Ref: PR1965
Date: 16/10/08 

More than 250 employees from Wakefield Council have been recognised for achieving national qualifications and for their hard work and dedication.

The event recognises and rewards the contribution and professional development made by people in Family Services.

They were held on Thursday, 9 October at Wakefield Town Hall, where Cabinet Member for Adults Cllr Maureen Cummings and Deputy Cabinet Member for Children and Young People Cllr Sarah Balfour presented certificates to staff achieving nationally recognised qualifications.

Qualification achievements range from National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) in Care, Advice and Guidance, management qualifications, education qualification, Working with Parents awards to Social Work degrees.

Wakefield Council's Corporate Director for Family Services said: "I am very proud of our employee achievements and I'm happy to be part of an event that celebrates the success of so many people across Family Services.

"The achievements reflect the extra effort people have made to develop and improve their skills and the services they provide to citizens. I thank them all for their continued dedication, hard work and commitment to improving our services."

The ceremony also celebrated the achievement of staff nominated for seven Star Awards. These recognise the efforts of duals and teams in improving the delivery of Family Services. The winners were: 

• 'Good Practice STAR Award' - St Swithun's Day Opportunities Staff Team
• 'Innovation STAR Award'- Dawn Perry, Workforce Development
• 'Making a Difference STAR Award' - The Welfare Rights and Financial Assessment Team
• 'Personal Development STAR Award' - Davide Longo, Wakefield Wildcats Learning Zone
• 'Think Family STAR Award' - The Home Based Break Service, Flanshaw
• 'Top Team STAR Award' - The Education Welfare Service and,
• 'Special STAR Award' - Wayne Asquith 

A new award, the Special STAR Award, was presented to Wayne Asquith for his outstanding support and efficient services provided to staff over many years.

Wayne said: "I feel so lucky and privileged to have a job that gives me so much enjoyment and satisfaction and working with people who appreciate me. I'm proud to receive the Special STAR Award and of being given 'the pat on the back'."

Wayne received a standing ovation - a true tribute to his professionalism as a shining example of customer care in practice.

ENDS