Council awards recognise both teams and individuals
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AN admin assistant working in care and learning has been named Highland Council’s employee of the year.
Alana Brown, who works in Inverness as part of the Multi-Agency Public Protection team (MAPPA), took the prize at the council’s 2017 Quality Awards.
Alana’s colleagues praised the way she deals with the pressure and confidential nature of her work and how she resolves issues and sets an example for others to follow.
They also highlighted her positive and focussed attitude, her initiative and commitment and her dependable way of dealing with complex procedures and policies.
MAPPA co-ordinator Ron Lyon, who has worked with Alana for the past nine years, said: "Alana is dependable and efficient.
"I have never worked with a person who gives as much attention to detail as she does.
"She also projects a warm, cheerful attitude to our partner agencies who fully endorsed her nomination.
"We have all seen her resolve conflicts and handle difficult situations with remarkable patience and admirable tact.
"I believe these characteristics represent all that is good in our council, and I am delighted on behalf of the whole MAPPA team she has the honour of being Employee of the Year 2017."
Alana was presented with her award by council leader Margaret Davidson, at a ceremony in Inverness Town House.
The awards were sponsored by Viridor, Zurich Municipal, Tusker, E.On Energy and Hub North Scotland and hosted by Nicola McAlley.
Also shortlisted for employee of the year were Linda Smith, an admin assistant based in Inverness Town House, and roads inspector Yvonne Low.
The team of the year prize went to the council’s election team for the professionalism, determination, commitment and enthusiasm that saw them meet the challenge of delivering two major elections this year – the general election in May followed by the council vote just five weeks later.
And there was another team project prize for the work done to deliver free wi-fi services to Inverness city centre.
Praising the "energy, professionalism, skills and great enthusiasm" of all the nominees, council convener Bill Lobban said: "There is a lot of excellent work taking place which is not only achieving significant financial savings to the council, but is leading the way nationally and reinforcing our reputation across Scotland as a forward-thinking and very pro-active local authority."
Cllr Davidson added: "It really has been heartening to hear how everyone is pulling together and putting such energy, expertise and enthusiasm into their jobs.
"I strongly believe that we are one of the most inventive and efficient councils in Scotland and the strength of our performance lies in the quality of the people who work for us."
Direct to staff she added: "Your commitment, skills, experience and goodwill makes things happen and the council, and our communities, are all the better for your hard work and drive."
