Tuesday, 13 October 2009 11:06

Scotland’s top awards scheme recognising the best in social services has itself been rewarded for excellence.

The Care Accolades scooped the prestigious Chairman’s Award at the Scottish Events Awards 2009 held in Glasgow. Organised and run by Dundee-based organisation the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), Care Accolades beat stiff competition from the likes of T in the Park, Visit Scotland and Celtic Connections to win the award as well as winning the commendation for best Business 2 Business Awards Scheme.

The Care Accolades was chosen from an impressive list of over 60 nominations by the chairman of the judging panel, Claire Lawson from The Grove who said:

"The Care Accolades is my personal favourite because of its commitment and positive effect on the tough industry it serves. It has made a real difference to all those who have been involved and helped to positively highlight the good work this service provides."

Garry Coutts, Convener of the SSSC said:

“The annual Care Accolades was set up in 2004 to recognise the excellent, often challenging and difficult work that people who work in social services do every day in communities across Scotland. The people and organisations who win a Care Accolade and the people who use their services tell us how much it means to them to have their projects and initiatives recognised.

“We’re delighted to win this award which helps us raise awareness of social services and highlights the value of this vital work.

“Entries more than doubled for the 2009 Accolades and we hope that this award will help us to repeat this success when Care Accolades 2010 is launched in November.”

Judged by a panel of experts from the UK events and marketing industry, the Scottish Event Awards are the opportunity to demonstrate event skills, knowledge, delivery and results.

Care Accolades

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 1^st
• 2005 – Scottish Institute for Residential Child Care
• 2006 – ROC Services, Aberlour Childcare Trust
• 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 and Care Partnership (CHCP) – Pathways to Progression