Published 09 March 2022
A homecare worker described as a “shining example” has been named as the Council’s Employee of the Year for 2021.
Maureen McGuinness was nominated by the family of a service user who had previously refused support. Maureen undertook research about her condition, and created a bespoke care plan to break down the elderly lady’s barriers, including using music as a form of relaxation.
Nominating her, the resident’s family said “My mum did not view Maureen as her carer, she viewed her as her friend. She is a shining example to all of how care in the community should work. She is fully deserving of recognition for the sterling work that she does.”
She was given the award at a special Employee Recognition Winners’ Lunch this week, after a virtual event was held last month.
Maureen, from Duntocher, said: “I am so honoured to receive this award. This is just what I do, this is my job so it did come as a bit of a surprise when I heard the family had nominated me.
“I helped care for her mum during Covid and the family would come to the window to visit, so I always made sure I kept them up to date and sent them photographs. She was a lovely lady and she just loved music, Patsy Cline was her favourite.”
Michael Cavan received the award for Employee of the Year 2020 after the previous year’s event had to be postponed due to Covid.
The Clydebank Crematorium worker was highlighted for supporting a resident to arrange a special service for her husband, where his kindness, attention to detail and willingness to go above and beyond were credited with making the difficult process easier.
Michael said: “This wasn’t something I did consciously, I was just doing my everyday job, so I am extremely flattered that my actions made things better for the resident and very happy to have won this award.”
The two employees were among 13 winners across a range of categories to recognise excellence in service delivery and thank staff members and teams who have made a real difference to the Council and our residents.
Also recognised were Brooke Walker and Nicole Withers, who were awarded joint Young Ambassador of the Year for 2021.
The judges were impressed with Brooke’s work ethic and the way she used her role as Modern Apprentice to encourage other young people into a similar career path, while they highlighted Nicole for her exemplar work as she supported residents throughout the pandemic by answering significant numbers of queries and sharing information via social media.
The same award in 2020 went to Jessica Lewins, who as an Apprentice Painter and Decorator was nominated for her high standard of work, representing the Council at both Scottish and National Association for Public Sector Excellence Awards.
In the Team of the Year category for 2021, Waste Services took home the award due to their tireless work throughout the pandemic including putting themselves on the front line every day.
For 2020, the team at Dalmoak Recycling Centre were the winners after they helped a family recover £20,000 from old Bisto tins that were mistakenly dumped, as well as their general positive, can-do attitude when residents visit the site.
Homelessness services worker Jane Haddow was awarded the Communities Award after raising thousands for charities in memory of her brother, sadly lost to suicide, as well as raising awareness locally about mental health support.
While in 2020, John Ross and Ross MacKenzie were winners after their quick-thinking actions on spotting a man lying unconscious on the street as they walked to work early one morning, saved his life.
The Team Leader of the Year 2021 award went to Learning Disabilities leader Lynn O’Donnell, who improved engagement with service users, and supported a number of initiatives during lockdown aimed at reducing isolation.
In 2020, now-retired Access Officer Donald Petrie was chosen as winner after being highlighted for his positive attitude, passion to create something that residents and visitors could enjoy for years to come plus positive engagement with the community across a seven year project to enhance Levengrove Park.
Each year, Chief Executive Joyce White also chooses an individual or team for her Chief Executive’s Award, and in 2021, it went to the Corporate Health and Safety Team. She recalled how the small team were instrumental in navigating the Council, its’ services and employees safely through the pandemic.
In 2020, the team behind Levengrove Pavillion Café were successful after impressing with dedication, positivity and can-do attitude. The team help some of the most vulnerable residents, as well as creating a real sense of community so residents can enjoy what Levengrove Park has to offer.
The nominations for each category were celebrated at a virtual ceremony on February 22, with overall winners invited to attend an afternoon tea event in Clydebank Town Hall with Joyce White, Chief Officers and Elected Members on Tuesday.
Joyce White, Chief Executive, said: “What a wonderful event honouring our fantastic employees in person for the work they do.
“It was so inspiring to hear how so many go above and beyond every single day to ensure our residents get the best service possible.
“As Chief Executive, I am so proud of excellent work by dedicated staff and so thankful to get the chance to thank them personally and give them the recognition they deserve.”
The event was sponsored by CCG, CBC Stone, Oracle, Barr Environmental and Konica Minolta.
Employee Recognition Winners 2021
Team of the Year
Waste Services
Team Leader of the Year
Lynn O’Donnell
Young Ambassador of the Year
Nicole Withers and Brooke Walker
Employee of the Year
Maureen McGuinness
Communities Award
Jane Haddow
Chief Executive Award
Corporate Health and Safety
Employee Recognition Winners 2020
Team of the Year
Dalmoak Recycling Centre
Team Leader of the Year
Donald Petrie
Young Ambassador of the Year
Jessica Lewins
Employee of the Year
Michael Cavan
Community Award
John Ross and Ross MacKenzie
Chief Executive Award
Work Connect, Levengrove Park