Caerphilly Council has reached the final in two categories in the prestigious MJ Local Government Achievement Awards, Chief Executive of the Year and Team of the Year!
Christina Harrhy has been recognised for her drive, courage and inspiration as a Leader navigating the authority through the pandemic, to support the community in unprecedented times. The judges were also impressed with the way Christina had carved out successful working relationships with partners creating a collaborative approach to deliver excellence in public service.
The Catering Team have also reached the final for ‘Team of the Year’. This team has worked tirelessly in often horrendous weather conditions and difficult Covid-19 restrictions, to deliver well over 1million free school meals to the doorsteps of deserving families. The judges recognised that the work involved in creating a bespoke delivery mapping system, and associated ordering processing system, coupled with the logistics of unloading and loading thousands of meals each week for home delivery was an incredible achievement for all involved.
The shortlisting of both the Chief Executive Christina Harrhy, and the Catering Team demonstrate that it is recognised that the Council has strived to go above and beyond to support residents during a pandemic when so much uncertainty burdened our communities.
Leader of Council, Cllr Philippa Marsden said, “I am absolutely thrilled that we have reached the final of these prestigious awards, the whole organisation deserves recognition for what we have achieved over the past 16 months and what we continue to achieve, this recognition reinforces what a strong partnership can achieve in Local Government when the Leadership work side by side, I couldn’t be more proud!
Chief Executive Christina Harrhy, said, “What can I say about our amazing Catering Team, who I have witnessed in the howling wind and rain loading vehicles, overcoming logistical nightmares and constantly altering plan to meet the demand, never has there been a team of people more deserving of this award, I wish them the best of luck.”
She continued, “As for my nomination I am humbled and shocked, and really proud to have reached the final, but in reality I feel like I have already won. Each and every day the staff in Team Caerphilly have got up and delivered, not just run of the mill work, absolutely outstanding things, that have been simply life changing for residents in their darkest hour, all whilst facing their own personal struggles amidst a pandemic. For that I am very proud and it is my privilege to lead this organisation.
The winners of the MJ awards will be announced during a ceremony in the autumn.
