Cambridgeshire County Council colleagues have been recognised for their outstanding achievements in helping to create a greener, fairer and more caring Cambridgeshire during an evening of celebration.
Invited guests, including award sponsors, joined the nominees at The University Arms in Cambridge last night (Wednesday 28 February) where the council hosted its first ever Spotlight Awards.
The winning Team of the Year was the Reablement team, that helps people to return home from hospital and provides the support to enable people to become more independent.
Other successes acknowledged at the event included: the setting up of a dementia friendly social group; work to help schools be more inclusive for children with special education needs; and supporting 724 people learn to speak English.
A total of 260 nominations were received from across the whole range of council services, from which the judging panels produced a shortlist of 27 individuals and teams.
Winners were announced for eight award categories:
- Team of the Year - Winner: Reablement team
- Colleague of the Year - Winner: Kayleigh Fry
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion - Winner: Lollita Masuku
- Accountable - Winner: Angelina Winn
- Creative and Aspirational: Winner: Tom Heffer
- Collaborative: Winner: Nicola Gardner
- Lives Over Services - Winner: Pam Goodwin
- Climate and Nature - Winner: Early Years, Childcare and School Readiness Service
Tracey Willis, operations manager on The Reablement Team, said: “It felt amazing just to be nominated and shortlisted but to actually win the Spotlight Award for Team of the Year is such a huge honour.
“We spend 365 days a year caring for vulnerable people in our community. It’s hard work but to have that acknowledged means a lot to us all.”
Kayleigh Fry, who received six nominations, said: “I’m over-the-moon to have won the Colleague of the Year award.
“It has been lovely to read all the nice comments on the nominations and I’m really flattered that out of all the amazing nominees, I was chosen as the winner.”
Cllr Lucy Nethsingha, the leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “It’s been wonderful to celebrate and recognise the contributions by all these individuals and teams.
“There are so many staff at the county council who go above and beyond expectations in their work, and I am so glad we have been able to recognise some of those amazing people through these awards.
“Our staff are critical to all the work the county does for residents, and their dedication and energy is helping to create a greener, fairer and more caring Cambridgeshire.”
Cllr Sebastian Kindersley, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council hosted the ceremony, said: “Congratulations to all nominated and those who won. I’m very proud of all our staff, who showcase the best of the county council’s work. My heartfelt thanks goes out to our sponsors and the organisers for putting on these inaugural awards.”
