Humble engineer gets nod for helping the vulnerable
DEDICATION and a commitment to go "the extra mile" in helping vulnerable customers have earned a utilities engineer a top national honour.
Black Isle man Mike Sutherland, who works at Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks’ (SSEN) Inverness depot, has been presented with Utility Week’s Supernova Award for Long Service in his 44th year at the energy firm.
Joining as an apprentice in 1974, Mr Sutherland, from Culbokie, has worked in variety of roles across the Highlands as a linesman, a tree cutting project manager and, in his current role as project manager in the network construction team.
And it was his commitment to go the extra mile to serve customers which shone through at the awards ceremony in Manchester last week, where the "heroes of the utility sector who go above and beyond" were honoured.
Judges were struck by his efforts, particularly for vulnerable customers, and how he has consistently gone the extra mile. A spokesperson for the judges said:
"He is someone who thoroughly deserves to be recognised for the great contribution he has made to both the industry and the community. A wonderful role model and ambassador."
Stories shared by his colleagues when nominating him, included times when he dug out roads during a storm to deliver bottled gas and a generator to a terminally-ill customer; delivering flowers to a customer who had recently lost her husband, and caring for a customer who had suffered a severe stroke.
"For me, it isn’t about going above and beyond, it’s about doing what I feel is the right thing to do and making sure our customers are cared for and supported when they need us most," said a modest Mr Sutherland, who said the award was as much recognition for the Highland team as for himself. "I’m delighted to take this award home to my wife and girls, who have supported me along the way as I disappeared for days during storms, sometimes missing important events and occasions at home. It’s all worth it as I’m glad to say I still love my job as much as I did when I joined 44 years ago as an apprentice."
Colin Pirie, SSEN’s head of Region for the Highlands and Islands, added: "Mike is without doubt the most dedicated, conscientious person I have ever met in my 28 years with SSEN.
"He genuinely cares for everyone he meets. His selfless attitude and his devotion to customers, colleagues (especially young people and trainees) and his family is well known. He is an example to us all.
"Mike is a great colleague but more importantly a great friend to all of us in the Highlands."
Since their launch of the Utility Week Stars Awards in 2014, the annual event has grown to become the de facto celebration of dedication, ingenuity and teamwork in the UK utilities sector.
SSEN picked up another gong, as the SSEN Safety, Health and Environment team won the Health and Safety Initiative award for the roll-out of an influencing behaviours training programme and safety licence across the division.
