11 April 2003
Thirty finalists have been selected by the judges of the Public Servants of the Year Awards to go forward to the final ceremony in London next month.
The finalists come from all parts of the public sector and include teachers, doctors, a cleaning supervisor, an orthotist, a tax co-ordinator and the manager of a Christian day-care centre. They were chosen by the judges from more than 300 entries.
Rabbi Julia Neuberger, the chief executive of the King's Fund and chair of the judging panel, described the judging process as an 'inspiring task'. She added: 'Recognising and rewarding such commitment is a vital component in acknowledging the part played by ordinary people performing extraordinary roles.'
The Awards, which are now in their third year, aim to recognise the achievements of individuals working across the whole of the public services. They are run by Public Finance in partnership with CIPFA, the Cabinet Office and the Office of Government Commerce.
The 13 category winners and the overall winner – the Outstanding Public Servant of the Year – will be announced at the Awards' ceremony on May 12 in London.
Health Secretary Alan Milburn and Cabinet secretary Sir Andrew Turnbull will speak at the ceremony. As in previous years, the event will be hosted by newsreaders Dermot Murnaghan and Mary Nightingale.
PFapr2003
