Pride Awards final winners

Charlotte Brown

The winner of the New Talent Award manages the kitchen staff, providing healthy meals at Ashton Community Science College.

When Charlotte first came to the school, very few students had a school lunch because they didn't like what was on offer. She turned things round by asking the children what they would like to eat and introducing a new menu. Charlotte cares so much about meeting their needs that she even learnt sign language so that she can communicate with the students who are deaf.

Because of her efforts, the dining hall is now a lively place, open throughout breakfast and lunchtimes. The display of food looks so appetising that even the staff have been converted to school meals.

Charlotte really cares about the students and recognises the importance of them having a nutritious meal at school. Through her positive influence, the students are now more polite to the welfare staff, creating a better environment for all.

Ridwan Musa

Our winner is Highways operations manager for the south of the county, responsible for delivering all highway maintenance projects. A highly motivated manager, Ridwan is always looking for ways to improve service delivery.

He recently led a project to provide online estimates for the construction of drop kerbs following feedback from residents and businesses about the level of service received.

Ridwan established a working group to look at how all areas were preparing estimates and used this feedback to improve the service.

A huge amount of time was spent dealing with enquiries, with around 80% not going any further than the initial quote. By providing an online service, he has drastically reduced the time spent by highways staff dealing with these.

Sarah Drinkwater

Sarah is a team leader on the ICT Customer Service Desk, responsible for ICT support, responding to the many queries that come to her each day.

Described as always positive and friendly when dealing with customers, she will keep in touch with the customer until their issue is resolved to their satisfaction, quite often turning a negative experience on its head.

On one recent occasion, where a school's headteacher was becoming angry and upset due to a continuing problem with her PC, Sarah's calm, friendly manner quickly reassured her. She liaised with technical support and followed this up by ringing the customer to reassure her that things were in hand.

Sara Sutton

Our winner is a volunteer within the Morecambe Children's centres where she delivers an entire cook and eat programme throughout the area, including to one of our local schools. Sara will adapt her lessons to the parent's needs, whether that be ironing children's clothes or eating healthily on a budget.

She keeps accurate records in the form of a learning journey for each parent, so they can see the progress they are making. As a busy mother of 7 children, Sara somehow also finds the time to be a homestart volunteer, supporting parents one to one.

Always non-judgemental, she is a true inspiration to show parents what they can achieve if they are willing to work hard.
 

Dawn Siddle.

Dawn is the registered care manager of Woodhill House home for older people. She has the overall responsibility of the smooth running of the home, with the support and help of her dedicated team.

Dawn is described as having a natural empathy towards her work in the care services, and a welcoming approach to her 'customers' who are the residents and their families. A great boss and mother of the house, she has a way of making each person she speaks to feel special.  

During her long career, Dawn has worked in all areas of the care services and her team say she is an inspiration to all who meet and work for her. She has moved forward with changes, taking her team with her, sharing her knowledge and experience of the 'Lancashire way'.

Preston Bus Station Security Team

This team are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of all visitors who use Preston Bus Station. They deal with day to day problems, 7 days a week, 351 days a year.

A new team to the organisation, they are usually the first on the scene whenever incidents happen, from altercations, to people sleeping rough, and they are now much more confident and better trained to deal with such situations. 

In recent months they have saved the lives of 6 people who were attempting to jump from the station car park –talking each one down before the emergency services got there.

Sadly, on Boxing Day last year, there was a tragic loss of life. The team's professionalism was complimented by the Detective Inspector on duty who said –

"The cracking response from your colleagues who managed this incident was a credit worthy of note. I acknowledge that this was a distressing incident and your colleagues not only managed it, but were invaluable in assisting the Officers at the scene."

Countryside Ranger Service

This service made up of 7 paid members of staff and 150 volunteers. They look after 93 Countryside sites across the county and the millions of visitors that come to enjoy the countryside. Working every weekend – when most of our visitors are out and about – they are committed to helping people to enjoy themselves!

Volunteers in particular are providing greater support than ever, running events and staffing the Visitor Centres.

Countryside rangers have been involved in dealing with emergencies such as Road Traffic Collisions, wild fires, suicides, antisocial incidents and rural crime – the unpleasant but necessary side of Rangering.

Rangers also support young people's aspirations, through work placements, Junior Ranger groups, conservation volunteers, Duke of Edinburgh award, Scout and guide groups. They are proud to positively influence young people's interest and appreciation of Lancashire's fantastic countryside.

Andrew Leeming

Our winner is hailed as an innovator and ambassador for Lancashire County Developments, who challenges customers to rethink public sector stereotypes.

Andrew has trailblazed new business finance products and forged new collaborations, where many people might struggle to gain traction. His confident, innovative and pioneering approach is demonstrated in his role in the promotion of Boost Business Lancashire.

He took the lead in connecting Boost to a range of commercial and professional networks so that small businesses can easily access the support they need.

Andrew cuts through red tape and works incredibly hard to dispel any myths that CEOs may have about working with the public sector. His nominator says he operates from a default setting of "how can we do this in an amazing way", rather than "we can't do this because it's too risky."