14 September 2007
Twenty-five finalists have been selected by the judges of the Public Servants of the Year Awards to go forward to the high-profile ceremony in London next month.
Individuals who have been short-listed include a head teacher, a street warden, a domestic abuse counsellor and a community support officer.
Team finalists include police officers, an accident prevention unit, a carers' association and a revenue and benefits department.
Sir Ian Carruthers, the chief executive of NHS South West Strategic Health Authority and the chair of the judging panel, praised the range and quality of the entries.
'The finalists show how individuals and teams across the public services go the extra mile to perform their duties. The judges were impressed by these tales of dedication and innovation, and had a difficult task in selecting the winners,' he told Public Finance.
There are nine categories, all of which are open to both individuals and teams. The winners will be announced at the ceremony on Tuesday, October 16, along with the two main awards — the Outstanding Public Servant of the Year and the Outstanding Public Service Team of the Year.
However, these two awards will be chosen by a 'People's Panel' organised by the polling organisation Ipsos Mori.
A third main award has been introduced this year for Lifetime Achievement. The winner in this category has been chosen by a separate panel, including Cabinet secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell.
The Public Servants of the Year Awards, which are now in their seventh year, aim to recognise the achievements of individuals and teams working across the public services. They are run by Public Finance, in partnership with CIPFA, the Cabinet Office and Ipsos Mori.
The ceremony takes place at the London Marriott Hotel and will be hosted by broadcasters Nicholas Owen and Felicity Barr.
Details of the finalists can be found in a supplement included with the September 14–20 issue of Public Finance
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