Our Values

The values have been created as part of ‘Our People Our Plan’ our ongoing programme of internal improvement, aimed at providing a clear focus for the organisation and making us an employer of choice.  These are the principles that provide us with purpose and direction and help manage our interactions with the public and amongst ourselves. They guide the way in which our staff conduct themselves.

The values that we see guiding our staff are -

• People: We put our colleagues and our communities at the heart of everything we do.
• Unity: We are one Council and achieve more when we support, encourage and value each other.
• Trust: We trust, respect and empower each other and act with honesty and integrity.
• Ownership: We take personal and shared responsibility, are transparent, and are accountable for our actions and our impact.
• Creativity: We embrace innovative solutions with a drive to improve ways of working.

Everybody at this organisation, whatever their role,  has a part to play in ensuring these values become part of everything we do.

VIP Awards

VIP stands for ‘Values In Practice’ – with the awards aimed at recognising work which reflects and embodies our values.  Any employee - wherever they work and whatever job they do - can be nominated from our many services, by a member of the public, carers, peers, colleagues, managers or mentors.

We have three award categories:

• Customer focus - This award will bring to life real examples of individuals or teams who show they really care about customers, colleagues and our communities. People who build relationships and who put people at the heart of everything they do.

• Working together - This award will be given to individuals or teams who have excelled at working together for the good for the wider Council, for our customers and our communities. True teamwork is about co-operation, breaking down barriers and getting the best out of everyone.

• Creativity - This award is to recognise individuals or teams who bring about change leading to clear benefits for customers, colleagues and our communities. It’s for individuals or teams who show commitment to improving and developing themselves and the work they deliver.

Nominations can be made online, by video or posted and nominees must currently be employed by Orkney Islands Council; they can work in any role, part-time or full time, within any team or service.

Finalists will be chosen by an employee selection panel from a wide variety of services and all different types of jobs. Finalists then get the opportunity to win at our annual award celebration to receive vouchers and a certificate.