Unsung STARS honoured with awards (From Southend Standard)

Southed Council recognises selfless staff

4:00pm Friday 26th October 2012 in News By David Trayner

THE new pier cultural centre, election staff and a care boss who helped cut care home prices by up to five per cent were among unsung heroes honoured at an awards ceremony.

Southend Council has recognised staff who go above and beyond the call of duty for taxpayers at its annual STARS awards ceremony.

Chief executive Rob Tinlin said: “The STARS award winners have continued to deliver those services and give high quality customer care by going the extra mile for the people and businesses of Southend.”

The new cultural centre, which was built in Tilbury before being floated up the Thames to the pier head by barge, won the innovation award, a category new to the awards this year.

Sarah Baker, who is in charge of the council’s £24 million adult social care budget for older people and vuilnerable adults, won the employee of the year award after she and her team identified ways to enable care home owners to reduce prices through efficiency savings.

The democratic services team won the team award for delivering successful council elections in May.

The council’s crematorium team scooped the mayor’s award after “consistent and overwhelmingly excellent” customer feedback. Nominations praised the team for the crematory gardens, the excellent funeral services and kind and helpful staff.