National recognition for Highland Council staff

There has been double delight for Highland Council with two staff winning national awards.

Technical assistant Ryen Campbell won the Gold Rising Star Award in the parks, grounds and streets category at the Association for Public Service Excellence (ASPE) Awards, while operational support officer Nicole Hardie collected the Silver Rising Star Award in the same category.

Ryen joined the council in 2021 as a seasonal grass cutter and was quickly promoted to play technician, before becoming a play inspector.

A council spokesman said: "[Ryen] is very conscientious and ensures all his sites are kept safe, using his initiative by coming up with ways to repair damage, extend the life expectancy and reduce costs of play equipment. He has also adopted new and efficient ways of working, to ensure better resource allocation and quicker repairs.

"One of [Nicole's] biggest successes has been the customer survey she designed and ran for operators of the comfort scheme."

The pair have also been shortlisted in the employee of the year section at the council's Staff Recognition Awards which will take place in Inverness on Friday.

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