Council’s “massive achievement” in top industry awards
Telford & Wrekin Council has hailed a massive achievement after its Revenues Team scooped a major industry award and its Benefits team reached the final shortlist in the same competition.
The achievement was in the prestigious Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation (IRRV) annual awards, which were presented at The International Centre in Telford.
Telford & Wrekin Council won the Revenues Team of the Year (Unitary Authority) Award, beating off stiff competition in the final from Bristol City Council and the City of Edinburgh Council.
The Revenues Team based their submission on council Managing Director Richard Partington’s vision for the organisation, which carries the strapline Being The Change.
Sophie Lane, Revenues Service Delivery Manager, said: “I believe we embody the vision of Being The Change, ensuring we get the basics right, challenging and changing the way we do things, maximising income and collection for the council and helping the organisation reduce dependency on government grants.
“We are a strong, committed and passionate team who are at the forefront of the council’s Financial Strategy, powering change in our communities through income collection, while upholding the principles of our profession.
“We foster a culture of participation and recognition and work closely with our wider family of external partners to provide an excellent customer-focused service.”
The council’s Benefits team were shortlisted down to the final five in the Benefits & Welfare Reform Team of the Year category.
Their submission was the culmination of 20 years constant evolution and innovation for the service, including adapting to increasing demands with reducing resources over the past 18 months.
Managing director Richard Partington said: “Team Telford is thrilled and delighted to have both won the Revenues Team of the Year Award and been a finalist in the Benefits Team of the Year.
“Both of these are a massive achievement in a top industry award which couldn’t have been done without the hard work, dedication and team work from both teams.”
Councillor Rae Evans, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for Customer Services, said: “This was a very proud moment for the council and I would like to say a huge well done to both teams for their hard work which has led to a richly deserved achievement in a very prestigious award scheme.”
The IRRV Awards featured 11 categories and were presented at the awards ceremony attended by more than 650 guests. The awards were presented by IRRV President Gordon Heath.
