Council staff award nominations reflect determination to do the best for Orkney

The spotlight is once again being aimed at some of the outstanding work carried out by the Council for the local community, as the first finalists for this year’s VIP Awards are announced.  

Karen Greaves is the Council’s Corporate Director of Strategy, Performance and Business Solutions, the service area with responsibility for organisational development. She said:  

“We’re pleased we continue to receive many nominations each time we open a round. I think this reflects the huge pride our staff have in serving our community – and a determination running deep in every team to support our colleagues to do the very best for Orkney.” 

This round’s finalists are: 

For the ‘Working Together’ category: 

The Adult Social Work Team - for their hard work every day protecting adults within our community and adapting to ever increasing referrals. The team often head into unknown situations to ascertain the safety of people within our community, working closely with NHS colleagues, police, other professionals as well as more informal supports, to lead to the best possible outcomes for people in need. They support each other through all situations, sharing advice and creating that safe space to tackle the challenges -  students always comment on the approachable attitudes of the team.  

Tracy Breck, Senior Administrative Officer - for her work supporting administration across the many different units in OHAC. Her nomination says she is a strong player and “has a way of working out problems in a calm and controlled manner. She will regularly problem solve and will consider the best options for the team and then comes back with solutions that help us work together and achieve the best for OHAC. She is speedy with her task management, generous with her time with team members and speaks with honesty and care for those she manages.” 

For the ‘Customer Focus’ category: 

Linzi Dunlop, P1 teacher at St Andrews - for her dedication to supporting children - and their families – as they transition from nursery into P1. “Linzi is so in tune with the children's personalities, likes and dislikes it has made (our child) feel so settled into his primary one class. Linzi always has such rich opportunities for learning for the children. The inside and outside space of the classroom shows the amount of passion and work Linzi puts into her job. Linzi has shown terrific values for someone who has worked as a Primary 1 teacher for 3 years, getting the balance right between teaching and forming connection between teaching and parents.” 

Pupil Engagement Team at KGS and Papdale Primary - for their work with the schools helping support pupils and families. The PET team at KGS and Papdale Primary - Kat Beaver, Kim Dearness and Gavin Innes - supports pupils to improve their wellbeing and enjoy and achieve in school and their wider lives. From Breakfast bars to lunchtime clubs and after school clubs, holidays clubs and supporting 126 Dynamic Youth Awards in the last 18 months, their work has improved individuals’ attendance at school and helped pupils transition from P7 to S1, confident and ready to start at the senior school. Their nomination said: “All the children in our school know Kat and Kim and our older pupils know Gavin. If every school could have a team like this Orkney's pupils would be so very lucky.  Youth workers in school is such a positive initiative and one we are blessed to have.” 

For the ‘Creativity’ category: 

David Hibbert, Senior Marine Technical Superintendent - for his ‘tireless’ work keeping the Orkney Ferries fleet operational.  Davie spends up to three months a year away from home overseeing the repair of ageing but reliable ferries. Due to David’s diligence the breakdown rate of the fleet is low - this in turn helps the Council and Orkney Ferries provide a lifeline service to the communities in the isles. Davie has also been pioneering in the development of hydrogen fuel onboard ships, helping shape the regulatory requirements, and involved in the process of securing new electric ferries for trialling in Orkney helping us to decarbonise transport – and as such has gained a reputation as an expert in alternative fuel solutions.  

The VIP Awards launched 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. 

And it’s now even easier for you to nominate – 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