Renfrewshire Council

“The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is about more than books—it’s about giving every child the chance to thrive,” says Gail Abraham. Renfrewshire became the first Scottish council to offer the global book-gifting programme which sends young children a free book each month in 2021. Since then, the impact has been extraordinary with over 175,000 books delivered, over 3,000 children currently registered and more than 8,700 children taking part in the programme so far. “We realised this is about equity, community, and expanding horizons. It’s about planting seeds and watching them grow,” says Gail, our business improvement officer who, along with Julie Paterson from our Children’s Services team, were instrumental in bringing the programme to Renfrewshire. The pair have now built a network of over 100 programme ambassadors who champion the Imagination Library across Renfrewshire. At Auchenlodment Early Learning and Childcare Centre in Johnstone, staff have seen the benefits of the programme in real-time with regards to children’s literacy. “The range of books and how carefully they are chosen really helps us focus on parts of the curriculum, like rhyming and syllables,” says head teacher Tracy Scott. “We’ve seen real improvements in outcomes for children.”   The programme has also seen some Nashville-tinged community events, from Dolly-themed hoedowns and gingerbread hunts to a life-size Dolly cutout touring local venues. Even the bells of Paisley Town Hall have chimed out Dolly’s greatest hits. Gail and Julie’s work has been recognised nationally, with features in the Scottish Parliament, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library international impact report, and a Scottish Book Trust Learning Professional Award, but, for them, it’s not about the recognition. “You can never get enough books into the hands of enough kids,” says Julie.   “We're proud of what we've achieved, but there's always more to do. It's about spreading the word and making sure every child gets the chance to fall in love with reading."

The first phase of a new website for Renfrewshire Council has gone live this week, with changes underway to make it easier for Renfrewshire residents to find information about services online. Residents seeking information on council tax, council housing, benefits and money advice, will see changes to how the information is provided, the aim being to make it easier and more convenient for people to find the information they need. Other content will stay on the old site for the time being, with links back from the new site as required. The new website is part of our Digital Strategy which aims to make services easier to use online at the same time as ensuring people can get the information they need whether that’s online, in person, by phone or by written updates. The launch of the first phase of the new Renfrewshire.gov.uk website is just the beginning of our digital experience journey. We expect to re-write and move the remaining sections of the old website to the new one, by the end of 2026.

“It was a lot of planning and emails but having some of the leading voices from our local and national economy in one place is invaluable and worth any stress” says Ruth Cooper. Ruth, our economic development manager, led the delivery of our annual Renfrewshire Economy Conference at Paisley Town Hall which brought together business leaders, public sector partners, community organisations, and policymakers to help shape the future direction of Renfrewshire’s economy. “It was great to have so many leading voices from not just our local economy, but nationally as it gives us all the opportunity to learn from each other and identify opportunities we can take advantage of”, says Ruth. Keynote speakers included Mairi Spowage from the Fraser of Allander Institute, Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce Chair, Bob Grant and Renfrewshire Council’s head of economy and development services Alasdair Morrison. Further addresses were made by Chris Brodie of Skills Development Scotland who covered employment, skills gaps and future skills, and Kevin Rush, director of regional economic growth at Glasgow City Region highlighted future City Region investments and key developments. “Having such a wide range of views, knowledge and experiences is vital as it ensures we aren’t coasting along potentially the wrong path, and we can test our plans against years of industry experience and expertise, “adds Ruth. “It also allows us to grow relationships between partners which can only be beneficial as we navigate challenging financial times and we may all need each other’s support in the short and long-term. “Despite the pressures, it is an exciting time for Renfrewshire as we continue to invest in culture and infrastructure, with recent projects like the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside, Paisley Town Hall and Paisley Learning and Cultural Hub showing how we can successfully deliver nationally significant projects that make a tangible difference to our communities. “The continued advancement of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS), transformation of Paisley Museum into a world-class visitor destination, and delivery of our Learning Estate Strategy are just a few of the high-profile projects we are undertaking that will enhance our economy, create new jobs and opportunities for people in Renfrewshire, and make a positive difference to where we live and work. “Add to this, the incredible work my teams do to support people into employment, develop and enhance their skills and access the support they need and I’m proud of the part we play for Renfrewshire, its residents and its economy. “The learning I’ve taken from the conference will help support the future direction of our economic development and I can’t wait to get started.” For more information on the economy and investment in Renfrewshire, visit our website and search for ‘regeneration’.

We’ve made significant progress in closing the gender pay gap—with the latest figures showing a 0.52% gap in favour of female workers. This marks a major improvement from 2018 when the gap stood at 4.59% in favour of male workers. The change is a testament to the impact of our ongoing efforts to promote fairness, inclusivity, and opportunity across all our workforce. We have a predominantly female workforce who deliver a wide range of essential public services, including in education, childcare, and social work. That’s why we’ve focused on: • ensuring equal access to development and leadership opportunities • promoting family-friendly policies • supporting career progression for all employees • encouraging gender balance in traditionally gendered roles. Our Human Resources (HR) policies are in place to support all employees and include flexible working, maternity, adoption, paternity and parental leave, and support for working carers. Raymond Cree, head of HR and Organisational Development, said: “We’re committed to fairness across our services, challenging stereotypes, and supporting progression for all. We’re proud of this progress and remain focused on building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. “We recognise we need to maintain and build on this progress as we strive to support equality and remain committed to taking all reasonable steps to ensure Renfrewshire Council is an attractive place to work and where everyone can thrive, regardless of gender.” We are committed to monitoring the gender pay gap closely within the Council and take action to ensure equality of opportunity for all. If you are interested in working with us, we list all our job vacancies on MyJobScotland.

“To stand on the completed Renfrew Bridge and see people using it for the first time was a very proud moment,” says Barbara Walker. “With huge numbers of people of all ages out in vehicles, bikes, walking, clearly I wasn’t the only one excited.” Barbara is our Programme Director for City Deal and Infrastructure and has played a leading role in delivering one of Renfrewshire’s most significant infrastructure projects in recent decades. The newly opened Renfrew Bridge forms the centrepiece of the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project, funded through the Glasgow City Region City Deal. Designed to improve transport connections and link communities and businesses on both sides of the Clyde, the bridge brings with it real opportunities for economic growth and employment. “This project has always been about more than just a bridge,” Barbara explains. “It’s about unlocking Renfrewshire’s potential and making it easier for people to access jobs, education, and leisure, as well as helping businesses thrive by improving access to key sites and transport links. “A project of this scale is both challenging and rewarding. From the early planning stages through to construction, it’s taken incredible collaboration across many teams—including my own City Deal team who I cannot praise highly enough, other colleagues from across the council, contractors, consultants, and partners in other local authorities. “It’s been a real privilege to lead such a passionate and committed group of people, all working towards something that will have a lasting impact on the area. There’s a real sense of pride across the team. You don’t often get to be part of something that quite literally changes the landscape, and I think it shows the ambition we have here at the Council to make a meaningful difference. “This is the kind of work that makes Renfrewshire Council an exciting and rewarding place to build your career. I’m so proud to be part of it.” The bridge is expected to bring long-term benefits including: • reduced congestion and shorter journey times for local residents and workers • better active travel links to encourage walking and cycling • greater connectivity for businesses, supporting economic development across the Glasgow city region • being a catalyst for further regeneration of the Clyde waterfront. In addition, the extended Argyll Avenue provides a direct connection out to the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS), Glasgow Airport and Inchinnan Business Park—bringing businesses and suppliers closer together and enhancing access to jobs for local people. The Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project was funded by Renfrewshire Council, UK Government, Scottish Government and Transport Scotland through the £1.13billion Glasgow City Region City Deal. Glasgow City Region City Deal is a partnership of eight councils. AMIDS Glasgow Airport Glasgow City Region #RenfrewBridge #Infrastructure #CityDeal

We’re looking for a temporary Events and Community Engagement Officer to join our award-winning Events team. The role will play a crucial part in the delivery of our events programme and maintaining relationships with local cultural and community groups to support the creation of a cultural events calendar across town centres in Renfrewshire. The successful candidate will have experience working in a live events environment, including programming, delivery and project management of events, and with volunteers in a community engagement setting. Excellent communication and organisational skills, a knowledge of health and safety legislation in relation to events, and the ability to work under pressure and be self-motivated are also essential. Previous experience managing budgets, accessing cultural funding and working within a local authority environment are desirable. Flexibility is also important as the role will require some evening or weekend work. If this sounds like you, apply at https://lnkd.in/eHTPWjDs The closing date for applications is Tuesday 20 May 2025. 

We’re looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic person to play a lead role in our journey towards Net Zero. Our Sustainability Leader Officer (Strategy) will play a key role in shaping the future strategic direction of the council and its partners as we work towards Net Zero. The role will lead on developing and coordinating a range of policy activities to support our climate change response and work with senior managers to co-ordinate the development of a Climate Adaption Plan for Renfrewshire. The successful candidate will have a degree or equivalent level, experience of operating at management level in a large public sector or similarly diverse organisation, and substantial experience of leading projects and effective cross service collaboration. You will have excellent communication, written, interpersonal and verbal presentation skills and knowledge of the legislative and policy environment in relation to the climate emergency. Experience of leading successful climate emergency programmes or outcome focused programmes in a similar field is also desirable. If this sounds like you, apply at https://lnkd.in/eZ_eCWTx Applications close on Friday 16 May 2025. 

We have launched a new WhatsApp Channel! The channel will include news and updates on the work we do as a Council, as well as opportunities for people who live and work in Renfrewshire to have their say and help shape its future. To find out more or sign-up, visit https://lnkd.in/eXrrsvjh and click ‘follow’.

“We already knew Renfrewshire is a great place for teachers to develop their skills and career—and for us to be singled out for praise in an inspection of all Scottish councils just proves that,” says Janie O’Neill. Janie, our director of Children’s Services, was delighted to read His Majesty’s Inspectors of Education’s recent report on local authority approaches to improving education across Scotland. All 32 council education departments were inspected—and none were cited as a good-practice example more often than Renfrewshire. The Renfrewshire projects singled out for praise by the inspectors included our approach to professional learning and ‘training the trainer’. “We want to develop talent and ‘grow our own’—and we are doing that by equipping our teachers to learn from each other over what works best, then passing that knowledge on,” says Janie. “Inspectors commented on the work being done by our development officers to ensure consistent approaches across the area to support our staff, through modelling and coaching. “But they also spoke about how the ‘ethos of strong collaboration’ extends beyond the central education team and can be seen across our schools, in subject networks and local clusters. “I think the clear message this sends is that Renfrewshire is a great place to work for any teachers looking to advance in their own careers, and be the best they can be.” Other areas of good practice in Renfrewshire singled out by the inspectors include: • Our parent ambassador group for children with additional support needs. This group meets four times a year to give feedback on relevant policy and practice • Our data strategy—each school has access to their own data dashboard, to help them plan learning and teaching, and the development of their own staff “Since I started here just over a year ago, I’ve been really impressed by the structures already in place—both within the central team and the schools,” Janie adds. “To be singled out three times in a national inspection is a fantastic endorsement of the work being done here—and reflects very well on the experience Renfrewshire schools offer our pupils. “This is only possible because of the dedication and talent of our team, and the way school staff have bought into the approach—and I want to thank everyone involved for that.” #education #schools #councils #learning #teachers

“Social Work is about creating positive change and improving well-being. I like to believe as social workers we fight against unfair treatment and push for rules and policies that make society fairer and more equal for everyone,” says Eirinn Cassidy, who works with us. Eirinn started with us as a student social worker in August 2022 and got a permanent post in May 2023. Here, she tells us her experience. “Growing up, I was fortunate to have an incredible social worker by my side,” she explained. “Their support and guidance not only transformed my family's life but also sparked an interest within me. I knew then and there that I wanted to be a change-maker, a person who could offer the same level of compassion and support to others. I thrive on being pushed outside my comfort zone, facing obstacles head-on, and tapping into my full potential. Social work offers me just that—a platform to grow, to learn, and to make a real difference in people's lives. “I was fortunate enough to join Renfrewshire Council's Children Services for my final university placement. Throughout my journey from student to social worker, I was given numerous opportunities to expand my professional knowledge through training. Having a fantastic team and manager who assists me daily (especially when I ask 100 questions per day!) is invaluable. I'm supported through regular supervision meetings, but the support doesn't end there; every member of the team contributes to my growth. Having worked in various workplaces, I can confidently say that being part of the Paisley Area Team has been the best decision I've made. “One of my favourite work memories is when I was asked to attend a young child's Christmas Concert at school. Despite his usual appearance of being too cool for school, he approached me and eagerly invited me to watch him perform. Seeing his transformation on stage, from quiet to enthusiastic, reminded me of the power of support and encouragement. It was a touching reminder of the impact we can have on the lives of the children we support. Moments like these reaffirm the meaningful connections we create and the joy of being part of their journey. “For me, social work is about creating positive change and improving well-being. I like to believe as social workers we fight against unfair treatment and push for rules and policies that make society fairer and more equal for everyone.” Eirinn works to Keep The Promise to care-experienced children, young people and families through the work she does as a social worker. We’d like to thank Eirinn for sharing her experiences and to all our social workers for the valuable job they do. #SocialWork #WorldSocialWorkDay #OurRenfrewshire