Commitment to the community shines in latest round of VIP Awards
Date: 28 February 2025
Time: 12:00
Dependability and commitment to the local community have shone through in the latest round of Orkney Islands Council’s VIP Awards.
Announcing the Round Two finalists of this year’s VIP Awards, Corporate Director of Strategy, Performance and Business Solutions, Karen Greaves, said: “As leader of the teams in the Council responsible for organisational development, it’s incredible to see the dedication colleagues bring to their roles.
“Time and again through these awards we see examples of employees carrying out their duties with diligence, and putting the community’s needs first and foremost.”
Standing for ‘Values in Practice’ the VIP Awards are aimed at celebrating work which reflects the Council’s values – People, Unity, Trust, Ownership and Creativity.
This round’s finalists are:
For the Customer Focus Category
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The Mobile Community Responders - Red Team: For answering calls to emergency alarms 24/7, 365 days a year. They very often deal with people at their most vulnerable time, and do so with kindness, dignity, respect and friendliness.
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David Hamilton, Handyman: For going out of his way to ensure the needs of the service, residents and staff are met. He is the go-to person for advice and support from other services too. “In short, everyone should have a David (just don't take ours, we're keeping him!)”
For the Working Together Category
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Alistair Linklater, Driver/Roadworker: From driving gritter lorries to roads maintenance, to manning road closures for community events, to being on 24 hour standby in severe weather, Alistair has been ready to respond. It’s this steadfast service and reliability which is the backbone of our roads, and which Alistair has delivered to his teammates and the community time and time again.
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David Hamilton, Handyman: His attitude and humour brings great atmosphere in the home and makes the team feel very much like a family. A ‘proper jack of all trades’ not only can he fix just about everything and save the Council money. David also gives his free time to so many other aspects of ‘the Smiddybrae family’.
For the Creativity Category
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Mark Scadding, Visitor Services Technician – for his research into the provision of summer exhibitions at Orkney Museum to generate income and be open to local artists throughout the busiest period.
Orkney Islands Council launched its VIP Awards in September 2023 to highlight great work across three categories – Customer Focus, Working Together, and Creativity.
Nominations are invited three times per year and are reviewed by a panel of colleagues from across the Council who put forward two finalists per category, per round. Winners for each category are then selected by the Council’s Corporate Leadership Team - and these are announced at the Awards Ceremony each year.
Would you like to acknowledge great work by an OIC team or staff member? Remember - everybody’s work at the Council impacts on the community and all people in all roles can be nominated for an award.
There are nomination boxes in a number of key locations across the mainland and in the isles, including schools, libraries and care homes. You can find your nearest one via an interactive map at the link below.
You can learn more at orkney.gov.uk/VIPAwards or head straight to the nomination form at orkney.gov.uk/nominate
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Category:
- Community
