Friday, 16 December 2011 11:20

 

Minister for Children and Young People, Aileen Campbell has joined Garry Coutts, Convener of the SSSC, in calling for social service organisations in Scotland to enter the Care Accolades 2012 and get recognition for the difference they are making to the lives of many people. 

The recently launched Care Accolades 2012, Scotland's prestigious national care awards give social service organisations across Scotland the chance to showcase and promote the excellent work happening in the sector. 

Minister Aileen Campbell said:

"The Care Accolades provide an opportunity for those across Scotland's social services sector to be recognised for their excellent work and the positive difference they make to the lives of many people.

"I look forward to this year's prestigious event and to seeing the sterling efforts of those involved deservedly celebrated and encourage as many people as possible from across the sector to enter the 2012 awards."

The awards are open to all social service organisations across all sectors in Scotland, from the public, private and voluntary sector.  Social services touch all of us at some point and the people who work in services from nursery workers to adult care home workers. 

Garry Coutts, SSSC Convener said:

"Social workers and social care professionals have always been at the forefront of supporting people during the times they are most vulnerable. Putting the person they are caring for at the centre of all they do is the essence of great social care practice and there are excellent examples all over the country where this is making a huge difference to people's lives.

"However, providing great services is not enough in these times of financial austerity. The social care workforce must look at how we provide services and work with partners and clients to cut out waste and drive up quality standards. In this years Care Accolades I hope we will see examples of innovation that improve the quality of life of people requiring care and are also cost effective."

Organisations have until 13 February to get their entries in for the Care Accolades.  This year's winners will be announced at the award ceremony and event on 22 June 2012 at Perth Concert Hall, Perth.

For further information about entering the Care Accolades or to watch short films of previous Care Accolades finalists visit our 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 and SSSC Convener.

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.