The gathering of around 50 staff provided an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of individuals and teams in upholding the Council's RITA values: Responsive, Innovative, Trusted, and Ambitious, while connecting in a relaxed atmosphere over tea and cake in the lead up to Christmas.

Those recognised came from across Education, Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), Children & Families, Place, and Transformation, Communities, & Corporate Services (TC&C). The Chief Executive and Leader of the Council - alongside several Directors and Heads of Service - were in attendance to thank colleagues and highlight the positive impact of their work in delivering high-quality services to the community.

Teams & individuals recognised

• Cunningham House Staff Team (HSCP) - Transitioned the house to a rehabilitation facility for post-hospital care, reducing recovery times and hospital pressures

Pictured:Kerrie Masterson (middle), Resource Centre Manager for Cunningham House, with members of the Cunningham House team. 

• Gina Wallace (HSCP) - Pursued a diploma in Social Work while maintaining full-time responsibilities 
• Falkirk Social Services SVQ Assessment Centre Team (HSCP) - Maintained a 10-year ‘green’ inspection record by SQA External Verifiers
• Digital Hub Admin Team – Telecare (TC&C) - Developed a life-critical system now considered a national benchmark
• Insurance Renewals (TC&C) - Managed critical insurance renewals with exceptional diligence
•  ‘On The Button’ Project (TC&C/Education) - Designed software to streamline child safety processes
• Licensing Team (TC&C) - Implemented the ‘Short-Term Lets Licensing Scheme’ efficiently
• Election Team (TC&C) - Delivered a well-executed election under short notice

Pictured: TC&C - Members of the Election team who quicky assembled for July's General Election.

• Digital Hub Admin Team – Housing & Communities (TC&C) - Safeguarded vulnerable residents with reliable systems
• Lisa McCabe, Service Manager (Education) - Led transformation in the Early Years sector to improve outcomes for children and families
• Debbie Calderwood, Head Teacher, Bonnybridge Primary (Education) - Praised by inspectors for her leadership and community sensitivity

Pictured: Debbie Calderwood (left) and Lisa McCabe (right) with Head of Service Deborah Davidson.

• Jonathan Crawford, Head Teacher, Wallacestone Primary (Education) - Implemented an inclusive, nurturing school environment within one year of leadership
• Justice and Children’s Services (Children & Families) - Delivered holistic social work practices that champion children’s rights
• Joanna Gowans and the Initial Response Team (Children & Families) - Developed cost-saving community-based solutions in collaboration with other services

Pictured: Members of the Children with Disabilities team.

• Natalie Smith, Newly Qualified Social Worker (Children & Families) - Advocated effectively for families, balancing sensitivity and professionalism
• Children with Disabilities Team – Activity Scheme (Children & Families) - Provided tailored daytime support for 120 children with disabilities annually 
• Harry Duthie and Erin Constable (Place) - Assisted member of the public after collapse, performed CPR and use of onsite defibrillator to rescue the situation

Pictured (left to right): Director of Place Services Malcolm Bennie with life savers Erin Constable and Harry Duthie.

• Mark Cox (Place) - Green Fleet - runner up for an Association for Public Service Excellence award
• Barry Neill (Place) - Won the Brownfield Award - Best Biodiversity Enhancement of a brown field site
• Craig Ogg (Place) - Won Building Standards National Performance Award 2024