The Chair, Councillor Dave Humphreys, made the following announcements

1) Local Government Apprentice of the Year

“Andre Russell, one of our many fantastic apprentices, was part of a winning team at the Local Government Apprentice of the Year which took place virtually on 25 May 2022.

The national event, now in its second year, was designed and delivered by South West Councils and the East of England Local Government Association with support from the LGA.

More than 100 Level 2 and 3 local government apprentices from across the country took part in the one-day event, with workshops which encouraged them to learn, network and showcase their skills, expertise, and initiative.

Andre and his team members won the Team Award for their innovative idea for councils to save money by going paperless.

Andre joined WCC in June 2021 as an Apprentice Community Development Worker which involves attending different community groups, youth groups and community events.  He is just one example of our many fantastic apprentices working at the Council.

Many congratulations Andre!”

Andre Russell was asked to stand for a round applause.

2) Lawyers in Local Government Awards 2022

“Huge congratulations are also due to the Council’s Legal Services team who have been recognised on multiple fronts for outstanding achievements that contribute to local communities at this year's national Lawyers in Local Government Awards.

The Lawyers in Local Government Awards celebrate the most dedicated and engaged professionals across local government legal practice and highlight the crucial work that local government lawyers do for their local communities.

Warwickshire Legal Service’s Children and Families legal team were awarded ‘Legal Team of the Year’, in recognition of the work they do to safeguard the children of Warwickshire and the many other local authority areas that they support every day.

Jack Cantwell, a Senior Solicitor and team lead for the Corporate and Commercial legal team, was awarded ‘Legal Project Team/Individual of the Year’ in recognition of his work on a number of major initiatives, including the County Council’s Warwickshire Property and Development Group.

Our Assistant Director for Governance & Policy, Sarah Duxbury, was Highly Commended for her ‘Significant Contribution to Local Government Law and Practice’.

Stephanie Hartopp, who joined the Council as a trainee solicitor in September 2019 and is now a Solicitor for the Warwickshire Legal Services’ Courts team, was a finalist for ‘Junior Lawyer of the Year’.

Many congratulations to you all.”

Representatives of the Legal Team in attendance at the meeting were asked to stand for a round of applause.

3) Municipal Journal Achievement Awards

“At the MJ Achievement awards ceremony held on 24 June, Monica Fogarty, our Chief Executive, won the award for Chief Executive of the Year and Nigel Minns, People Directorate's Strategic Director, was given the award for Corporate Director of the Year.

Monica received her award in recognition of her outstanding leadership of the Council, where she moves with pace, precision, determination and commitment and on account of her passion and compassion, which consistently inspire and motivate those around her.

Nigel received the award for Corporate Director of the Year. The award recognised Nigel’s exceptional leadership covering public health, children, adults and commissioning services.  These areas provide considerable challenges in a large county and this was recognised by the judges.

Congratulations to you both!”

Monica Fogarty and Nigel Minns were invited to stand for a round of applause.

Councillors Isobel Seccombe, John Holland, and Sarah Boad extended their congratulations and expressed their pride in the award winners.