2010 Variance

% of workforce employed in this part of the council

% of sickness absence in this part of the council

Belfast City Council

10.30 2.58 2.59 2.28 -0.01

Chief Executive's

8.28 2.07 2.56 1.20 -0.49 4.70% 4.64%

Health and Environmental Services

10.26 2.57 2.68 2.29 -0.11 36.30% 37.56%

Parks and Leisure

12.37 3.09 2.90 2.87 0.19 26.57% 29.75%

Development 8.89 2.22 3.13 1.76 -0.91 11.53% 13.94%

Property and Projects

9.08 2.27 2.15 1.89 0.12 10.93% 9.05%

Improving through our people - one year onIt’s been 12 months since our Investors in People (IIP) Internal Reviewers met with over 200 employees to find out what they thought about issues such as communication, learning and development and employee recognition and engagement.

Since then we’ve introduced our new learning and development policy, and reviewed the Making a Difference (MAD) Awards process.

Work is also ongoing in other areas, including:

• rolling out our manager and officer development programme;

• revising the competencies, values and behaviours we use to recruit and develop our people; and

• reviewing the Brainwave scheme.

Departments have also developed their own improvement plans, based on the Investors in People (IIP) framework in

response to employee feedback.

Over the coming months our IIP Internal Reviewers will meet with a number of employees to find out what they think about the improvements we’ve made and what still needs to be addressed.

HR and the IIP Internal Review team will continue to support departments and services to implement the IIP framework as we work towards gaining corporate IIP accreditation for the council as a whole in 2012.

Workforce matters

From Tinseltown to our town page 10

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Lisa McCartney Project Coordinator

The launch of Titanic Belfast is fast approaching with the official opening taking place in April 2012. A lot of work is going on behind the scenes and Lisa McCartney is leading our involvement in this iconic project. Turn to page seven to learn more about our role in Titanic Belfast.

Ian Lawther Learning and Development Centre

Ian is known to us all as the happy, helpful receptionist at the Learning and Development Centre. Outside of work Ian is a a keen science fiction and fantasy fan; a hobby that he put to good use when organising ‘Titancon’, a new convention which brought cast and crew from The Game of Thrones to Belfast. Find out more on page 10.

Adele Keys Senior Environmental Health Officer

As well as working with the Belfast Health Development Unit, Adele is a keen fitness fan. Qualified as a Zumba instructor, Adele takes classes in our leisure and community centres. One of her classes is especially popular with staff; turn to page 12 for more.

Meet ourcontributors

New year, new look, new panel

Stephanie McCaig has been nominated by the GMB to take up one of our posts of Trade Union Co-ordinator.

Stephanie takes over from Tommy Haggan, who retires in November. As a Trade Union Co-ordinator Stephanie will work alongside Tom Wilkinson (NIPSA) to facilitate consultation and agreement between management and trade unions on a range of issues affecting our employees.

Trade union news

Lisa

Ian

Adele

Just like the hit Saturday night television talent show, our very own Making a Difference (MAD) Awards have had a revamp for 2011.

Now that nominations have closed, the majority of us may not see or hear too much about the awards over the next month. But our new short listing panel line up will be hard at work looking for submissions with the ‘X factor’ in each of our categories.

Making a Difference Awards

The new panel are:

• John Gallagher, Community Awareness Officer, Health and Environmental Services;

• Brian Kelly, Community Services Unit Manager, Development;• Norman Neill, Principal HR/OD Advisor, Chief Executive’s Department;• Emily Wilson, Policy and Performance Analyst, Property and Projects; • Stephanie McCaig, Trade Union Co-ordinator;• Claire Kelly, ISB Senior Consultant, Finance and Resources; and• Mark McCashin, Leisure Centre Manager, Parks and Leisure.The short listing panel will then forward all nominations, along with their recommendations to the judging panel, made up of Chief Officers and the Head of Human Resources to make the final decisions.

The Making a Difference Awards event will take place in City Hall on Thursday 10 November. Check out www.interlink/madawards for more information, including a list of all nominated individuals and teams later in the month.

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Windows 7 rollout

Equity award

On the front-line It’s here! The rollout of Windows 7 has begun.

Human Resources has successfully retained the Equity Award from the Northern Ireland Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders (NIACRO).

We have held this award since April 2007. It recognises employers who are committed to best practice in recruitment and selection processes and who ensure fairness and equity for all applicants, including those with convictions.

Congratulations to the most recent participants of our Frontline Development Programme who have received their certificates at an awards ceremony in the City Hall.

The Frontline Development Programme is aimed at employees who work in a business support and administration role, as well as those who work in an

Work is already underway in Members’ Support. This will be followed by all other services located in City Hall with work completing here during December.

The rollout will then continue in our other city centre buildings throughout the winter and spring before moving to more outlying buildings such as our leisure and community centres next summer.

Project manager, Stephen Morgan said: “We piloted the Windows 7 upgrade in ISB over the summer and we’re confident that the rollout will be a success. This is a major project, involving every service and impacting on over 1500 PCs in approximately 100 locations. In total the rollout should take 14 months to compete.”

As the project progresses and your ‘go live’ date approaches, the project team will liaise directly with your unit or section.

What can I do now? Remember, each PC will be wiped clean of all data before upgrading to Windows 7. Any information saved on your C Drive or on your Desktop will be wiped once the upgrade is complete. Make sure you have saved all important, work related information in either a shared network drive or within My Documents.

Find out more about the upgrade programme, including details of the project plan, at www.interlink/windows7

As an organisation with NIACRO’s Equity Award, we also attend ‘Meet the Employer’ events throughout the year to offer help and support to NIACRO service users.

operational role. The programme looks at a number of areas that are relevant to these roles including; effective communication, customer care and the role of the team leader.

If you are interested in participating in the programme, please contact your line manager or business support in your section or service.

Pictured with the Equity Award is left: Susan Beattie Senior HR Advisor (Employee Resourcing), and right: Gail Wright Principal HR Advisor (Employee Resourcing).

Frontline Development participants received their certificates from Assistant Chief Executive and Town Solicitor, Ciaran Quigley.

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www.interlink/atriumbarista

Wake up to the Atrium Barista!

* Usual morning break service will remain unaffected

Quality speciality coffee available each day from 8am - 11am, and 12noon - 2pm*

Have you woken up to the Atrium Barista yet?

We caught up with some early morning coffee lovers to find out what they think of the new service.

The Atrium Barista serves speciality coffees from 8am to 11am and 12 noon to 2pm, Monday to Friday.

Wake up and smell the coffee

“I think it’s good value for money, and it’s really handy to have these coffees available in the Atrium as it saves you having to nip out.”Nikki Devlin City Events Officer

"It can be difficult to find a good quality cup of coffee but the quality of the coffee here really is excellent."

John Corkey Environmental Health Manager

Find out more at www.interlink/atriumbarista

6

Titanic: the excitement’s building!

As building work continues on Queen’s Island, Economic Development’s Lisa McCartney (pictured above) has been working with a range of partner organisations and our own staff to set the foundations for a citywide community engagement plan that will connect local communities to all that the Titanic brand has to offer.

Who’s who?

A number of partners are working together to develop Titanic Belfast. Below is a quick round-up of who they are and their involvement:

Titanic Quarter Ltd (TQL) is the company taking forward the development of the Titanic Quarter in a joint venture with the owners of the land, Belfast Harbour Commissioners.

Titanic Belfast will be owned by an independent charitable trust known as the Titanic Foundation Ltd (TFL). TFL’s objectives are to educate everyone about Belfast’s Titanic endeavours past, present and future.

Harcourt Developments Ltd have been appointed operator of Titanic Belfast.

Our former colleague Tim Husbands has been appointed as Chief Executive

of Titanic Belfast and will be responsible for the overall operation and management of Titanic Belfast.

Titanic Belfast funders:

Northern Ireland Executive Belfast City Council Belfast Harbour Titanic Quarter Ltd

We caught up with Lisa to find out more about our role in the ongoing development of Titanic Quarter. At the heart of this regeneration scheme lies Titanic Belfast, Northern Ireland’s largest ever tourist attraction, opening April 2012.

“We’ve invested £10 million in the construction of Titanic Belfast but our commitment goes far and beyond our financial contribution.

“People from across Belfast worked on Titanic’s construction and served on the ship itself so it’s only fitting that the opportunities it will bring in relation to tourism, jobs and city development will benefit all of our citizens.

“For the first time we’ve entered into an agreement with the private developer of the former shipbuilding

land to ensure all residents of the city can benefit from the development of the Quarter in an equitable way.

“Working groups have been set up across a number of priority areas - work, tourism, housing, space, access and outreach. Our staff are working with government departments and the local community to ensure that the significant public and private investment

will have the potential to improve the quality of life for everyone in the city.

“Recently we’ve also embarked on an ambitious community engagement exercise and colleagues from all our departments have volunteered as ambassadors of the programme. They will work closely with the public to:

• promote all Titanic themed activities and events to their contacts;

• deliver workshops and presentations;

• participate in roadshows, events and information sessions;

• provide feedback from community contacts; and

• keep up to date with all Titanic developments.

“As the internal fit out of Titanic Belfast begins to take shape, our ambassadors have been on site and caught a glimpse behind the scenes of this iconic building. During October we’ll start to roll out formal training so that everyone involved can be confident that they’re up to speed on the Titanic story so far.”

Ambassadors Nick Brennan (Project Management), John Gallagher (Cleansing Services), Jan Carson (City Events) and Anne Toner (Tourism, Culture and Arts) get a glimpse behind the scenes on a tour of Titanic Belfast.

For more information on Titanic Belfast go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/titanicquarter

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The MTV EMAs are fast approaching and staff in Corporate Communications, City Events and Venues and Tourism, Culture and Arts are all working hard to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Working alongside MTV, the local music and entertainment industry and the tourism trade, our staff will facilitate MTV coming to Belfast, showcase the city, promoting indigenous music and

MTV EMAs and Belfast Music Week

culture and maximising the economic return for Belfast.

Packed with unprecedented performances and appearances, MTV’s biggest night of international glamour and unforgettable performances will be broadcast live from three venues around the city with the main awards being held at the Odyssey Arena on Sunday 6 November - and it will be the biggest music event

Have you got a burning desire to share your talent with thousands of people - or know someone who does?

Be part of the excitement building towards the 2012 Olympic Games by getting involved with Land of Giants, the largest arts event ever to take place in Northern Ireland.

Organisers are on the lookout for more than 500 creative cast and crew to take part in a spectacular production combining acrobatics, aerial dance, carnival, circus, physical performance, music, multi-media and pyrotechnics.

Have you got ‘Titanic Talent’? If selected, you could be performing to an audience of over 20,000 people at Titanic Slipways on Saturday 30 June 2012.

This event will be a highlight of our Titanic 2012 programme of celebrations - and it's being made possible thanks to support from our City Events and Tourism Culture and Arts units and a £750,000 grant from The Legacy Trust UK.

For further information go to www.landofgiants.info

www.malonehouse.co.uk

CHRISTMAS AT

Pre-Christmas lunch for two - only £35 Or hire one of our elegant dining rooms for a bespoke Christmas party Booking is essential - for more information visit our website or call 028 9068 1246

ever staged in Northern Ireland.

Belfast Music Week 2011 will see 100 live music events in over 30 venues and runs from Sunday 30 October to Sunday 6 November. For more information on Belfast Music Week visit www.belfastmusic.org

Keep an eye on www.mtvema.com for breaking news on hosts, performers, presenters, and nominees.

8

The gates to a shared city

When the gates of the Alexandra Park peace wall opened last month it marked another significant step in our work towards becoming a shared city.

Over the past three years we’ve worked in partnership with local residents and Groundwork NI in the area to regenerate the site. This was made possible with funding from PEACE III Reconciling Communities through Regeneration (RCTR), Alpha and Department of Justice.

The regeneration work aimed to make the park a more inviting, safer place for

the local community to use and works have included:

• thinning out woodland;

• developing a nature trail;

• installing seating and interpretive panels on the history and wildlife within the park; and

• developing a picnic area.

Following on from this work, Groundwork NI surveyed local residents and found that they were in favour of opening access through the peace wall.

The wall is now open on a pilot basis between 9am and 3pm, Monday to Friday. The pilot will run until November and during this time our park ranger teams and community safety officers will work along with the PSNI to monitor any occurrences of antisocial behaviour.

To find out more about the project go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/parks

Two of our departments reached the final of a UK wide competition for excellence in public service with one of them picking up the coveted award.

The Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE) Awards took place recently in Bristol. Competing against Local Authorities from across the UK, Parks and Leisure’s Improvement Plan was short-listed under Best Efficiency category while our Cleansing Services' Community Awareness Team

Cleaning up at awards

scooped the prestigious national APSE Award in the 'Best Environmental Initiative' category.

The award was for the anti-litter campaign, 'Litter, it's not a good look' which was launched last year and included a vibrant pop art theme.

Suzanne Wylie, Director of Health and Environmental Services said she was very proud of the Community Awareness Team for winning this award. “This award recognises the diligent and innovative work of Cleansing Services in tackling littering issues in the city. The team delivers a varied and comprehensive awareness programme including

school and community workshops, competitions and communications campaigns which have shown actual measurable results in lowering littering levels in the city.“

Andrew Hassard, Director of Parks and Leisure commended his staff on being short-listed for the award: “Our short-listing for the final of the APSE Awards is an outstanding achievement and is testimony to the hard work of staff in providing improved value for money services to local communities. Even though we didn’t win, I would like to thank them for all their efforts.”

Pictured at the opening of the peace gate in Alexandra Park are children from Nationalist and Unionist Schools along the interface. Shannon McAllister, Holy Family Primary School and Jenny Murray, Currie Primary School.

99

From Tinseltown to our town Ian Lawther from HR has rubbed shoulders with cast and crew from the hit HBO series ‘Game of Thrones’ right here in Belfast.

The second series of the show is currently being filmed in the city and at various other locations around the province. But it wasn’t just a fortunate meeting that brought Ian and stars Miltos Yerolemou and Kristian Nairn together: Ian was one of the organisers of ‘Titancon’ - a new science fiction and fantasy convention that ran in Belfast last month.

Ian said: “I’m a big fan of the show so I was delighted to be involved with this new event. It was a great success, with over 400 people attending over the three days and we’re already planning for Titancon 2012!”

You can find out more at www.titancon.com

CHRISTMAS AT

Celebrate Christmas in style with a variety of menus and room optionsChristmas party nights with entertainment from £30ppChristmas tours with tea, coffee and mince pies on selected dates in December £3pp Booking is essential - for more information visit our website or call 028 9077 6925

www.belfastcastle.co.uk

Masterchef… nearly!

Ian Lawther pictured with cast members Maisie Williams and Sophie Turner who are making a cast of their hands as a souvenir.

Graphic Designer, Gary Brownlee was pipped to the post at a cookery competition at St George’s Market by none other than May McFettridge!

Gary, partnered by chef Noel McMeel, cooked up an impressive dish of marbled rib eye steak with cabbage and smoked bacon and scallion champ.

Better luck next time Gary.

10

Mother knows best!

Fundraising, breeding and hand rearing at the zoo

Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park has been voted ‘favourite place to visit’ in Northern Ireland by Netmums, a network of local websites with over 1,000,000 members.

A small team of 13 staff, mostly comprising of gardeners and assistant gardeners, look after this 128 acre park in the south of the city.

The International Rose Garden, coffee shop and play facilities make it an excellent place to unwind for all ages.

Community Park Manager, Stephen Quinn said: “We’re delighted to have won this award. The fact that it was voted for by park users makes it all the more special and it’s a great credit to all of the staff who work tirelessly throughout the year to make sure the park is always shown off at its best.”

Staff at the zoo have been busy fundraising for the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria’s (EAZA) save the ape campaign.

Gary the gorilla and his zoo buddies visited City Hall to raise awareness for the campaign. And the zoo’s commitment didn’t end there; keeper Nick Simpson-Eyre braved a full body wax in the gorilla house to raise some extra funds!

Nick wasn’t the only brave one as keepers, Gayle Turley and Carolyn

RaymondGary the gorilla is joined by zoo buddies (left to right): Carolyn Gribben, Linda Frew, Victoria Cleland and Gayle Turley.

Gribben spent half a day in an enclosure.

Keepers, Linda Frew and Gayle Turley took part in our 'ape appetisers' challenge where they 'enjoyed' delicacies including giant roasted ants, morpani worms and scorpions; and zoo curator, Julie Mansell, had her hair dyed in tiger print!

The fun doesn't stop there though, as Belfast Zoo keepers will be teaming up with Dublin Zoo keepers to cycle from Belfast Zoo to Dublin Zoo to raise

money for the campaign! Elsewhere in the zoo, keeper Raymond Robinson has been officially named the ‘studbook keeper’ in charge of the breeding programme for the black and white Colobus monkey.

Finally, keepers have successfully hand reared Bluebell, the sitatunga, after she was rejected by her mother. Bluebell has now bonded with the rest of the herd and is doing well.

Go to www.belfastzoo.co.uk for all the latest at the zoo.

For more information on all of our parks visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/parks

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A growing number of our staff are ‘joining the party’ at Zumba fitness classes run in our facilities by our very own Senior Environmental Health Officer, Adele Keys.

If you would like to give the classes a go you can take advantage of a staff discounted price of £3.50 at either of the community centre classes.

For more information contact Adele on ext 3607 or 077 1504 1612 or by emailing [email protected]

Zumba queens

Be warmSpread the cost of your home heating oil with our fuel saver stamps.

For a full list of participating retailers and fuel providers go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/bewarm

Available at our leisure centres, Cecil Ward Building and The Bobbin.

Pictured above with members of her Thursday night class at Donegall Pass Community Centre, Adele also runs a Monday night class in Duncairn Community Centre and a number of classes in Ballysillan Leisure Centre.

Class detailsMonday’s at 6.30pm Duncairn Community CentreThursday’s at 6pm Donegall Pass Community Centre

Congratulations to all staff at our seven Green Flag accredited parks: Ormeau Park, Falls Park, Roselawn Cemetery, Barnett Demesne, Botanic Gardens, Musgrave Park and Cave Hill Country Park.

The award recognises the parks’ quality open spaces and work with communities in local neighbourhoods.

Pictured left to right: Michael Largey, Stanton Martin, Ricky Rice, Stephen Stockman, Michael Culbert, Sharon McCloy and Patrick Smyth.

The magnificent seven

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We're eager to seek your views and ideas about the ways we can work with people to support and grow local communities. And we’ll use this information to help shape a new Community Development Strategy and Community Support Plan.

Our Community Services section was specifically set up to deliver local programmes and activities via our directly managed community and play centres and to support local people and organisations to work to improve the quality of life within neighbourhoods.

Our community development workers provide direct advice and assistance to citizens, helping particular sections of

Building better communities

Quest for perfection

their communities such as young people, travellers and those living in poverty.

However, community development also plays an important role in many areas of our work in health, leisure, parks, community safety, tourism and culture, employability, recycling and waste education projects.

That’s why we need your views - the deadline for feedback is Friday 11 November.

Go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/communitydevelopment to complete a brief survey, email [email protected] or call Claire Kerrin on 9027 0484 to register for one of our workshops.

Congratulations to Colin McNaught on receiving his long service medal in recognition of more than 33 years service.

During his time here Colin has seen many changes while working in different services including Cleansing Services and currently Waste Management.

On receiving his medal Colin thanked his colleagues and said he has enjoyed working for the council and has made many friends over the years.

Shankill Leisure Centre has completed its seventh successful Quest assessment with a highly commended score of 83%.

Quest is a quality scheme encouraging continuous improvement by defining standards, good practice, and encouraging their ongoing development and delivery in a customer focused way.

Centre Manager, Pat Seenan said: “This achievement is due to the hard work of all centre staff and their commitment to improving the quality of service delivery to the customer.”

Long service medal

Colin is pictured receiving his medal from Tim Walker, Head of Waste Management.

Staff at Shankill Leisure Centre worked hard to achieve a high score in the Quest assessment.

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Last year, volunteers in our community and play centres contributed a staggering 73,500 hours, allowing us to extend the range of our services in local communities.

Community Development Officer, Tracy Mawhinney is launching the first Belfast City Council Older Volunteer of the Year Award 2011. This award recognises and celebrates the exceptional contribution of one older volunteer to a Belfast based organisation over the last year as part of the European Year of Volunteering 2011.

The closing date for nominations is Friday 21 October 2011, the winning volunteer will be presented with their award on 5 December by the Lord Mayor.

Celebrating our older volunteers

Check out www.belfastcity.gov.uk/volunteering for further details or contact Tracy Mawhinney on ext 3775.

Green fingers at Glen Community Centre

Avocados to Zucchinis are flourishing at Glen Community Centre, thanks to Parks and Leisure Department staff, Lynne McCreery at Lenadoon Community Centre and staff and volunteers at Glen Community Centre.

Local people are learning everything from traditional potato planting to growing onions, chives, carrots, leeks, courgettes, tomatoes and herbs all in raised beds that only take up a space of four square feet.

And to add to the gardening skills, there’ll be healthy cooking courses in the autumn, with the afterschools project hoping to design and cook a meal for local senior citizens, largely from what’s being grown in the community centre garden.

Tommy O’Reilly, Community Development Officer (Area Support) commented: “This garden received funding under a Peace III initiative, along with Suffolk and another in the Ligoniel

area. Volunteers from the Suffolk Community Forum came to help local people here at Glen Community Centre build the raised beds and

shared their expertise and experiences in Suffolk. It’s a great way to create shared space, build skills and friendships.”

If you’d like further information, please contact: Tommy O’Reilly on 9062 7189 or e-mail [email protected]

Left to right: Emmanuel Millar, Centre Supervisor; Tommy O'Reilly, Community Development Officer and Anne Tracey, Assistant Supervisor.

Which of our dedicated volunteers will win the Older Volunteer of the Year Award 2011?

14

ask theexpert

Whether you’re planning to sell, buy or improve your home, unfamiliar terms such as Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and building regulation applications can be confusing.

But we’ve found the answer! Mike Christie from our Building Control Service can tell you what you need to know when it comes to bricks and mortar issues.

What is an EPC and when are they needed?

An EPC shows how energy efficient a home is. Like the ratings you see on a new electrical appliance, houses are given a rating of A (very energy efficient) to G (not very energy efficient).

This rating means that buyers and renters can compare one house against

another in terms of potential heating and energy costs.

The cost of an EPC for a domestic property will depend on the size of the property and is the responsibility of the owner or landlord - it should be provided free of charge to the buyer.

You must show a copy of the EPC to anyone who is interested in buying or renting your property. If you’re buying or renting and haven’t been shown a copy of the EPC please phone us and let us know.

Which types of renovation works need a building regulation application?

This ranges from building a new home or extension, to roof space or garage conversions, carrying out structural

It is a legal requirement to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

before putting a property on the market

Selling, renting or buying a property?

www.buildingcontrol-ni.com

For more details freephone

0800 022 3004 or contact your local council’s building control service.Energy Performance assessments must be carried out by an accredited energy assessor. For home energy assessors visit www.epbniregister.com and for non-dwelling energy assessors visit www.epbniregisternd.com or look up Yellow Pages under ‘building consultants’ or ‘energy conservation consultants’.

Shop around for competitive rates

Prices can vary

Mike

Recycle at workUse your desk side bin to recycle your cardboard, plastic bottles, waste paper and cans.

Go to www.interlink/recycle for full details

alterations, insulating roof spaces and installing new heating or drainage.

If work takes place without a building regulation application we consider it to be unauthorised or illegal work. But you can still make a regularisation application where we inspect the work and if it meets the appropriate regulations we’ll issue a regularisation certificate.

You’ll need to make sure all of this paperwork is in order if you’re planning to sell your home. If you’re hoping to buy a property that has had any of the above work carried out make sure you receive either a completion certificate or regularisation certificate.

You can find out more about the work of our Building Control Service at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/buildingcontrol

15

Cleansing’s Community Awareness Team have picked up their eighth consecutive Green Apple Award.

The awards are presented annually in recognition of companies, councils and communities who carry out projects to enhance the environment.

Cleansing’s award is in recognition of their work to change peoples’ attitudes towards litter.

Kevin McDonald, an apprentice gardener in Botanic Gardens has been awarded the Crosbie Cochrane Perpetual Trophy for best plantsman by the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE).

The award acknowledges Kevin’s exceptional knowledge and skills in the identification of plants, whilst completing the Level three National Award in Horticulture.

Green Apple orchard!

Pictured left to right are: Kirsty Torney, Roisin McCartney, Judith Greene, John Gallagher and Jim Ferguson.

Kevin’s coming up roses!Colin’s lifeline Colin Edgar a part-time leisure attendant at Ballysillan Leisure Centre has qualified as a Bronze Medallion Instructor and National Pool Lifeguard Trainer Assessor.

Colin undertook the training in his own time and his commitment means that the centre is now able to deliver Bronze Medallion courses to the public.

Colin’s skills have already been passed on as there has been a 100% pass rate on all courses he’s offered to date!

From left to right: Kevin McDonald, John Macfarlane Parks Quality Manager, and David Patterson, CAFRE.

Suzanne Patman, apprentice gardener at Botanic Gardens will join the ranks of celebrated gardeners such as Alan Titchmarsh when she embarks on a three year Diploma in Horticulture at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in London this autumn.

Home to the largest collection of living plants, Kew will enable Suzanne to further develop her outstanding talent which has helped her to achieve distinction level grades in all courses she’s undertaken through the College of Agricultural, Food and Rural Enterprise, (CAFRE, Greenmount Campus).

Top of the class

From left to right: Johnston Shaw, CAFRE lecturer; John Fay, CAFRE Director; Maurice Parkinson, Ballyrobert Cottage Garden and Nursery; Suzanne Patman and Alyson Campbell.

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Waste Management are asking you to donate old bras in ‘support’ of the European Week of Waste Reduction!

This is just one of the novel initiatives that staff will be able to get involved with next month as we do our bit to reduce the amount of waste we send to landfill.

The donated bras, which can be left in special collection boxes that will be placed in City Hall, Cecil Ward Building and Adelaide Exchange, will be sent to Africa for reuse.

Other activities taking place during the week include:

• a book swap library in the Atrium Restaurant;

• a coats for the homeless collection; and

• a textile jewellery workshop, reusing old scraps of material.

Look out for more information on interlink in November.

Question: What knocks 72,000 times and walks 4,500 miles?

Answer: 16 recycling advisors (of course!)

‘Support’ waste reduction

The ‘3 Rs’ brainteaser

Our most recent initiative to get the people of Belfast disposing of their waste correctly took a team of recycling advisors out onto the streets of the city for 10 weeks.

During this time they knocked on 72,000 doors to speak directly with the householder to ensure they knew what goes into each bin, take orders for recycling bins and kitchen caddies and explain the importance of recycling and composting.

The campaign was a great success with orders for 1,500 blue bins, 500 brown bins and 1,250 kitchen caddies taken.

If you’ve any queries about what you can recycle in Belfast check out www.belfastcity.gov.uk/waste

Lifeguard Norman Stewart ran a life saving course for children during the recent summer scheme at Avoniel Leisure Centre. Norman is a qualified Royal Life Saving Society (R.L.S.S) trainer and assessor and helped six children achieve their Rookie Lifeguard Stage 3 Bronze Certificate.

Norman said “This award is a great incentive for young kids who someday might want to become a lifeguard and teaches them how to initiate and carry out a successful rescue which is an invaluable skill to have.”

For more information on upcoming Lifesaving courses email [email protected] or call 9072 6326.

Paul McCartney Recreation Officer and Norman Stewart R.L.S.S trainer pictured with the newly qualified Rookie Lifeguards.

A real lifesaver

Our recycling advisors visited 72,000 homes as part of the door knocking campaign.

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Welcome to…Well done to Cleansing Services’ Brian McNally who came joint second in the ‘Ireman Competition’ held in Groomsport. Brian completed a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile cycle and a 26.2 mile marathon run - all in 12 hours 49 minutes and 32 seconds.

Congratulations to Andrew Johnston and Tommy Clulow from Cleansing Services on successfully gaining the ECDL qualification.

Well done to Stephen McBride from Building Control on receiving his MSc in Construction Project Management from Queen’s University Belfast.

Well done to Karen Russell, Norman Neill and Clare McKenna from our Human Resources Section on obtaining the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development qualification.

Stuart Wilson and Adrian O’Neill from our Estates Unit lent their football expertise to a local five aside team for the 2011 Royal Institution of

Brian's 'Ireman' success

Football high five

Brian is pictured with Jim Ferguson, Operations Manager (Street Cleansing and Transport).

Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Matrics 5 aside football competition.

12 teams took part but they were no match for our lads who won the final 3-0.

Adrian (second left) and Stuart (far right) along with their winning team mates at the RICS Matric 5 aside competition.

Top marks!

Congratulations to Geraldine McCusker from our Food Safety Unit who recently obtained the higher certificate in Food Premises Inspection from the University of Birmingham.

Well done to Sam Millar from Cleansing Services who completed the CIPD qualification - Postgraduate Diploma in Personnel Management.

Colin Booth Litter Warden

Daiva Bruskyte Civic Attendant

Nicola Coles Auditor

Elizabeth Donaldson Assistant Community Development Officer (part time)

Alan Davidson Dog Collection Officer

Christopher Edmunds Cleaner (part time)

David Ferris Community Safety Warden

George Grimason Recycling Operative

Pol Hamilton Community Safety Warden

Martin Kift LGV Combined Driver

Caillin Lynn Community Outreach Assistant

Francis McCaffrey Assistant Manager Mechanical Building Services Engineer

Denise McManus Community Centre Supervisor

John Morris Cleaner (part time)

Julie Mulrine Trainee Technical Officer

Helen Patterson Assistant Community Development Officer (part time)

Phillip Purdy Civic Chauffeur

Matthew Stobie Cleaner (part time)

Lyndsey Teggart Community Centre Supervisor (part time)

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Lexie

ShaneSienna

Esther

Ella

Brian

Mary

Adele

Naomi

CalebEllie

Michael

Aideen

There’s been a baby boom over the summer! Congratulations to all our new mums and dads!Sienna born to Health and Fitness Instructor Colm Curran and his partner Amelda.

Esther born to Raymond Kamanga from Property and Projects and his partner Miriam.Shane born to Leisure Attendant John Dyer and his partner Kerry.Ella born to Tim Walker from Waste Management and his wife Sara from the Consumer Advice Centre.

Stephen born to Stephen Benson from

Andersonstown Leisure Centre and his

partner Kathleen.

Emily born to Arthur Blair, Gardener at

Roselawn Cemetery and his wife Izzy.

Kady born to Claire Scott from Olympia

Leisure Centre and her husband Iain.

Zac and Olivia born to Jill Ellis from Waste

Management and her husband Stephen.

Caleb born to Fitness Coach Conor Downey and his partner Shannon.Ellie born to Gillian Anderson, Crematorium Assistant and her husband Karl.Lexie born to Christine Ferguson from Property and Projects and her husband Lee.Michael born to Leisure Attendant Harry Magill and his partner Nicky.

Aideen born to Bridgeen O’Neill from the Chief Executive’s business support and her husband Kevin. Cillian born to Karen Anderson-Gillespie, Policy and Business Development Officer and her husband Paul.

Stephen

Emily

Kady

Zac and Olivia

Cillian

Wedding bells

Brian Carr from Waste Management and

his wife Jill.

Mary McGinn from Waste Management

and her husband Ciaran.

Naomi Palmer from Waste Management

and her husband Paul.

Adele Keys from Environmental Health

and her husband Nick.

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Our current staff offers include:

Staff offers

Discounted Zumba classes

Monday at 6pm Duncairn Community Centre

Thursday 6.30pm Donegall Pass Community Centre

£3.50 per person

Contact Adele on 077 1504 1612 or by emailing [email protected]

10% off at Taylor Made Gardens and Homes

www.taylormadegardensandhomes.co.uk is an online store offering a large selection of home, garden and picnic ware.

To claim your discount please enter discount code Q2261160BNC on the checkout page.

For details of all our staff offers go to www.interlink/staffofffersFor more information, or to submit an offer, contact Internal Communications on 9032 0202 ext 6199.

Win a personal styling session at Victoria Square!

Treat yourself to the ultimate styling experience with Victoria Square’s leading fashion stylist Rebecca McKinney.

Whether you want to revitalize your work-wear wardrobe, update your look or shop for a special occasion, Rebecca will help you redefine your style.

Personal styling sessions last two hours and begin with briefing to discuss body shape, colour and trends. You’ll also try on clothes from a range of Victoria Square stores and put looks together with shoes and accessories to suit your needs.

All clients who attend a personal styling session will become Victoria Square Indulge members with access to special offers, discounts and invitations to exclusive Victoria Square events.

Fee: £30 for two hours.

We have three personal styling sessions to give away.

For your chance to win, simply answer the following question:

A personal styling session at Victoria Square lasts for:

Email your answer, along with your details, to Staff News. Or send it to: The Editor, intercom, Corporate Communications, 2nd floor, City Hall.

The closing date for entries is Monday 31 October 2011. All correct entries will be entered into a prize draw and the winner will be notified by 12 noon on Tuesday 1 November.

For more information go to www.victoriasquare.com

A 1 hour B 2 hours C 3 hours

BCC 4050

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