Social service organisations across the whole range of provision in the voluntary, private and public sectors including community services, care home services, early years, children and young people and older people services are being invited to enter their teams and projects for the Care Accolades 2009. Over 10,000 application forms have been sent out to social service organisations throughout Scotland.

Billed as “the Oscars” for the sector, the Care Accolades gives organisations the opportunity to highlight the excellent work that takes place and touches all of our lives.

Whilst the award ceremony will take place in June, the closing date for applications is the 20 February 2009. Social service organisations and teams across Scotland are being encouraged to enter by the event organisers, the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).

Care Accolades is an initiative supported by the SSSC and the Scottish Government to celebrate and promote good practice and workforce development in social services. The categories for this year are:

• investing in the workforce
• partnership working – adult care services
• partnership working – early years and young people
• innovative training programme
• involving our community
• leading on learning
• best social services team/unit from across Scotland
• overall winner.

The Care Accolades 2009 reception and lunchtime ceremony will be held on 5 June at The Caird Hall, Dundee, hosted by TV presenter Kaye Adams.

Garry Coutts, Convener of the SSSC and Chair of the Care Accolades 2009 judging panel said:
“This is an opportunity for organisations to show off the work they do and give teams and individuals a real boost. The categories highlight how important it is for organisations to work together and how engaging with the community, especially service users is essential to an organisations work.”

To enter the Care Accolades 2009 download an application pack from the SSSC website at www.sssc.uk.com and click on the front page ‘Care Accolades 2009’ link. Or alternatively telephone 01382 207249/207267 or email enquiries@sssc.uk.com to request an application pack. The closing date for all entries is the 20 February 2009.

NOTES TO EDITOR

For further information please contact Nicky Scott or Vanessa Glenday from the SSSC’s communication team, on 01382 207261 or 01382 207267. For more information on the SSSC visit www.sssc.uk.com
The Care Accolades was launched in 2004 to celebrate and promote good practice in workforce development in social services across Scotland.

In previous years overall winners have included:
2004 – Children 1st

2005 – Scottish Institute for Residential Child Care

2006 – ROC Services, Aberlour Childcare Trust

2007 - East Dunbartonshire Council Social Work Services, Intensive Support and Monitoring Service (ISMS)

2008 – North Ayrshire Council, Interlink Day Services, Fergushill Centre.