Latest update
Published
Header image for article 7021

Two colleagues in Housing have been recognised in national awards for their efforts at Falkirk Council.

HR Assistant Clare Marshall won HR Assistant/Officer of the Year at Scotland's prestigious Hr NETWORK awards for her work with the Council’s Housing team.

And there was further recognition for the team as housing officer Soni Pius was shortlisted for Young Achiever in Housing at the Scottish Housing Awards, narrowly missing out on the accolade.

Excellence in HR

Clare graduated with a Masters in Human Resource Management - with distinction - from University of Strathclyde Business School in November 2019. 

And Clare’s university made sure her success at work was acknowledged by her peers, nominating her for the respected Hr NETWORK award.

Falkirk Council HR Assistant Clare MArshall

Pictured: Clare Marshall receives her award


The Hr NETWORK awards programme is the largest of its kind for HR professionals in Scotland, recognising excellence in the discipline.

HR Assistant Clare Marshall said:

“It was an honour to be recognised by the Scottish HR community in receiving the award of HR Assistant/Officer of the Year. 

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Falkirk Council so far, and I’m looking forward to continuing to develop my skills and experience.”

Clare’s manager, Caroline Calvert, was full of praise:

“I am absolutely delighted for Clare. Winning the HR Assistant of the year Award is testament to her hard work and the positive contribution she makes to the team.  

“Clare is a real asset to Falkirk Council and this award is well deserved.”

Project experience

Joining the Council’s graduate scheme during lockdown presented obstacles, but graduate Soni Pius rose to the challenge.

Having graduated from University of Nottingham in 2018 with a Masters in Sustainable Urban Design, Soni gained real world project experience in her graduate role, getting involved in demand analysis, user experience and the annual survey of Council tenants.

Falkirk Council Housing Officer Soni Pius

Pictured: Soni Pius


Her work as a Falkirk Council graduate led to a shortlisting at the 2021 Scottish Housing Awards, where she narrowly missed out on the Bob Allan Young Achiever in Housing accolade.

And thanks to her commitment, Soni has now progressed into a full-time Housing Officer role in Falkirk Council.

Soni Pius said:

"My time as a housing graduate with Falkirk Council gave me a unique opportunity to be a part of multiple projects. So to be shortlisted for the work I have been doing is just the cherry on the cake. 

"I am extremely grateful for the variety of projects as well as the degree of involvement.

"The graduate scheme provided a foundation within housing that enabled me to gain the confidence and skills to progress.

"I have an amazing team that I get to work with every day and to me that is the highlight of my time at Falkirk Council."

Related content