RESIDENTS are being given the chance to nominate a Basildon Council worker who always goes above and beyond to help improve their lives.
 

The worker - who could be anyone from a community warden who is always there to help, a parks officer who is friendly and helpful or even a receptionist who always deals with queries quickly - will be recognised as part of the prestigious awards acknowledging the hard work of Basildon Council staff.
 

The “Improving Lives” award - which will be reserved for public nominations and is backed and judged by the Echo - is just one of the accolades being given out by the council, for its annual staff awards.
Other categories will recognise employees who have: provided value for money by helping the council deliver efficient services against a backdrop of budget cuts; and shown innovation and leadership.
 

There will also be gongs for the council team of the year; employee of the year; the Spirit of Basildon award which recognises the person who has helped create a better life for local people; the reputation gong for someone who has proved to be a good ambassador for the council; and an accolade for someone who has created opportunities for residents and businesses of the borough.
 

Bala Mahendran, Basildon Council’s chief executive said: “It is important to recognise the excellent job that many staff do on a daily basis and to thank them for their commitment and hard work.
 

“Many of our staff are out there genuinely helping to make the lives of residents better, and the 'improving lives award' is all about that.
 

“It could be someone from a community centre who is always there when you need them, or a sheltered housing officer.
 

“Maybe there's parks officer who is always friendly and helpful. It could be someone on reception or perhaps there's an officer that always deals with your queries quickly and professionally.
 

“I am delighted that we have the support and the involvement of the Echo with this award, and hope that we get plenty of nominations from members of the public.”
 

Nominations for the Improving Lives award must be received by 5.15pm on Friday February 15.
 

To nominate a council worker for this award please send details by email to chris.hatton@nqe.com or via post to Chris Hatton, Deputy Editor, “Improving Lives Award”, Basildon Echo, Newspaper House, Chester Hall Lane, Basildon, Essex SS15 3BL.
 

Nominations for the Improving Lives Award are open from Monday January 21.