Employee excellence in the spotlight as first Inspire Awards event held
Our first ever Inspire Awards - which celebrate the hard work, commitment and achievements of employees across the council - were held in Haddington Corn Exchange on Wednesday afternoon.
With more than 200 nominations received, the judging panel - comprising the Provost, representatives of the Executive Team, and a trade union representative - faced some very difficult decisions. Thanks to everyone who nominated a colleague, whether on a team or individual basis.
Hosted by Chief Executive Laurence Rockey and Provost John McMillan, almost 200 people attended the awards event, with excellent musical entertainment provided by 30 student musicians from local secondary schools.
'Amazing experience'
Laurence said: “Our inaugural Inspire Awards will live long in the memory. We received a significant number of thoughtful, high-quality nominations, which demonstrated the breadth of talent, professionalism and expertise which exists in our workforce.
“Everybody who lives, works or visits East Lothian relies on at least some of the varied and essential services provided by our organisation. Our people have a relentless focus on providing the highest standard of service to the communities we serve.
“It was an amazing experience to recognise the achievements of employees and teams through the Inspire Awards. They really were a fantastic way to celebrate the impressive work which takes place day in and day out and highlight the difference made by our council values – Enabling, Leading and Caring – in action.
“I enjoyed chatting to many of the finalists before and after the event. Whether you were nominated, made it through as a finalist or were a category winner, you can be very proud. Huge congratulations from me. Thanks also to our music performers, who showcased some of the talent which exists in East Lothian school.
“Like so many others, I can’t wait until the next Inspire Awards!”
The Provost added:
“The Inspire Awards are a fresh way to shine a light on the work you do — often quietly, often behind the scenes, but always with a shared commitment to our communities.
“These awards build on the tradition of the former STAR Awards, and they reflect how our organisation has grown and changed in recent years. At their heart, they are about recognising the people who inspire others: through their innovation, their kindness, their professionalism, and their ability to make things happen.”
All finalists received a certificate, with the winner in each of the eight categories receiving a trophy and certificate.
The winners and finalists were:
Customer Excellence Award
Winner: Katie Jenkins, IT
“A colleague praised for her professionalism, positivity and approachable nature.”
Finalists: Brunton Hall Customer Services; Education Outreach Service; Licensing Team
Award presented by Eamon John, Head of Communities.
Community Focus Award
Winner: Amenity Services
“A team widely respected for their work in keeping East Lothian and its open spaces clean, attractive and well maintained.”
Finalists: Annette Allan and Nel Murray, Adult Learning Disabilities Social Work; the Brunton Arts team; Scott Kennedy, Emergency Planning and Risk
Award presented by Shamin Akhtar, Depute Council Leader.
Unsung Hero Award
Winner: Bruce Colgan, Road Services
“A colleague who has worked tirelessly with unwavering dedication to ensure East Lothian’s roads are safe and accessible.”
Finalists: Allan Bourhill, Libraries; Gerry Chapman, Throughcare and Aftercare Team; Judith Hodson, Financial Inclusion Team; Helen Johnstone, Facilities Management
Award presented by Fiona Wilson, Director of the East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership.
One Council Award
Winner: Garden Waste Permits cross-department collaboration
“A team of colleagues represented by different parts of the council who worked to successfully deliver a new scheme for local households.”
Finalists: Louise Stewart, Communications; Business Rates and Sundry Accounts; Active Travel Team
Award presented by Andy Forrest, Depute Provost.
Sustainability Award
Winner: Community Payback Work Team
“A team whose approach to sustainability gives service users new skills and opportunities, such as through recycling bikes and rescuing items from landfill.”
Finalists: Waste Recycling Advisers; Road Structures Team – North Berwick Harbour Wall Reconstruction; Mikel Vallejo, Procurement; Transport Services
Award presented by Sarah Fortune, Depute Chief Executive (Resources and Economy).
Innovation Award
Winner: Families Together East Lothian
“A team with a focus on building kind and compassionate relationships while working with partners.”
Finalists: Jo Allen, Communications; Rebecca Grangeret, Organisational Development; Dan Smith and Craig McMillan, IT
Award presented by Lyn Jardine, Leader of the Opposition.
Team of the Year Award
Winner: Housing Options
“A team that has worked hard to transform how it operates, meet demand and support vulnerable clients.”
Finalists: Adult Social Work Team; Burial Team; Countryside Team; Democratic Services
Award presented by Lesley Brown, Depute Chief Executive (Children and Communities).
Employee of the Year Award
Winner: Jo Allen, Communications
“An employee who has been instrumental in elevating the quality and professionalism of the council’s media and communications work, offering wise counsel and creative solutions.”
Finalists: Doreen Chalmers, Finance; Caroline McCorkindale, Fostering and Adoption Team; Katie Jenkins, IT; Ed Offer, Dunbar Grammar School; Rebecca Grangeret, Organisational Development; Hazel Boak, Democratic Services
Award presented by Norman Hampshire, Council Leader.
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We look forward to sharing more photographs and a video in the coming days.
