The annual Chamberlain Awards are a chance for the Birmingham City Council leadership team to say thank you for the amazing contribution of the workforce throughout the year.

It was a privilege to attend the celebration and, as cabinet member for health and social care, I’d like to give a special mention to those within this area who were honoured.

So, in no particular order, well done and please take a bow:

The Carers’ Commissioning, Prevention and Community Asset Team won the Putting Customer First award, for their determination to put citizens first. The team’s robust, productive discussions with partners have forged a new culture of working collaboratively. They have shown empathy and respect – and designed services accordingly. They have helped the council itself become an ‘Outstanding Carer-Friendly Employer’.

Hall Green Adults Team, Moseley Ward, won the award for Creative and Innovative Thinking, for the great work they’ve done towards the council’s aspirations. They set up a local community hub, where they could partner with other agencies – from where they could offer personalised support, prevention work and early help to making a real difference to people’s lives.

Janet Rooke, Unit Coordinator, Adult Commissioning, was named Diversity Champion. In her own time, she helped meet the needs of many women in the council, set up the Menopause Workplace Forum. Janet’s incredible drive and commitment has seen her develop the forum into something now corporately-recognised: turning the spotlight on the need for, and importance of, diversity in the workplace.

Culture Change Officer William Oldham was named Rising Star, for his excellent support to the Director of Adult Social Care and his team during his graduate placement. William has played a key role in helping to change our culture via Owning and Driving Performance (ODP); rolling out and evaluating the programme which has had a real impact on performance and service delivery for vulnerable people.

Adult Social Care Commissioning Team won Team of the Year, for a commissioning strategy that has led to significant improvements in the quality of care received by more than 13,000 vulnerable people. Their new comprehensive quality framework ensures providers now meet clear quality standards; and there is a Birmingham Care Wage for young carers.

Adult Social Care Deputy Manager Tom Mullan was named Employee of The Year, for both instigating and organising emergency provisions for people in need, working in partnership with others, such as food banks, housing and social work teams to improve people’s day-to-day lives. Tom has embraced and promoted ODP – and been a monumental support to his colleagues.

I know this hard work is mirrored across the council. We have amazing people doing everything they can to improve people’s lives, day-in, day-out, often going unnoticed. Well, let me tell you all – we do appreciate you and please keep up the great work because you are making a real difference to people’s lives.

This blog was posted on 28 January 2020