For the last 6 months (or more), a large portion of my working week has been spent thinking about the Scottish Social Services Awards. Iriss were delighted to be asked by Scottish Government (who fund the SSSAs) to host the awards this year, and to help recognise the hard work and dedication of those in the social work and social care sectors.
It’s so easy to forget how much goes into organising an event like this and I will be forever grateful to Nicole at Speakeasy Productions for taking on much of the organising and running of this event; allowing me to focus on the bigger picture parts of the awards (like picking judges, the wine, the canapes and the table snacks).
Social work and social care are seldom celebrated, and as things begin to settle a little after the pandemic and its ongoing aftermath the daily work put in by the sector shouldn’t be overlooked. The awards are a chance to showcase examples of best practice and highlight the commitment of those who work in the sector.
It’s clear from the reactions of those nominated just how much the awards mean. The videos we saw on the night repeatedly highlighted how the nominations had lifted the finalists and their teams; and how being recognised for their fantastic jobs meant the world to them.
180 guests braved the late November weather to gather at the Glasgow Science Centre to celebrate and see who the winners would be. Wine was sipped, chocolates were munched and perhaps a tear was shed as we watched all the finalist videos on the big screen and cheered for all involved.
I’d like to say a personal thanks to Minister Maree Todd, all the judges for taking time to help in a very busy period and for coming along to help us celebrate, the venue staff, the award presenters, the Iriss team, our host Sean Batty, Speakeasy (again!!), the partners and award sponsors - SASW, CCPS and SWS, and to Scottish Government for continuing to underline and celebrate the excellent work done in this sector.
The pictures from the night are available on the SSSA website and if you want a copy of your finalist video reach out to sssa@speak.co.uk.
Thanks!!!
Sam
