This year’s Staff and Volunteer Awards – held on Thursday, 10 October at Glasgow’s Grand Ole Opry – was yet another spectacular evening recognising and celebrating Sense Scotland’s staff and volunteers who go above and beyond in making sure the people we support can live meaningful lives. Though it was quite a contrast to the Village Hotel, Glasgow’s Grand Ole Opry had its own unique charms, including a Western-theme, country-style entertainment, and a laid-back environment.
Once again co-hosted by Angela Bonomy and Edward Reid (in his new pink cowboy boots), the evening began by celebrating staff members who have achieved a professional qualification in the last year – from SVQs to Professional Development Awards – before kicking off with the Volunteer of the Year Category.
The winners of each award are listed below:
- Volunteer of the Year – Nathan Jones
- Big Idea – Tullideph Service
- Directors’ Award – The Recruitment team
- Inspiration (Operations) – Geraldine Beattie
- Inspiration (Non-Operations) – David Kehoe
- Chief Executive Award – Dr Paul Hart
- Employee of the Year – David Stephen
- Team of the Year (Non-Operations) – The Fundraising team
- Team of the Year (Operations) – The Learning Hub
A number of staff and volunteers who had reached milestones in their time with Sense Scotland – from 10 years to 30! – also received Long Service Awards during the ceremony.
As the final award was given out and the formal part of the evening wrapped up, Johnny Lee Memphis – Scotland’s very own Elvis Presley – took to the stage to perform a mixture of country classics and hits by the King of Rock and Roll. Attendees flocked to the Opry’s dancefloor for a boogie and a chance to celebrate the excellent work of their peers, their teams, and Sense Scotland as a whole.