We are pleased to announce a new series of Financial Awareness Sessions, starting this month.
The sessions will focus on providing valuable and helpful information to potentially assist with future financial decisions and money management.
Please secure prior approval to attend from your line manager if any of the sessions are during your normal working hours.
In relation to online sessions for the Money and Pensions Service (MAPS) and Affinity Connect, links will be sent out by People Development – peopledevelopment@eastdunbarton.gov.uk – to manage numbers.
Affinity Connect – Planning a Positive Retirement
Online sessions via Microsoft Teams – all places MUST be booked via peopledevelopment@eastdunbarton.gov.uk
- Thursday 23 October 2025 – 1-3.30pm
- Wednesday 10 December 2025 – 9.30am-noon
Provided by Affinity Connect, for any employee considering retirement in the next 10 years or so. The aim is to help you make informed choices in relation to your retirement. It will help you to plan accordingly and includes advice on how to maximise the benefits of your state and workplace pensions, how to make the most of your tax-free cash and understanding the income options available from your pension, as well as other topics.
Affinity Connect – Taking Control of Your Finances
Online session via Microsoft Teams – all places MUST be booked via peopledevelopment@eastdunbarton.gov.uk
- Monday 24 November 2025 – 9.30-11am
This session is designed to help employees to gain confidence and control over their finances – through their working life and beyond – providing information to support informed financial decisions. It will include: understanding your payslip; exploring smart ways to budget and save; demystifying different types of borrowing; managing debt and boosting credit scores; planning for the future, and explanation of the state pension and various workplace pension options; and providing guidance on where to go for trusted financial advice.
Affinity Connect – Effective Tax Planning for Higher Earners
Online sessions via Microsoft Teams – all places MUST be booked via peopledevelopment@eastdunbarton.gov.uk
- Thursday 2 October 2025 – 1-2.15pm
- Tuesday 2 December 2025 – 9.30-10.45am
Covering a range of tax issues – from tax-free childcare to pension savings.
Affinity Connect – ‘Your LGPS Pension and the McCloud Remedy’
This 90-minute webinar – offered on a variety of dates – is designed specifically for active and deferred Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) members who may be affected by the McCloud age discrimination remedy. The session will help members understand how recent and upcoming changes could impact their pension and provide clarity on any actions they may need to take.
Scotwest Credit Union
No need to sign up for these sessions, just join online via the link or attend a suitable venue. There will be time after presentations for attendees to ask questions.
- Wednesday 10 September 2025 – in-person/drop-in at Lenzie Academy (Library) – 3-5pm
- Thursday 18 September 2025 – online session/presentation via Microsoft Teams – 3-4pm – join via this link
- Tuesday 7 October 2025 – online session/presentation via Microsoft Teams – 3-4pm – join via this link
- Monday 27 October 2025 – in-person presentation at Lenzie Academy (Library) – 3-5pm
- Wednesday 5 November 2025 – online session/presentation via Microsoft Teams – 3-4pm – join via this link
- Thursday 27 November 2025 – in-person/drop-in at Turnbull High School – 3-5pm
Strathclyde Pension Fund (SPF)
No need to sign up for these sessions, just join online with the link or attend a suitable venue.
- Thursday 9 October 2025 – online session via Microsoft Teams – 3-5pm – join via this link
- Tuesday 18 November 2025 – in-person session at Kirkintilloch High School (Library), 3-5pm
Please note, the SPF sessions above are aimed at non-teaching employees – e.g. office and Facilities Management colleagues – and any other non-teaching staff who wish to attend. There is a 22-minute webinar for teachers on the Scottish Public Pensions Agency (SPPA) website. It is also available on the Council’s Moodle platform, within the Financial Wellbeing section.
Money and Pensions Service (MAPS)
Online sessions via Microsoft Teams – all places MUST be booked via peopledevelopment@eastdunbarton.gov.uk
- Monday 22 September 2025 – online session via Microsoft Teams – 3-4pm
- Monday 3 November 2025 – in-person at Turnbull High School – 3-4pm
Citizens Advice Bureau
No need to sign up for these sessions, just drop into a suitable venue:
- Tuesday 4 November 2025 – drop-in session at Lenzie Academy (Library) – 3-5pm
- Thursday 6 November 2025 – drop-in session at Kirkintilloch High School – 3-5pm
If you need any further information or support please see the Financial Wellbeing section on the Employee Zone.
Thank you,
Angela Fegan
Executive Officer, Customer Services & Organisational Development
