The shortlist for the inaugural Scottish Social Services Awards has been announced today, revealing the 31 successful entrants making it to the final out of 155 entries nationwide.
It includes a mix of individuals, teams and organisations working in social services for a range of third sector and independent organisations, local authorities and the NHS, who have made a positive difference to people’s lives.
These new awards were set up to celebrate the positive work carried out by social services. It was introduced by the Scottish Social Services Forum, a partnership of stakeholders from across the sector, which launched a Vision and Strategy for the sector in 2015.
Highlighting the commitment of those that work in the sector, the awards acknowledge innovation, joined up thinking and a willingness to speak up for vulnerable people. This is reflected in the new and distinct categories which recognise those who help to ‘silo bust’, have the ‘courage to take a risk’ or might be an ‘unsung hero’.
Mark McDonald, Minister for Childcare and Early Years, said:
“Almost 200,000 people work across the Scottish social services sector helping to support vulnerable people and improve their lives. These awards have helped highlight the fantastic work already taking place throughout the sector and I am extremely impressed with the high number and standard of entries received.
“It was a difficult job for the judges to pick just a few finalists for each category but it is definitely encouraging to see the range of excellent projects, people and positive stories which should all be commended.”
All shortlisted entrants will now be invited to attend a special awards ceremony hosted by television reporter, Sally Magnusson, and the Minister for Childcare and Early Years, Mark McDonald at Crieff Hydro hotel on 13 June where the final winners will be revealed.
A full list of shortlisted entries can be found at www.sssa.scot/shortlist
Due to the high volume and standard of entries a small selection which were unable to be shortlisted due to numbers, were also highly commended by the judges. Full details of these can be viewed here.
