A massive congratulations to our amazing 2023 staff award winners!
We held our Pride of Waltham Forest Staff Awards ceremony at Big Penny Social, our first creative zone - Blackhorse Collective, yesterday (Tuesday 5 December).
It was such an honour to celebrate our staff members' achievements at Waltham Forest Council. These individuals have gone above and beyond for their colleagues and residents, working relentlessly, helping to change lives for the better.
I love when I am able to get out and about to meet our people. It is a constant inspiration to me when I go around the borough hearing the massive differences our staff are making.
I’ve been struck by the amazing things they do and heard some fantastic stories about the things our staff do to make the borough so special, and that’s one of the reasons I wanted to come back to Waltham Forest is just because of that.
It makes me really proud to lead such a dedicated group of officers in such a unique place that shows, dedication, support and commitment to this organisation as we work together to achieve our shared ambition.
|
 The Staff Awards highlight the hard work and commitment of staff across the organisation. They provide an opportunity for us to say thanks and show our appreciation. Holding the award ceremony for the second year would not have been possible without our brilliant sponsors who have generously paid for the celebrations: ServiceStore, Morgan Sindall, Urbaser, Marston Holdings, Soho Theatre Walthamstow, Countryside Partnerships, Big Kid and Cubiquity.
There were many individuals who were either nominated or made it to our finalist list, and a huge thank you to those staff members as well, and I hope you have taken time to celebrate with your colleagues.
Our staff event was followed by the Pride of Waltham Forest Community Awards ceremony in the evening, which was also a wonderful celebration of our community heroes. Please do check out the results of this on our social media channels.
Thank you to our wonderful teams from our Deputy Chief Executive directorate who worked hard to make yesterday’s event so special.
Find out more about our amazing staff winners 2023 below.
Linzi
Unsung Hero
David Reece
David Reece is the Lead for Children and Care Experienced People and works directly with young people in care to understand their experience of the care system.
"He's known as the person who has a solution for most (if not all) problems. Nothing is too much trouble for Dave. If he's not sorting out refreshments for a training event, he's decorating a young person's flat....Dave truly is an outstanding colleague."
|
Manager of the Year
Francis Offiah
Francis leads the Edge of Care Team, helping his coworkers reach their full potential as they support families in crisis and children at risk of entering into the care system.
"Francis will endeavor to go the extra mile to support and encourage his staff and families alike, to empower them to achieve their full potential. Francis works to create positive attitudes within our team which impacts positively on boosting team morale."
|
Team of the Year
Neighbourhood Officers
The Neighbourhood Officers work together to look after Waltham Forest, dealing with anything from conservation areas and trees to crime and safety, flooding, parking, animal welfare, and more.
"They really are at the heart of building and improving Waltham Forest neighborhoods for everyone. They know the borough inside out...they're the first people to notice vulnerable people on the streets to make sure they get support. When you walk down the street with them, everyone knows them and listens to them and they're just brilliant."
|
My Neighbourhoods Award
Jane Sherry
Jane is a Sustainable Transport Programme Manager with the Neighbourhood Directorate, working to deliver high-quality schemes that benefit Waltham Forest’s residents.
"Jane's leadership, breadth of knowledge and ability to navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of politics and priorities is insane. Diligent and driven while understanding the needs of her team, she has created an atmosphere that promotes collaboration and wellbeing, whilst delivering results."
|
Rising Star Award
Katie Chambers
Katie is an apprentice Environmental Health Officer who is undertaking a degree in Environmental Health alongside her work duties and has demonstrated excellence in flexibility, teamwork, interpersonal skills, and reliability in her role.
"Katie has been an apprentice with us for two years and in that time she has been dedicated, professional, and a real positive influence on the team. She often goes above and beyond the scope of her role...and contributes to the overall successes of regulatory services."
|
FOREST Values Award
Bisi Oyekanmi
Bisi is Head of Creative Enterprise and Operations within the Place Directorate, and a champion of positive change at Waltham Forest, through her involvement with the Race Equality Network, Women of Waltham Forest, Out in the Forest, and in her personal volunteering at Culture Fest, Waltham Forest Pride, and more. Bisi also sits on the board of two trusts in the community and started a support group for mothers in Waltham Forest.
"She brings the best out in everyone...and speaks with everyone in the same genuine, caring tone. I think there is so much to be said about people who bring out the best in people around them."
|
Driving Success Award
Sue Brettle
Susan (Sue) is a Catering Manager within Waltham Forest, protecting children who live with severe allergies. Sue introduced a menu, one day per week, across the borough that is free from the 14 major allergy groups, giving all children access to a healthy and nutritious meal at school.
"Sue is providing an overall better and safer dining experience for the children."
|
Customer Service Award
Yasmin Awan
Yasmin has dedicated over 33 years to Waltham Forest Council, working with young people, asylum seekers, adults in care, parents and more. She is a dedicated social worker who has modelled exceptional customer service for others.
"Yasmin has shown huge commitment to families and adults in the borough....her commitment to residents is truly commendable!"
|
Read more about our wonderful winners below and hear what they have to say.
|
