Renfrewshire Council

“We’re delighted with the results and believe it will be a fantastic addition to the local, and national, arts scene now that it has reopened,” says Mhairi Henderson on the transformation of Paisley Arts Centre. The centre recently reopened to the public following a £3million renovation. “The venue has been brought into the 21st century and now offers more opportunity to host different performers, acts and events, with the multifunctional nature of the new venue able to accommodate everything from intimate gatherings to larger theatrical performances,” adds Assistant Project Manager Mhairi. “Add to this the new revamped café and bar space, we expect to attract both new performers and patrons alike to this much-loved venue in the heart of Paisley.   “The programme arranged by OneRen is already attracting some fantastic names that we may not have seen here before. I’m looking forward to seeing that reputation continue to develop in the future.” The renovation added new state-of-the-art back-of-house and performance facilities, upgraded dressing rooms, enhanced workshop space for rehearsals and events, expanded the bar area, improved sound and lighting systems and refurbished the main auditorium with new retractable seating.   "It has been incredibly rewarding to give renewed life to this Grade B listed cultural hub for Paisley,” says Mhairi. “As a smaller, sister location to Paisley Town Hall, the arts centre offers diverse performance opportunities, enhancing the town's cultural landscape and hopefully attracting more people to visit Paisley.   “I hope it will bring cutting-edge arts events and cultural performances here, but also be consistently utilised for the good of everyone who lives, works and visits.   “The exciting regeneration currently ongoing in Paisley is a reflection of Renfrewshire's contribution to Scottish arts and culture and will ensure its continued involvement for years to come which is fantastic to be a part of.”   The Arts Centre is a part of our cultural regeneration programme that involves significant investment in Paisley's cultural venues as we aim to give people new reasons to visit the town centre.   This also includes the transformation of the town’s museum into a world-class visitor attraction, the modernisation of Paisley Town Hall into one of Scotland’s premier entertainment venues, and the creation of the award-winning learning and cultural hub on Paisley High Street.   For more information on forthcoming events at Paisley Arts Centre, visit OneRen’s website.   To find out more about the ongoing regeneration of Paisley, search 'Paisley regeneration' on the council website. #Regeneration #Paisley #Culture #Arts #Renfrewshire

“Shipbuilding on the Clyde inspired our design," says Tony Kettle as he discusses the inspiration for the new Renfrew Bridge. "The visual history of cranes juxtaposed against each other and the way the dry docks are cut into the banks at an angle. The challenge was to capture that spirit of movement in the angles of the new bridge structure, and to accentuate the fact this is a moving structure, not just another static bridge." The Renfrew Bridge, the first opening road bridge over the River Clyde, sparked a big interest in Tony, a world-renowned architect who has designed buildings all over the world as part of the Kettle Collective. “It was a rare opportunity to celebrate all that is special about Renfrew, to remind people of the rich industrial heritage, of the globally recognised engineering and construction expertise that occurred on both banks of the Clyde. “It was fantastic to work closer to home. It means more if you are given a chance to contribute to improving people’s lives close to where you live. “With every project we are lucky enough to undertake, we look for the special qualities that are unique to the particular place and we certainly did that with the Renfrew Bridge. “The Renfrew Bridge is both a physical and symbolic connection, a celebration of the coming together of two communities that will undoubtedly benefit from having closer ties. It will create a gateway and a destination that should bring more people together to enjoy the riverbank and celebrate the history and rich cultural heritage that they share.” Visiting the site recently, Tony was delighted to see how his designs have come off the page and into existence. “I can’t resist a challenge. I have a natural curiosity to learn new things and enjoy turning seemly contradictory opposites into innovative solutions. “It’s fantastic to see the bridge in the flesh and I’m honoured and immensely grateful to the engineers and fabricators for their skills and ingenuity to make it a reality. I have learned over the years to be very patient as projects can be designed quickly but can take so long to materialise, so it’s great to see it arrive on the Clyde and for the project to move closer to completion. “It will clearly improve transport connections, but it will also give a focus and raise the profile of the towns as people and businesses are attracted to one of the longest span cable-stayed opening bridges in the world. People will be proud, and it will be a real landmark for the area.” The bridge is a key part of the £117million Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project which will connect Renfrew with Yoker and Clydebank directly for the first time and will open up work, health, education and leisure opportunities on both sides of the river. It is jointly funded by the UK and Scottish Governments through Glasgow City Region City Deal. #CityDeal #Regeneration #Bridge #Renfrew #Yoker #GlasgowCityRegionCityDeal

We’re looking for 10 highly motivated, enthusiastic and experienced people to join our new Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside (CWRR) Clyde Crossing Operations Team managing the Renfrew Bridge. The twin‑leaf swing bridge is the first opening road bridge over the River Clyde and will be open to vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians, linking communities in Renfrew, Glasgow and West Dunbartonshire. It is required to open on demand to allow the passage of boats, ships and other river vessels. The Bridge and Structures Manager will oversee the team responsible for the 24-hour, 365 days a year operation of the bridge. You must have degree in engineering, a Chartered Membership (or be working towards Chartered Membership) of the Institution of Civil Engineers, and post-qualification experience within a roads service. You also require working experience of NEC contract types and experience of using and/or implementation of design software and substantial experience in multi-disciplinary project work. Interviews are scheduled for 13 and 14 June 2024. Apply by 7 June 2024. https://lnkd.in/d-aDYRbb Infrastructure and Operations Officers (4 posts) are responsible for the operation and control of the bridge and the general day-to-day management and operation of the bridge. You will repost to the Bridge and Structures Manager and have responsibility for managing at least one Roads Infrastructure Co-ordinator. You must either hold a degree or professional qualification in a relevant subject or the ability to evidence the equivalent level of knowledge/training/experience required. Apply by 11 June 2024. https://lnkd.in/dV2q2VzB Roads and Infrastructure Coordinators (5 posts) will be responsible for opening and closing the bridge as required, working either a day or night shift. The post includes 1.5 hours of contractual overtime to be paid each week. It is essential you have experience in analysing data and reporting results, experience in information management and document control, and an awareness of current health and safety legislation with experience following health and safety policies and procedures. Apply by 7 June 2024. https://lnkd.in/d-w4pX5h The team are part of the overall Climate, Public Protection and Roads service in Environment, Housing and Infrastructure. #Engineering #Bridge #RenfrewBridge #RenfrewshireCouncil #Jobs #Recruitment

Amy Warren has been supporting foster carers for many years as a social worker and says it’s a job where no two days are the same.    “I love working with people that really care about children, people who have big hearts and just want to make things better for children,” she said.    “It’s always great to hear how they came into the world of fostering and to see first-hand their commitment to children.    “When a foster carer and child have a bond, that’s really important, but if you can provide a safe family base that’s enough. It might not take away trauma or change the child’s behaviours, but you are providing a foundation that will support them move forwards. It will take time to work through these complex issues.    “Sometimes it can be harder than you thought it was going to be but if you have the strength to continue and can focus on the impact on the child, you will see how even small improvements are improvements. That’s stickability.”    Amy and the team provide continuous support to foster carers.    “When you register your interest in being a foster carer, you get introduced to the social workers in the fostering team who are with you each step of the way. I really take a lot of time getting to know my foster carers and build a relationship with them.    “You are invited to preparation groups with other potential foster carers to see if you are ready for fostering. Then you will be allocated a social worker who will visit you at home and get to know you. The process takes about a year on average and it’s important to know it can take this long.    “I speak to my foster carers all the time making sure they are doing alright. Once a month, we also have a supervision meeting too. Families see me as an extension of their family and know they can call me whenever there is something they want to talk about, big or small.”    Foster carers need to be aged over 21, be in good health and have space in their home for a child. What else do they need?    “You need to have a big heart and lots of patience to be a foster carer, but there’s training for everything else. Children need to feel part of your family and also need extra support from you. One family I work with has a wee girl and they look after like she is one of their own, but they know she needs to be treated as an individual. She has different needs from their own children, but she still gets the same level of attention and commitment.    “You also need to know your limitations and what you can and cannot cope with. Sometimes all it takes it having an open and honest conversation about the way of the world today. It’s about understanding what young people do these days.”    We’d like to thank Amy for taking the time to talk about her role.    #FosterCareFortnight #FCF24 #Fostering #FosterCare 

“Transport and travel means different things to different people,” says Mark Higginbotham, Transportation & Active Travel Manager. “It can be getting to work, heading home from school or studies, popping to the shops, meeting friends and family, enjoying exercise, seeing a show. “Whatever it means to you, we want to make it safe and simple to travel to your destination and make Renfrewshire a great place to live, work and visit.” Mark and colleagues have teamed up with transport consultants AECOM to start development of Travel Renfrewshire 2035, the new 10-year local transport strategy. “The new strategy will set out the transport and travel priorities and actions in Renfrewshire over the next decade," says Mark. “We have important responsibilities and national priorities to meet including making bus and train journeys more accessible, encouraging walking and cycling, reducing travel by car and protecting the environment. “We are also working in a financially challenging period so we need to choose the changes which make the biggest difference for every pound we spend locally.” There are big challenges ahead – with 65% of journeys to work in Renfrewshire by car and 34% of carbon emissions coming from transport. But there’s big opportunities too and people who live and travel around Renfrewshire can set the direction of travel by completing an online survey open until Thursday 27 June. “Development of Travel Renfrewshire 2035 offers an opportunity for improvements to transport to be identified and we welcome comments on all modes of transport across Renfrewshire to help shape the strategy, and strongly encourage people to provide feedback,” says David Mayne from AECOM. To take part in the survey, visit https://lnkd.in/emf5jZFH #TravelRenfrewshire #transport #travel #Renfrewshire #OurRenfrewshire #consultation #ActiveTravel

We are looking for a dynamic, innovative and motivated Head of Education to join our team. Working with the Director of Children’s Services, the Chief Social Work Officer and Head of Education, Learning Estate and Resources, the role will oversee the effective delivery of education across half of Renfrewshire’s schools and centres. It will also lead on raising attainment and improving outcomes for all our learners, with a specific responsibility for children and young people with additional support needs. The successful candidate will have a relevant degree or professional qualification, a belief they can make a significant impact in improving outcomes for our children and young people, and a record of achievement at senior management level in an education environment. Thorough knowledge and understanding of legislation relating to education and extensive experience in strategic policy development and implementation, the development and management of strategic partnerships and service improvement are also essential. If this sounds like you, apply at https://lnkd.in/eZjdnt5E To have an informal discussion about the role, call Janie O’Neill, our Director of Children’s Services, on 0141 487 0885. Applications close on Sunday 26 May. #Job #Vacancy #JobAlert #VacancyAlert #Education #Recruitment #SeniorVacancy #SeniorJob #Permanent

We’re at the public consultation stage on two new council housing developments.   There are 65 homes being built in Gallowhill and 70 homes planned for the Howwood Road area of Johnstone. This aerial photo shows a bird’s-eye view of the Howwood Road site and its surrounding area.   Both developments will provide a mix of property types and sizes, including 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes as well 1 and 2 bed cottage flats and a small number of 1, 2 and 3 bed bungalows.   All the properties will have their own designated garden area with many of the homes wheelchair accessible.   As Newbuild Housing Programme Manager Martin MacRury explains, the developments represent two important milestones for us.   “They are the first homes we’ve delivered with air source heat pumps,” says Martin. "The homes will have solar panels and enhanced air tightness and insulation which will make them really energy efficient, helping reduce the running costs for our tenants and support Renfrewshire being net zero.   “It’s also the first time we’ve constructed 5-bedroom new build Council homes. There will be three 5-bedroom houses at each development, recognising the clear demand for larger affordable homes.”   The developments are supported by £19.8million from the Scottish Government's affordable housing programme.   Homes in Gallowhill will add to the local council housing supply and the Johnstone development is part of wider investment and enhancement of existing homes in this area.   “We started the feasibility studies at the end of 2022 and recently secured above benchmark grant funding from the Scottish Government for both projects which is a huge success," adds Martin.   “We have the initial public consultation events in May to gain early feedback from the communities about the developments.   “The site and house layouts are then re-evaluated and further consultation events in June will show how we’ve taken the feedback on board.   “After this, the formal statutory approval process starts and once planning consent is in place, we’re aiming for construction to start early next year.”   McTaggart Construction have been awarded the design and build contracts. "We are delighted to be involved in both developments and look forward to working with the community and potential tenants to understand their needs and aspirations," says Janice Russell, McTaggart Construction's Managing Director.   "Our collaborative and consultative approach with our partners helps us build quality homes that make a positive difference to people and the community.”   You can find out more about these public consultation events by searching ‘consultation’ on our website.   As well as new builds, we continue to make improvements across our 12,300 Council houses, with £41million being spent this year on improvements to 1,200 homes.   #Renfrewshire #Affordable #Housing #CouncilHousing #Development #Construction #AffordableHousing #Regeneration

It’s an exciting time to join our team. We are looking for a dynamic, innovative and motivated Head of Education, Learning Estate and Resources to join Children’s Services. The team’s directorate are responsible for the delivery of services across all education establishments, child-care and criminal justice services and focused on giving every child in Renfrewshire the best start possible. The role will hold strategic responsibility for the delivery of the learning estate and the school estate management plan, lead on the management of education budgets and staffing, and hold leadership responsibility for Early Learning and Childcare across all establishments. The successful candidate will have a relevant degree or professional qualification, a thorough knowledge and understanding of legislation relating to education, and a record of achievement at senior management level in an education environment. Proven experience in strategic policy development and implementation, and the development and management of strategic partnerships and service improvement is also essential. If this sounds like you, apply at https://lnkd.in/eRRH4HzW The deadline for applications is Sunday 12 May. To arrange an informal discussion about the role, call Janie O’Neill, our Director of Children’s Services, on 0141 487 0885. #Job #Vacancy #JobAlert #VacancyAlert #Education #LearningEstate #ChildrensServices

We’re looking for a Senior Marketing Officer to join our team. The temporary role will be involved in a range of marketing activities highlighting Renfrewshire as a great place to live, work and visit. The successful candidate will have a degree in marketing or a related subject, experience of working in a similar role and a proven track record in developing, planning and implementing marketing campaigns. Digital communications experience including social media campaigns, social media and website management and experience of managing budgets will be essential. Effective communication, presentation, leadership, problem solving and team building skills are also essential to the role. A driving licence and previous local government experience are desirable. If this sounds like you, apply at https://lnkd.in/e5rngFJj Closing date for applications is Monday 6 May. To arrange an informal chat about the vacancy, email Joanne Quinn, our Marketing Manager, at joanne.quinn@renfrewshire.gov.uk #Marketing #JobAlert #VacancyAlert #Job #Vacancy #LocalGovernment #Opportunity #SeniorVacancy

"What surprised me was how childhood influences really stay with you right through to adulthood. Even small experiences can colour your view of the world and impact the decisions you make, especially as a young adult,” said June, an early years graduate who works at Glenburn Early Learning and Childcare Centre in Paisley. The whole team at Glenburn have become Promise Keepers, helping to keep the promise to care-experienced children and families. That means all nursery staff, office and janitorial staff have been trained and can offer support and use the right language to reduce stigma. June said the training opened her eyes to how impactful she can be in her role to support young children’s learning and experiences. Deputy head, Fiona Myles, also added: "Every day, we strive to embody the principles we've learned as Promise Keepers. No matter our job roles, we are all united in placing the children at the heart of our actions, ensuring they feel valued, respected, and heard. "Small gestures, like a welcoming smile in the morning, building trust by listening to their worries and being mindful of our language are all incredibly powerful ways to take real action. "That's why we are always listening and encouraging open conversations. We're mindful of parents who may be care experienced, and we are building a supportive environment for them and the children that come here." Promise Keepers are a growing network of teams within Renfrewshire Council and partners who are focused on making meaningful changes to make the world a better place for children to grow up feeling loved, safe and respected. They share knowledge and understanding with colleagues, family and friends, and act as local champions helping to educate and improve services for care-experienced people. The team at Glenburn ELCC has woven The Promise's lessons into the fabric of their daily tasks and is proud of its nurturing environment, where everyone is welcomed and valued. We’d like to thank everyone in the team for everything they do to support care-experienced children and families. #KeepThePromise #CareExperiencedHistoryMonth #Nursery #EarlyYears