Awards ceremony recognises City Council staff achievements

04 June 2015

Aberdeen City Council has recognised the excellence of its staff with a series of 'Star Awards', which were presented to the winners at a special gala event at the Beach Ballroom.

Judges from Robert Gordon University, the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Guild of Burgesses, Aberdeen Council for Voluntary Organisations and from major public and private sector organisations in the city selected the category winners from more than 100 nominations from City Council colleagues and members of the public.

Professionalism

Winner: Stephen Booth, Property Estates Manager, Communities, Housing & Infrastructure (CH&I)    Steven was nominated for his drive, innovation and desire to ensure targets for income from property disposals are met and that even complex and challenging transactions are completed within agreed timescales. He has also fostered a grow-your-own approach to attract inexperienced staff to the Council and to encourage them through to professional qualifications. Hugh Murdoch collected the award on behalf of Stephen. Finalists: Alison Crawford, Cook in Charge, Sunnybank School, Education and Children's Services (E&CS); Social Work Central Records Team: Trevor Gillespie, Deborah Kinnaird, Patricia Leslie, Gillian Cannon, Social Work, E&CS; In Bloom Team: Graham McKay, Alan Gray, Mike Chalmers, Lorna Graham, CH&I

Respect

Winner: Culter Cleaning Team; Helen Graham, Susan Robertson, Mary Clark (CH&I)    The CH&I team was nominated for their consideration for all the people they meet, attending to their welfare needs and always going the extra mile in their work.
Finalists: Aileen Walker, School Support Services Manager, Bucksburn Academy, E&CS; Graeme Baird, Electrical Apprentice, CH&I.

Customer Focus

Winner: Jackie Lamont, Deputy Head Teacher, Danestone Primary School (E&CS)    Jackie was nominated for the passion and enthusiasm she has dedicated to teaching for over 30 years. She has steadfastly advocated ensuring pupils and families have the support they need to thrive, and has also shared her knowledge in maths and numeracy through inter-school development programmes, acting as a role model for other schools. Finalists: Lesley Michie, Support Assistant, EC&S; Marischal College Services Catering Team: Pamela Dyce, Sally Campbell, Susan Bailey, Russell Elrick, Lynn Godfrey, Carol Johnston, Michelle Gilles, Heather Black, Kim Mulloy, Enid Caie, Gail Cox, Land and Property Assets, CH&I.

Communication

Winner: Carol Li, School Administrator, St Peter's RC School (E&CS)    Carol was nominated for her tireless commitment to provide excellent communications for the school community. The EC&S staff member knows the 250 children and their parents well, and plays a key role in working with agencies, partners and external and internal support groups. Finalists: Alison Leslie, Sustainable Development Officer, CH&I; Steven Robertson, Senior Technology Analyst, IT and Transformation, Corporate Governance (CG).

Friday's Child

Winner: Fiona Cochrane, Support Officer (CH&I)    Fiona has acted as a volunteer for the Samaritans for six years, in particular supporting those impacted by suicide. She has provided the service with information about suicide support groups like Samaritans, Breathing Space and Cruise. Finalists: Andy Campbell, Soft FM Manager, Land and Property Assets, CH&I; Sinclair Laing, Team Leader, Environmental Policy, Planning and Sustainable Development, CH&I.

Collaboration

Winner: Powis Recycling Team, Waste and Recycling Team (CH&I) and Powis Residents' Group: Hannah Lynch, Erica Manfroi, Martina Klubal, Anne Gladstone, Alan Paterson, Dave Simmers, Andy Mearns, Scott Ross, Michael McTigue and Fiona Lindsay    The group was nominated for an on-going complex project to improve waste and recycling services in Powis, which addresses storage of bins on the pavement, fly-tipping and litter from overflowing bins. Through collaboration, the Powis Recycling Team successfully built a relationship that has lasted beyond the implementation of the project and has provided on-going opportunities to increase recycling. Finalists: Countryside Ranger Service: Ian Talboys, Robert Rowe, Simon Whitworth, Steven Bly, CH&I; The Accord Team: Bruce Reid, Anita Munro, Sree Bontho, Kirsty Mair, Damien Bird, Gregor Ramsay, Robert Fenton, IT and Transformation, CG.

Innovation

Winner: Ray Douglas, Beach Ballroom Manager (E&CS)    Ray was nominated for his attention to detail and tireless efforts in developing the décor and excellent management of the Ballroom. Finalists: Shaping Aberdeen team: Dorothy Morrison, Craig Farquhar, Jacqui McKenzie, CG; Digital Connectivity Team: Gordon Wright, Wendy Robertson, Ioanna Giannaki, Economic Development, CH&I; Ian Watt, e-Government Manager, IT and Transformation, CG, for the Sports App; Kiemon Stewart, Jenna Innes, Regeneration and Housing Investment, CH&I, for the Apprentice Scheme; Lynette Martin, Mandarin Secondary School Teacher, Hazlehead Academy, EC&S.

People's Champion

Winner: Donna Shaw, Housing Support Worker, (CH&I)    Donna was nominated by a service user with whom she has been working closely. Donna has made a huge impact on her life and has been a consistent source of support and inspiration through her advice and guidance. Finalists: Charles Sleigh, Street Cleaner, Bucksburn, Land and Property Assets, CH&I; Seaton Developmental Nursery: Sheila McGregor, Vanessa De La Osa, Janice Read, Sylwia Maka, Helen Johnstone, Lisa Hutt, Elaine Moore, Margaret Taylor, EC&S

Shining Star

Winner: Louise Ironside, Assistant HR Coordinator (CG)    The special award for 2015, endorsed by the Chief Executive, was awarded for Louise's outstanding contribution and confidence in medical first aid and skills demonstrated in the workplace.

Legacy Awards 

Elizabeth Wood, Senior Complaints, Rights and Enquiries Office, Social Care and Wellbeing; Judith Stones, Lead Curator in Archaeology and History, EC&S; Jim Taylor, Surveying Manager, Kittybrewster; Beverley Graham for 30 years' service, including as long-time Support Officer to the Lord Provost. The awards were presented to staff who retired over the past year, who made a major contribution to the Council and the city.

City Council Leader Councillor Jenny Laing said: "The skills of our staff are at the heart of this organisation, providing front-line services for all of our citizens. Our schools, our social work, our housing services, our streets, parks, waste collections and many other services are all kept running only because of the dedication of very able teams and individuals.

"It is a huge pleasure to be able to recognise the unsung heroes and heroines of this great city and to get together to celebrate the excellent work that they do."

Chief Executive Angela Scott said: "Our staff are out serving the city every day of the year, whether it's running summer events or clearing the winter roads. They make a huge effort, often behind the scenes, to give our citizens the best service we can provide.

"The Star Awards gives colleagues and the people of Aberdeen the chance to say 'thank-you and well done' to those who have gone out of their way to serve the people. We can be proud of the winners, the finalists and all the nominees, who are a credit to the Council and to the city."

Judges were: Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Bob Collier; Aberdeen City Council Leader Councillor Jenny Laing; Deputy City Council Leader Councillor Marie Boulton; the then-SNP Group Leader Councillor Callum McCaig; Liberal Democrat Group Leader Councillor Ian Yuill, Conservative Group Leader Councillor Ross Thomson; ACVO Chief Executive Joyce Duncan; representatives from ACVO Volunteer groups – Aberdeen Welfare Matters Mental Health Project, the SPARK, SHMU, Learning Disability Group of Aberdeen, Inchgarth Community Centre, Aberdeen Cyrenians, Cornerstone, Befriend a Child, I-Connect North East, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Aberdeen City Youth Council, Aberdeen Civic Forum, Danestone Community Centre, Seventeen, GREC-Grampian Regional Equality Council, Cove Community Council, Northfield Community Centre; Aberdeen Cyrenians Depute Chief Executive Scott Baxter; Aberdeen Football Club PA to Directors Linda McDonald; Lord Dean Colin Taylor, Aberdeen Guild of Burgesses Dean of Guild; Aberdeen Sports Village Chief Executive David Beattie; University of Aberdeen Principal and Vice-Chancellor Prof Sir Ian Diamond; AECC Managing Director Brian Horsburgh; Bon Accord Care Director Sandra Ross; North East Scotland College Principal and Chief Executive Rob Wallen; Robert Gordon University Principal, Prof Ferdinand Von Prondzynski; Sport Aberdeen Chairman Fred Dalgarno.

The Star Awards dinner and ceremony was fully funded with the kind support of sponsors Xerox, Bunzl Greenham, Instock, Loomis UK, McWilliam Aberdeen Ltd, Stirfresh, Arco, Findel and Brakes.