Council celebrates employees at annual awards

East Renfrewshire Council hosted its annual employee celebration event – the We Are East Ren Awards – to recognise hard-working employees going above and beyond for residents.

Article Source: East Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 5 December 2024 13:37

Over 100 employees gathered at Clarkston Hall to mark the achievements of colleagues from across the Council and Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP).

Awards were handed out in 10 categories, which are designed to tie in to the Council’s vision of being a modern, ambitious council creating a fairer future with all.

The winners in each category were:

Putting People First – Lauren Findlay, Katie Matthews and Frances McGeehan. Their support of a specific vulnerable young person in their roles in the HSCP and Education teams earned them this year’s trophy.

Going the Extra Mile – Paul Parsons. As Principal Accountant, Paul has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure that his team and the Council continue to receive the highest standard of financial support.

Young Employee of the Year - Nina McCue. A teacher of English at St Luke's High School who demonstrates an incredible passion and commitment in developing her craft and in such a short space of time has achieved so much for her pupils, school and the wider education community.

Unsung Hero – Gareth McBride. Over the course of just one year, Gareth has had a transformative impact on the Money Advice and Rights team, going above and beyond his duties to bring significant efficiency and collaboration.

People Leader of the Year – Emma Aeppli. Leading a team of 21 in Work EastRen, the council’s employability service, Emma consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities that perfectly align with this award’s criteria.

Team of the Year – Election Team. Undertaking the management of a General Election locally is a complex task, but this cross-council team showed real commitment to get the job done, overcoming a number of challenges along the way.

Our Values – Andy Shaw. This award recognises employees who embrace the Council’s values of ambition, kindness and trust. Road worker Andy clinched the prize in recognition of his remarkable efforts in organising a successful hike up Ben Nevis to raise awareness and nearly £5,000 for Prostate Cancer Research.

Learning Achievement of the Year – David Miller. Project Manager David has demonstrated exceptional commitment to professional growth, quickly acquiring new qualifications, applying these skills in practice and inspiring colleagues to pursue their own development journeys.

Workplace Achievement of the Year – A Place to Grow team. This team were celebrated in recognition of their work on A Place to Grow, the Community Planning Partnership's new vision for East Renfrewshire by 2040.

Chief Executive’s Award – Linda Hutchison. Linda has been a dedicated employee of East Renfrewshire Council for many years, responsible for supporting a range of Committees and supervising our Members' Services Team on a daily basis.

Chief Executive Steven Quinn said: “Congratulations to all our winners at the We Are East Ren Awards. It was fantastic to celebrate the amazing contribution made by so many of our employees and hear all the stories of the work which goes on day-in day-out to ensure our residents receive the best possible service.”

A total of 31 finalists were shortlisted across the 10 award categories before a panel of judges decided on the winners.

The winners were selected for showing absolute dedication to their role, often going above and beyond to ensure they delivered the very highest standards for the people of East Renfrewshire.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest East Renfrewshire News

SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.

Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.

FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!

Flag raised to commemorate Armed Forces Day in East Renfrewshire

East Renfrewshire Council raised the Armed Forces Day flag today to mark Armed Forces Day which will be held on Saturday 28th June.

Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!

July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!

Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!

Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!

Busby pub celebrates triple award success

A Busby pub is one of six locals to have been selected from 2,400 around the UK to receive a prestigious Recognition Award from Heineken-owned Star Pubs.

Just Announced: Stars Set for the Stage at Eastwood Park Theatre

Eastwood Park Theatre has announced a whole host of brand-new shows featuring well-known faces.

25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway

Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.

Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland

Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.

Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland

The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure launches search for sports supporting superstars

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure has launched a search for local sports supporters in the community to recognise at its annual Sport and Physical Activity Awards.

Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM

Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.

Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores

Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.

Paws, play and heritage on parade

Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.

Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party

Dobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.

How to train your Dad in 4DX Cineworld enlists Gerard Butler

Cineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.

Summer of Roses: Free gardening workshop at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.

Cheers to 30 years: Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now open

Scotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!

Loch Lomond Unplugged is coming this weekend!

Loch Lomond Unplugged, our FREE showcase of talented buskers and singer/songwriters, is this weekend and we’re super excited to welcome great acts from across Scotland and beyond!

Veterans celebrate Health for Heroes Award at VE Day event

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure invited veterans for afternoon tea at Barrhead Foundry to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.

Dig into summer fun at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting children to come along to its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club, taking place across the country this June.

Aldi to gift year supply of free beer to biggest beer lover in Scotland

Aldi Scotland is on the hunt for the nation's biggest beer lover, as it revamps its popular Best Home Bar Competition by expanding the criteria.

Milestone year for Refugee Festival Scotland

Refugee Festival Scotland has officially unveiled the programme for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, running from 13 – 22 June.

Aldi Scottish Sport Fund offers Glasgow and West of Scotland clubs the chance to access funding

Aldi's Scottish Sport Fund 2025 has returned for its tenth year, giving local sports clubs in Glasgow and the West of Scotland the opportunity to receive a share of £50,000 in funding.

Vue to host marvellous superhero season welcoming classic X Men films back to the big screen for 25th anniversary

Film fans, families and comic book enthusiasts are invited to rediscover the original big screen superhero team as a series of classic X-Men films return to the big screen at Vue this month.