On Tuesday 6th December 2023 Deputy First Minister, Shona Robison and Deputy Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Liam McArthur announced the winners of the Holyrood Communications Scottish Public Service Awards (SPSA) in the Garden Lobby of the Scottish Parliament.
The nominees and distinguished guests were welcomed with words of appreciation from First Minister Humza Yousaf, who offered his congratulations and gratitude to those nominated for an award and to the work of all within public service in a message reading:
“The annual awards are an opportunity to come together and celebrate the achievements of those working with and within our cherished public services. Every finalist tonight has made an incredible contribution to Scottish society and it is right the difference you make in your communities is recognised. On behalf of Scotland, I want to say a sincere thank you.”
The Scottish Police Authority (‘the Authority’) and Who Cares? Scotland nomination was in the Voluntary Sector Partnership Award category, and recognised the joint work undertaken to amplify the voices of Care Experienced people.
The Voluntary Sector Partnership Award, supported by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), was ultimately awarded to Edinburgh’s community and voluntary sector partnership for Edinburgh’s Warm Scots Welcome, a multi-agency response to the displacement of Ukrainian refugees.
The Authority and Who Cares? Scotland are proud to have been nominated among such outstanding initiatives, taking inspiration from the wonderful examples of public sector leadership and partnership working that was evident from all the nominees. The Authority and Who Cares? Scotland will continue to develop their partnership work, supporting improved outcomes for people with care experience.
The Voluntary Sector Partnership Award, in partnership with the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO)
Winner:
Edinburgh’s Warm Scots Welcome – Edinburgh’s community and voluntary sector partnership
Runners Up:
Amplifying the Voices of Care Experienced People – Scottish Police Authority & Who Cares? Scotland
People Make Glasgow Communities – Glasgow City Council
Colleagues from across policing were among other winners from the night, including the Alcohol and Substance Awareness Programme from I Am Me Scotland, Renfrewshire Children’s Services and Police Scotland, which secured the Campbell Christie Public Service Reform Award for its innovative suite of educational resources, designed by children, young people and those who have experienced drug and alcohol use, addiction and recovery.
The prestigious Lifetime achievement award was presented to Former Detective Chief Superintendent of Strathclyde Police, John Carnochan OBE QPM (hon.) LLD FFPH. A police officer for almost thirty-nine years, Carnochan was deputy head of the Criminal Investigation Department and a Licensed Hostage Negotiator, responsible within the force for all matters relating to abduction. In 2005, together with a colleague, he established the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, a model that has now been replicated in several cities and areas of England and Wales, including London, Birmingham and Manchester.
The Authority wish to congratulate all of the nominees for this year’s awards which showcased innovative and inspiring work from across the length and breadth of Scotland.
