Public servants to be honoured in new awards

The shortlist has been announced for Holyrood’s first Scottish Public Service Awards.

In all, 33 individuals and teams have been selected from over 160 entries for the new awards, supported by the Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament and EY, which will honour the work of public servants across Scotland.

Paul Grice, chief executive of the Scottish Parliament, said the judging panel had been “hugely impressed” with the range and quality of entries. “We were heartened and encouraged by the evidence of so much creative and committed work being led by people across the public sector in Scotland,” he said.

Awards will be given for policy, third sector partnership, engagement, innovation, leadership, digital, emerging talent and analysis and use of evidence. Furthermore, the Campbell Christie Public Service Reform Award will be awarded to a team which has best embodied the spirit of public service reform in Scotland.

An individual with an established history of distinguished service who has made a lasting contribution will also be given a lifetime achievement award.

Permanent Secretary Sir Peter Housden said: “The awards will provide colleagues from across public services with a chance to make further connections and to share their experiences and I offer my congratulations to all who were nominated and to the shortlisted entries.”

Winners will be announced at a special event to be hosted by the Presiding Officer and the First Minister in the Scottish Parliament on 12 December.

See the Scottish Public Service Awards site for a list of categories and nominations.