Highland Council scoops trophy at IRRV Awards
A team of Highland Council staff have lifted the IRRV Benefits & Welfare Reform Team of the Year Award at an award ceremony held yesterday (10 October 2018) in Telford.
The UK IRRV (Institute of Revenues, Rating & Valuation) Awards ceremony was hosted by Paul Sinha and the Benefits & Welfare Reform Team of the Year category was sponsored by Knowledgehub.
IRRV explains: “The Awards Panel were looking for organisations to demonstrate they were raising standards of service to achieve high levels of performance, customer satisfaction and effective administrative procedures in all aspects of welfare benefits. There needed to be evidence of excellence in delivery and a customer focused service.”
The Highland Council’s entry described their dynamic and customer-focussed model which provides local services at the point of need and single access to Council entitlements. Their impressive performance, translates into tangible outcomes for local people in a manner that improves their financial and overall wellbeing.
Effective leadership, highly skilled and motivated staff and their collaboration with partners are key to their performance, including increasing benefit take-up by £6M for customers and delivering service cost savings over £1.3M.
Cllr Margaret Davidson, Leader of The Highland Council said: “A huge congratulations to all the involved in delivering these important services. Their organisational structure aligns with the Council’s corporate agenda and supports our political lobbying. The management team positively influences national policy direction which has been commended by Members. The team adapts positively to a changing welfare environment and have introduced co-location with DWP colleagues at Caithness House, Wick and at the new Charles Kennedy Building in Fort William.”
She added: “From promoting staff health awareness sessions, strong partnerships and holding influence at national level, the team has demonstrated a forward looking ethos, which delivers positive outcomes for the people of the Highlands.”
Derek Yule, Depute Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Resources added: “I am really proud of our team and delighted to see national recognition for their achievements which they have delivered to an outstanding standard on behalf of the people of the Highlands.”