Staff intranet

Discretionary Voluntary Redundancy

The Voluntary Redundancy (VR) scheme offers colleagues a supported way to consider future plans, while helping protect essential community services.

Employee information sessions

A series of employee training and information sessions have been planned to support colleagues during the introduction of the Discretionary Voluntary Redundancy (VR) Scheme.

These sessions will explain:

  • why the scheme is being introduced
  • who is eligible to apply
  • what the scheme offers
  • how the application process works
  • key timescales
  • decision-making criteria
  • what support is available

The sessions will also explain what happens after an expression of interest is submitted and where colleagues can access further guidance.

All sessions cover the same materials. You only need to attend one session.

Session dates and times

Wednesday 22 April

Friday 24 April

  • In person: Bainbridge Room, Copeland Centre, Whitehaven — 10am to 11am
  • In person: Moorclose Community Centre, Workington — 1pm to 1.45pm
  • In person: Council Chamber, Allerdale House, Workington — 2.30pm to 3.30pm

Monday 27 April

  • In person: Conference Rooms A and B, Cumbria House, Carlisle — 10am to 11am

Tuesday 28 April

  • In person: Scafell Pike Room, Parkhouse, Carlisle — 3.30pm to 4.30pm

Wednesday 29 April

  • In person: Rooms 1A, 1B and 1C, West Cumbria House, Workington — 1.30pm to 2.30pm

Thursday 30 April

Tuesday 5 May

Depot and workplace sessions

Events at depots and other workplaces have also been organised for colleagues who:

  • struggle to attend in-person sessions, or
  • have limited access to IT equipment to take part online

Information on these events will be shared directly with colleagues who need them.

Session materials and recordings

The materials, a recording of a Teams session and a video will be shared with all colleagues. There will be opportunities to ask questions and share concerns during the sessions or through the usual communication channels.

Drop-in sessions with Pay and Reward

Colleagues can book allocated one-to-one time slots with the Pay and Reward team to ask questions about the VR scheme.

How to book

Email [email protected]. More information will be provided after your booking is confirmed.

Drop-in dates

  • Tuesday 28 April: Microsoft Teams (link will be provided after booking is confirmed)
  • Wednesday 13 May: In person — Carlisle
    • Parkhouse and Civic Centre (morning)
    • Bousteads Grassing (afternoon)
  • Thursday 14 May: In person — Workington
    • West Cumbria House and Lillyhall Highways depot (morning)
    • Allerdale House and Solway depot (afternoon)
  • Friday 22 May: In person — Whitehaven
    • Copeland Centre (morning)
    • Moresby depot (afternoon)
  • Tuesday 26 May: Microsoft Teams (link will be provided after booking is confirmed)
  • Wednesday 27 May: Microsoft Teams (link will be provided after booking is confirmed)
  • Wednesday 10 June: In person — Cumbria House, Carlisle
  • Thursday 11 June: Microsoft Teams (link will be provided after booking is confirmed)

Pension support

My Money Matters will be hosting online sessions on understanding your pension options and how to access your pension information.

Under 55 session details

Over 55 session details

Support and wellbeing

We know that conversations about organisational change can feel unsettling. Ensuring colleagues feel supported remains a priority.

Support is available throughout the application period. You can speak with:

  • your line manager
  • HR
  • your Trade Union representative

If you would benefit from additional wellbeing support, contact the Health and Wellbeing Team at [email protected].

Wellbeing and resilience training

A range of wellbeing and resilience sessions is available to support colleagues during ongoing organisational change. These sessions are designed to help colleagues feel informed, supported and equipped to manage change at work, whether or not the VR scheme is relevant to them personally.

Colleagues can attend Thriving in the Workplace – Wellbeing and Resilience on:

  • Friday 8 May 2026: Allerdale House, Workington
  • Tuesday 2 June 2026: Cumbria House, Carlisle
  • Friday 19 June 2026: Allerdale House, Workington

The training is also available on iLearn: Thriving in the Workplace: Wellbeing and Resilience.

Book your place on iLearn

Training and information sessions for managers

Managers are encouraged to attend Building and Supporting Resilient Individuals and Teams, taking place on:

  • Friday 1 May 2026: Civic Centre, Carlisle
  • Tuesday 19 May 2026: Copeland Centre, Whitehaven
  • Monday 8 June 2026: Civic Centre, Carlisle
  • Thursday 25 June 2026: Copeland Centre, Whitehaven

Book your place on iLearn

Being a Cumberland Manager – Leading Through Change and Uncertainty

Delivered virtually in Microsoft Teams on:

  • Tuesday 12 May 2026
  • Thursday 18 June 2026

Book your place on iLearn