Friday, 02 December 2011 15:03

Back and bigger than ever, the search is now on to find Scotland's most outstanding social service services, projects or initiatives for the Care Accolades 2012. 

Now in their 9th year, the Care Accolades, Scotland's national awards for the care sector provides a great source of pride and recognition for organisations who day in, day out  improve the lives of people who use services.  We want to hear from excellent social service organisations who are making a difference to the lives of people who use services, carers, workers and the wider public. 

Now with 10 categories, including four new categories the 2012 awards will be the biggest yet.  Accolades will be awarded to services who demonstrate excellence in areas such as investing in the workforce, involving the community, innovative ways of working, leadership and personalisation. This year we have a One To Watch award for projects or services who are at the start of something new and exciting.

The awards are open to all social service organisations across all sectors in Scotland, from the public, private and voluntary sector.  Initiatives might be aimed at children in a nursery, adults in a care home or targeted at those who work with vulnerable or disadvantaged people in their community.

Debbie Noble, Assistant Director for Barnardo's Scotland whose You First project won the Innovation Award in 2011 said:

"We feel very privileged to receive a Care Accolade award and be recognised in this way.  It is testimony to the success of joined up working between Barnardo's Scotland, NHS, health visitors and the Scottish Government.  This recognition means a great deal to us."

Anna Fowlie, SSSC Chief Executive said:

"This is a great chance for social service organisations to celebrate the success and show off the important work that social service workers carry out every day.  This year's categories show how important it is for organisations to work together and how engaging with the wider community, especially people who use services is essential to an organisation's work.  Entry is even easier now with our online form so make sure you get yours in before the deadline."

The Care Accolades are open to all social service organisations in any sector. The 2012 afternoon tea and award ceremony will be held at Perth Concert Hall on the 22 June 2012.

The closing date for entries is 13 February 2012. Further information about the Care Accolades and you can apply online for the 2012 event on the SSSC website: www.sssc.uk.com/ca

NOTES TO EDITOR

For further information please contact Vanessa Glenday from the SSSC's Communication Team, on 01382 207267 or 07810637636. 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.

2012 categories

1. Investing In The Workforce, Developing Practice
2. Working Better, Working Together
3. Involving Our Local Communities
4. Children And Young People
5. Adults and Older People
6. Innovation And Redesign
7. Leadership
8. Personalisation
9. One To Watch

10. Chair's Award - a winner chosen from any of the finalists which the Chair feels demonstrates innovation and excellence.

Find out more about the Care Accolades on our website: www.sssc.uk.com/ca  where you can also get top tips on entering from Garry Coutts, Chair of the Care Accolades judging panel.

In previous years 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
2009 - East Glasgow Community Health Care Partnership, Pathways to Progression
2010 – Barnardo's Works Project – Barnardo's Scotland and Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE)
2011 – Midlothian Council - Transformation of Older People's Service.