Social Security nominated for Public Service Awards

Social Security Scotland has been shortlisted in two categories at the prestigious Scottish Public Service Awards alongside colleagues within the Scottish Government Social Security Directorate.

The awards celebrate the daily contribution made to Scottish society from within the Civil Service, Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament, local government, health and social care, broader public sector and partners within the Third Sector.

Social Security Scotland and the Scottish Government Social Security Directorate are nominated for the Campbell Christie Public Sector Reform Award. The award recognises teams that best embody the spirit of public sector reform – working across departmental and organisational boundaries.

We are shortlisted in this category for the progress we have made building a new, devolved social security system from scratch, collaborating across national and local governments and working with the people of Scotland to create services based on dignity, fairness and respect.

Our second nomination is for the Communications Award. The accolade celebrates exceptional performance by a team that delivered a highly-effective communications campaign.

The 5 Family Payments marketing campaign was chosen for promoting a simple application process, empowering client voices and encouraging eligible people to apply for financial support.

Stephen Kerr, Director of Social Security, Scottish Government said:

“Over the last five years, we have worked in partnership to develop a brand new social security service for the people of Scotland and I am very proud of what has been achieved.

“I am delighted that the work of colleagues across the Scottish Government Social Security Directorate and Social Security Scotland is being recognised at such an important event."

David Wallace, Chief Executive of Social Security Scotland said:

“Despite the challenges Covid-19 has brought to us all, colleagues across Social Security Scotland have continued to put clients at the heart of everything we do – delivering a very high standard of service to the people of Scotland.

“It’s an honour to be considered alongside other fantastic public sector organisations that are all striving for excellence - I wish everyone the best of luck.”

The awards ceremony, co-hosted by the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Alison Johnstone MSP and Deputy First Minister John Swinney, will take place on Wednesday 8 December at the Scottish Parliament.