First of all thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate a colleague for our last round of CCS Star Awards for 2024, we had a total of 20 nominations, with some people receiving multiple nominations. We were also so impressed with the quality of the nominations, so thank you!
It’s great to see so many of you recognising others who are living and breathing our Culture Essentials. It was a tough decision and in fact so tough that the EEG decided to have three winners this time and as was shared at the recent town hall, our winners are:
James TK for Respect & Protect, Speak Up, Improve and Listen & Learn who received 3 nominations. Here’s what his nominators had to say about him:
“I would like to nominate James TK for being brave and courageous in sharing his own mental health story to CCS colleagues on World Mental Health Day. James spoke from the heart and was open and honest about his journey, how he had been feeling at different stages and insights into the various methods of support he received. James is so passionate about this topic, and it was great to listen to his story and how he hopes that by sharing, others will also seek help and support in the future. Amazing work James!”
“I am in awe of James’ bravery and willingness to make a real difference to other people by sharing his mental health story. This takes speak up to a new level in sharing such a personal aspect of life in the effort to make a difference to colleagues by being part of the solution in removing stigma about mental health and about getting help. I have no doubt this will have resonated with many colleagues including myself, who have their own experiences and backgrounds mental health journeys, creating opportunities to share and support. James session was very well planned and thought out and gave so many strategies and lines of support to others. Thank you for taking such a brave stand and having such an incredibly positive impact.”
“James TK has always been very helpful and always willing to work hard on any job tasked with him.”
Darren Town who received three nominations for Improve, Respect & Protect and Speak Up. Here’s what his nominators had to say about him:
“As part of the workspace group Darren has gone above and beyond to ensure that we retain the best IT equipment – not only checking every desk to ensure we had the best monitors and that the equipment was complete, but also (with screwdriver in hand) physically went under the desks to tidy up cables, switch equipment (including monitors) and offer himself as the point of contact for any IT equipment issues and liaising with the CUK IT team. Thanks to Darren we all now have a full suite of the best IT equipment – thank you Darren!”
“Darren’s input and enthusiasm as a member of the Workspace Working Group to take on various tasks to support the changes to the CCS office in Southampton have been incredible to see. He has not only ensured that we maximise the best IT equipment for the remaining space, he has then taken it a step further and switched the kit over himself (with help from Martin) putting us in a really strong position for when the works start.”
“Darren is an understated powerhouse – one of those that just gets on and does what is needed. This was clearly seen during the grand office clean up earlier in the year and continues through in his contribution to improving the CCS workspace has been invaluable. Not only has he become the go to for IT related queries within CCS, but he is also not shy to speak up if the need arises.”
And finally, Olly Harris who received a massive six nominations for Communicate, Our New Ways of Working, Listen & Learn, Respect & Protect and Improve. Here’s what his nominators had to say about him:
“Although not part of his responsibility, Olly has taken time out of his day job to coordinate the new Southampton office layout. His communication with CUK about their plans has allowed us to recover a number of additional desks. He has also empowered his colleague to implement the new layouts.”
“Ensured the office consolidation process was as seamless as possible with little impact on our day-to-day working, listening to points of view for desk re-arrangement.”
“Outstanding job with organisation of desks around new post office.”
“Olly’s made sure that, following the reduction in our floor area in Carnival House, the remaining office layout is efficient and comfortable, listening to everyone’s input and opinion. Thanks!”
“Olly’s input and desire to make sure the new CCS workspace in Carnival House is the most efficient and effective it can be is really great to see. He has brought a different lens to the project and given some great insights and gathered input and engaged with various people within the office to canvas their views. He has spent time redrawing floor plans to ensure Facilities understand the change and his attention to detail on room dimensions is second to none. Thanks, Olly, for taking this on and supporting the project.”
“Olly took control of the new office layout and has spent fair amount of time tweaking the plan and improving it as much as possible. Darren, likewise, they have Empowered facilities to create a plan that should make the most of the smaller office space.”
And in true Oscar style, the other nominees were:
- Alfredo Botta for Empower, Communicate, Speak Up, Improve
- Angelo Marreri for Respect & Protect, Listen & Learn, Our New Ways of Working, Speak Up, Improve, Empower, Communicate
- Gianluca Campisi for Speak Up, Respect & Protect, Improve, Communicate, Listen & Learn, Our New Ways of Working. Empower
- Jules Robinson for Improve, Empower
- Kristian Kukic for Our New Ways of Working, Speak Up, Respect & Protect, Improve, Empower, Listen & Learn, Communicate
- Peter Bergmann for Our New Ways of Working, Improve, Listen & Learn, Speak Up, Communicate
- Toni Myers for Improve