Council staff and community volunteers recognised at annual Pride Awards

Staff and community volunteers who have made an outstanding contribution to work in Newark and Sherwood have been recognised at the district council’s annual Pride Awards.

The accolades, which demonstrate the commitment of staff in helping to provide public services offered by the council, were presented at Castle House, Newark and Sherwood District Council headquarters, by district council leader, David Lloyd, deputy leader, Keith Girling and opposition deputy leader, David Staples, on February 22. 

A special award was also introduced this year – Taking Pride in Newark and Sherwood - specifically to recognise the army of volunteers, groups and communities who have worked alongside the council to deliver its Cleaner, Safer and Greener campaign.

The campaign to make the district a better place to live, work and visit was launched in July 2018 in which volunteers and community groups have played a fundamental role.

A host of volunteers from across the district have given up their time to work alongside the council on its two 2018 ‘days of action’ - the first of which took place in the Yorke Drive and Winthorpe Road area of Newark and the second in the Quadrangle area of Blidworth - which collectively removed more than 20 tonnes of waste.

Community groups including volunteers from Thurgarton, Farnsfield, South Clifton and Fernwood have also carried out litter picks in their local areas, collecting in excess of 100 bags of rubbish combined.

The Taking Pride in Newark and Sherwood Award was jointly awarded to all groups and community volunteers for supporting the Cleaner, Safer and Greener campaign and giving up their time to make their neighbourhoods a more pleasant place to be. The award was received on the day by Edith, Finley and Oswin Devine – young volunteers from Blidworth, and Adele Priestley from the Yorke Drive Youth Group.

Each year district council employees are encouraged to nominate colleagues who they believe have gone above and beyond the call of duty when discharging their roles. 

Among the highlights of the council’s year in 2018 was the successful resettlement of Syrian refugees in Newark which was due to the professionalism and commitment of Community Engagement and Landlord Liaison Officer, Maria Brambles.

To mark this, Maria was presented with the Unsung Hero Award for her work sourcing and preparing properties, planning the families’ arrival to the UK, listening to their experiences, but most importantly, ensuring there is appropriate support to help them overcome these challenges and rebuild their lives. 

Maria said: “Being involved in this project is an honour. I enjoy working with the families and learning about their culture and how we can help them to integrate. The local community has made my job so much easier by embracing our new residents with open arms and I am personally very grateful for this life-changing opportunity.”

The council’s Housing Options team was awarded Team of the Year, for working together to implement the biggest changes in legislation in 20 years while still maintaining an excellent level of service. The team consistently seeks to enable positive outcomes for vulnerable customers while demonstrating a real sense of togetherness and community spirit.

Health Improvement Officer Helen Ellison was also amongst the award winners and received the We’re Proud of You award in recognition of her determination, commitment and enthusiasm in delivering a range of both staff and community initiatives focussed on improving physical and mental health and wellbeing.

The judging panel, consisting of district council chief executive John Robinson, deputy council leader Keith Girling and Labour party leader Paul Peacock, at its own discretion can also decide to make the prestigious Mark Henry Award which was introduced in 2012.

The tenacity and determination of anti-social behaviour officer Terry Bailey was recognised by this award for his commitment and intent of improving and potentially saving lives. His work in progressing several community based initiatives including the ‘Report It’ campaign - to encourage reporting of anti-social behaviour issues – have not only been implemented in Newark and Sherwood but also across the county.

Terry said: “I am really touched to receive this fantastic award. I am so grateful for all the agencies that support the work we do in helping improve the lives of individuals and we are committed to continuing this teamwork to achieve the most positive outcomes.”

Council leader David Lloyd said: “The Pride Awards provide the council with an opportunity to recognise employee commitment and they are testament to the outstanding contributions they make in delivering excellent public services.

“In addition, we are proud to introduce the Taking Pride in Newark and Sherwood Award to recognise the selfless work of our volunteers who have given up their time to improve their local areas.”