COVID-19 UPDATE
In light of the developing COVID-19 situation and the ongoing published advice, we would like to share details of Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn’s current response plan, which is focused on maintaining business continuity and supporting the wider community to respond to the crisis.
We will continue to closely monitor and adhere to guidance from the Scottish Government and the NHS to ensure our staff and wider community have the latest information and guidance
We will work together with other organisations and businesses, supporting each other to ensure practical help is co-ordinated and delivered in adherence to the guidance provided in relation to COVID-19. We will work with and support co-ordination of village volunteers across the estate to support efforts in relation to those self-isolating.
We will continue to ensure we support organisations/businesses and community groups by telephone, email and video conferencing to find out what is available to them, to enable them to keep running safely.
We will remain committed to our vision for the community of the Galson Estate, “a thriving and well-connected community with excellent local services and amenities, harnessing it’s natural assets to sustain a unique cultural and social environment.”
We will send a unified response, as already invited, to our Scotland’s Islands team on a daily basis if required. This response will highlight the priority issue unique to our community/organisation in the past 24hrs. This update will be shared with Scottish Government colleagues and Ministers to enable the right people to have access to the best information to inform future actions.
We will continue to work with any key stakeholders to find the best way forward, making best use of resources and seeking new, safe ways of supporting the community.
As an organisation we have a well-tested continuity plan and we hope this will allow us to continue in our work to manage the estate, including all crofting business in an effective manner. We have had to take some steps and preventative measures to support staff, which include:
Homeworking for office staff, to maintain delivery of service
Office staff are well placed to work remotely as part of our existing structure and work will continue using a collaborative online platform and video conferencing.
We will continue to hold board meetings, finance sub-group meetings etc. making use of video conferencing.
Our office base remains open to staff, but we have a policy of no more than four people in the building at any one time. All hygiene practices are being adhered to. The office is not open to the public as of Monday 23rd March.
No visitors are to enter the office premises.
The Habost Household Waste and Recycling Centre is shut and is not open to the public.
No one should visit the Habost Household Waste and Recycling Centre, nor dump anything at the site.
No work-related travel will be undertaken at this time.
All staff have been advised to ensure they are familiar with Government and NHS guidelines and to follow their guidance.
Staff will adhere to our flexible working arrangements to allow them to respond to the needs of the business in this unprecedented situation.
Any enquiries should be made by emailing: office@uogltd.com in the first instance. We hope our office telephone number will be available in the next week when forwarded, but for now we ask that you email the above address.
We hope this update provides reassurance that steps have been taken to maintain the levels of service required by the community.
Solidarity is critical during this crisis and public health advice must be taken seriously. Please make every effort to follow guidelines to ensure you not passing the infection on.
Take care of yourself, your family, friends and neighbours. Be kind and considerate, connect using phones/online/Whatsapp groups, support vulnerable and isolated people and only share accurate information in relation to COVID-19.
If you have any queries or concerns in relation to this update please contact:
Lisa Maclean by email: lisa@uogltd.com
Dùrachdan,
Sgioba UOG - UOG Team
