A well-thought-out awards scheme could really help raise staff morale
Bury council was rated as "weak" in 2002's comprehensive performance assessment. We didn't think this was accurate so were galvanised into action.

We launched our Employee Achievement Awards to motivate staff, but we're looking for people who have made a difference to the community rather than improved an obscure council process.

There are four team prizes and four individual awards, one for each directorate, and an overall Employee of the Year award.

It was launched on 10 October and we had a couple of dozen nominations in the first week alone. I've put awards information on the council's website, and a local company printed 2500 leaflets for people to fill in. The local press also ran a feature and reproduced the nomination form.

Anybody who lives, works or studies in Bury can get involved. Council workers can nominate their colleagues. For example, education department workers have nominated social services staff who help people with learning disabilities.

The ceremony will be held on 29 January. Everyone shortlisted will get a certificate signed by the mayor and the chief executive.

Departmental winners will also get a shield and a small prize.

The overall winner will receive the David Burton Achiever Award, named after a former chief executive.

Source

Housing Today

Postscript

Harry Downie, head of performance and best value at Bury Metropolitan Council, spoke to Katie Puckett