The Chairman will mention a range of recent items of news which may be of interest to Members
Minutes:
Nelson Mandela
The Chairman referred to the death on 5 December 2013 of former South African President, Nelson Mandela and indicated that a Book of Condolences had been placed in the Shirehall Gallery in Stafford. He also indicated that he had written to the South African Embassy to convey the Council’s condolences.
Municipal Journal Future Leader Award 2013
The Chairman informed Members that Darryl Eyers, the County Council’s Head of Economic Planning, had been commended in the Municipal Journal Future Leader Award Category. The Award was aimed at recognising and promoting talent among young staff members whose expertise and professionalism showed that they were destined for senior leadership roles within local government and the wider public sector. The commendation recognised Darryl’s input into promoting economic development across the Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership as well as his wider contribution to corporate improvement and innovation.
Jordan Publishing Family Law Awards 2013
The Council noted that Kate Loader of the County Council’s Legal Services Team had won the Local Authority Lawyer of the Year category at the Family Law Awards 2013. The Awards were launched by Jordan Publishing in 2011 to recognise the important work of family lawyers, and celebrate their many successes and outstanding achievements.
Society of Procurement Officers Awards - Local Government Procurement Professional of the Year 2013
The Chairman informed the Council that Paul Timmins of the County Council’s Procurement team had won the Society of Procurement Officers’ Local Government Procurement Professional of the Year Award for 2013. Submissions for the Award were judged on the procurement contribution entrants had made to their organisation and for forward-thinking and innovative approaches that had resulted in a positive, on-going, legacy for colleagues and/or the beneficiaries of procurement services. Paul’s work in projects such as the Procurement Partner, ESS and Infrastructure Plus, together with his recent attainment of a Master’s in Business Administration, were highly contributory to this award.
Society of Procurement Officers Awards - Outstanding Achievement in Procurement – County Council Category
Members noted that Staffordshire had also won the ‘County Council’ category in the Outstanding Achievement in Procurement awards hosted by the Society of Procurement Officers for its work on the Education Support Services (ESS) Joint Venture procurement. The project involved a spend of £4bn, the letting of a 20 year service delivery agreement with Entrust, and the protection / TUPE transfer of up to 5,000 Council employees to the Joint Venture Company.
Social Enterprise West Midlands Inspire Award
The Chairman informed Members that Ian Simpson, the Council’s Head of Procurement, had been awarded the 2013 Social Enterprise West Midlands Inspire award. The award recognised an individual or body who was leading the way and breaking new ground and who had demonstrated how they had led innovation, championed new approaches and been bold in their leadership and direction. Ian won the award for leading Staffordshire`s work around the Social Value Act and particularly for his work in creating nearly 300 apprenticeships for Staffordshire Citizens in the Council`s supply chain.
Guardian Public Service Awards 2013
Members noted that the County Council’s Communications Team had recently been recognised at the Guardian Public Service Awards 2013. The Team won the “Communications Excellence” category of the Awards for their recent ‘Fostering First’ campaign which beat all of its recruitment targets and saved the council over £1million. The judges described the campaign as an ‘innovative’ and ‘ground breaking approach that could be easily adapted to work across local authorities.’