Council VIP Awards showcase a ‘can-do’ approach to community and colleagues

A shared determination to work closely with colleagues to achieve the best for Orkney shone through at this year’s finals of Orkney Islands Council’s VIP Awards held today (Friday 20 June).

The VIP awards – standing for ‘Values In Practice’ - recognise employees who embody and reflect the Council values of People, Unity, Trust, Ownership and Creativity, through their work.

Winners were crowned across three categories – Customer Focus, Working Together, and Creativity – as chosen by a panel of colleagues from across the Council, from up to six finalists in each category.

New to this year’s awards was a Special Recognition award aimed at recognising teams or individuals who work effectively even when under pressure, who drive collaboration with other teams, and who consistently deliver exceptional services.

Chief Executive of Orkney Islands Council, Oliver Reid, welcomed colleagues and Councillors to the finals, saying each of the finalists brings to life the ethos behind the Council’s values:

He said: “Our values - people, unity, trust, ownership and creativity - shape the kind of organisation we want to be and how we want to interact with the public and serve our community. 

“They are the navigation aids that provide us with purpose and direction in how we conduct ourselves in our work – whether that be amongst each other or with those who depend upon our services.

“This is the second year of our VIP Awards. We have had three separate rounds of nominations over the last 12 months and received 88 nominations from colleagues and our community, highlighting work that has made a real difference.”

The winners announced at Friday afternoon’s final were:

For the Customer Focus category:

·         Rosie Stewart, School Crossing Patrol Officer

For the Working Together category:

·         the Adult Social Work Team

For the Creativity category:

·         Mark Scadding, Orkney Museum

Winner of the Special Recognition Award was the Roads and Grounds Team - selected by the Council’s Corporate Leadership Team for their work in delivering excellent services under pressure, both operationally - in terms of keeping services for the Orkney public moving, summer and winter, and strategically - consistently showing up for and contributing to key strategic discussions and supporting colleagues in other teams.

Speaking after the award ceremony, Mr Reid said: “These awards encapsulate why I am so proud to lead this Council as Chief Executive.

“Our teams work each and every day to protect, support and serve our community with a focus on delivering for Orkney.

“Today’s event was an opportunity to celebrate, share and showcase some of that effort and dedication to our community.

“I can’t let today pass without also recognising the success of our Transportation team at last night’s Scottish Transport Awards, who scooped the Local Authority Team of the Year against some very tough competition from some very big players.

“It is gratifying to see the hard work of colleagues also being recognised nationally in this way. 

“It’s a perfect example too of how small and passionate teams around the Council can – and are - delivering results for Orkney by working to our values, working with colleagues and partners, and working with our community.”

The Council would also like to thank the following for their support of the event:

·      The Orkney Theatre and KGS for providing such a wonderful venue and helping with the setup and running.

·       Orkney College hospitality team and students for providing the delicious canapes.

·      Olivia Scott and Freya Montgomery from Stromness Academy for the fabulous live music.

·      All staff who worked on the Awards and helped the event run smoothly.

·      Everyone including the many Councillors who came along to show their support for our staff.