Scottish Public Service Awards 2024 nominations to close soon

Nominations for this year’s Scottish Public Service Awards (SPSAs) close on Friday.

The awards, which Holyrood organises in partnership with the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government, will celebrate those who go above and beyond within the Scottish public service.

Nominations close on 4 October and will recognise excellence across 11 categories, each focusing on key areas such as climate change and inclusion. 

The shortlist will be published in the week starting 5 November with winners announced on 4 December during a ceremony in the Garden Lobby of the Scottish Parliament on 4 December, which will be attended by political leaders, civil servants and other key public sector figures.

Celebrating its 11th year, the award ceremony recognises the often unsung contribution made to Scottish civic society from within the civil service, Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament, local government, health and social care sector, broader public sector and their partners within the third sector. 

Nominations are free to make, and any project, team or person can put their name forward for one or more awards, as long as they meet the criteria of the set award.

Judges are looking for up to 300 words describing the measurable benefits and impact of your nomination, with the opportunity to upload up to three supporting items - video, images, and testimonials.

Inspired by the late Campbell Christie and his efforts to help reform Scotland’s public services, Holyrood launched the awards in 2014 with the aim of identifying and rewarding best practice, teamwork, innovation, and clear leadership across Scotland’s diverse public services.  

Last year, Transport Scotland took home the Campaign of the Year Award for its Young Persons’ (Under 22s) Free Bus Travel Communications Campaign, and the founder of Scotland’s much-lauded Violence Reduction Unit – former Detective Chief Superintendent of Strathclyde Police John Carnochan – was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Nominations are welcomed in the following categories:

1. The Campbell Christie Public Service Reform Award 
2. The Campaign of the Year Award 
3. The Project and Programme Management Award (in association with Association for Project Management)
4. The Commercial Partnerships Award 
5. The Leadership Award 
6. The Digital Public Services Award (in association with Leidos) 
7. The Community Engagement Award (in association with LNER)
8. The Championing Diversity & Inclusion Award
9. The Voluntary Sector Partnership Award (in association with SCVO) 
10. The Sustainability Award (in association with Vattenfall)
11. The Policy into Practice Award 

Please reach out to the Holyrood Events team if you have any questions and be sure to check Holyrood Events for guidance on how to make a nomination.