9 June 2008 - STAFF
who have shown remarkable commitment to the provision of public services have been recognised.
This is the third year running that Harrogate Borough Council has held its Employee of Achievement Awards.
The Mayor of the Borough of Harrogate, Councillor John Fox, handed out the awards at a ceremony last week and spoke in praise of all the council's staff.
"Customer satisfaction with our services is high and that is down to the quality of our staff.
These awards allow us the chance to formally recognise a very committed and dedicated workforce.
As the nominations come from colleagues and councillors, those nominated know that they are held in very high regard within the council."
Councillor Andrew Jones, Cabinet Member for Resources and Chair of the Human Resources Committee echoed the Mayor's remarks.
"The National Council Worker of the Year awards are now also in their third year.
We have only entered twice and yet we have had staff short-listed both times, this is a great credit
their work."
Team of the Year
went to the Transport Workshops who have adapted their skills to maintain a wider range of vehicles including the new recycling fleet.
They have also saved the council money by making new recycling cages, which would have cost twice as much to buy, and they maintain 10 year old refuse vehicles which the private sector can't believe as their vehicles are a maximum of six years old
The nominations for the
Care and Commitment category were so high that the judges decided to award two winners.
Barbara Gowton has been honoured for the warmth of welcome she shows to the town's hundreds and thousands of conference and exhibition visitors.
Barbara is well known in the industry having worked for the catering team since the Conference Centre opened in the 80s.
Delegates know that nothing is too much trouble for Barbara.
Next came Keith Scott, Street Cleansing Operative.
Loyalty in any job is to be applauded but working day and night for more than 20 years, in all weather to keep our streets clean is a commitment that is to be congratulated.
Harrogate district wins many floral plaudits but many don't realise that our clean streets play an important part in the judging.
Keith is a perfect example of a front line employee.
The
Innovation Award went to Jan Davidson, Transport Concessions Manager.
Jan was responsible for introducing the new concessionary fares scheme for all councils in North Yorkshire achieving the country's leading performance issuing 98 per cent of passes by 1 April deadline compared to the national average of less than 50 per cent.
With a lack of Government guidance, Jan also negotiated a new bus fare reimbursement model with over 50 bus operators.
The final award for
Leadership and Overall Employee of Achievement 2008 went to Dave Sykes, Planning Policy Officer.
Dave was nominated for his continuing outstanding commitment to the production of the new Local Development Framework, which is essential to the development and conservation of the district up to 2025 but this new style of plan has thrown up many challenges including changes to national and regional planning guidance.
Dave's team say that his dedication to planning policy often means he works beyond the call of duty, often working at weekends and late at night.
They also say he is a very approachable and supportive manager.
All winners will be put through to the 2009 National Council Worker of the Year awards.
ENDS