This year we beat hundreds of other hopefuls to be shortlisted for two Council Worker of the Year awards.  The awards, which recognise excellence in Local Government, are managed to the Local Government Association and the Local Government Channel. William (“Bill”) Bailey, who retired form his post as Senior Contracts Monitoring Officer post in Parks last year, has been shortlisted for the Lifetime Service award.  Bill started working for us in 1959, and worked in parks throughout his career.  Bill Wyatt, who nominated Bill Bailey for the award, said, “I thoroughly enjoyed working with Bill. He’d always be proactive and ensure that the very best job was done for the Parks Service.”

Our Customer Service team have been shortlisted for the Team of the Year award, for their work with the Mencap Gateway project. Janette Garlick, Head of Customer Services, said she was delighted her team has been shortlisted. “We’ve been nominated because we’ve been leading the way in employing people with learning disabilities and physical disabilities, and sharing this work not only through the council, but also with other councils.  They’re fully integrated into the staff here, and this has led to so many service improvements for our customers”

“I’m so proud of my team. They’ve led the way on this.  And through their enthusiasm and dedication, they’ve spread the word throughout the council, and now there are so many people with disabilities and learning disabilities working across the council.”

David Brindle, The Guardian's Public Services Editor, said: "Council workers make a vital contribution to the quality of our daily lives, but all too often we take it for granted. These awards are to be warmly congratulated for reminding us of that contribution and for celebrating the very best in public service."

The winners will be announced on July 3 2008 at a gala dinner. More information on this year’s awards – including how to vote our finalists – can be found on the website of the Local Government Channel. See http://www.localgovernmentchannel.com/awards