Welcome to the 2017 Guardian Public Service Awards. These annual awards are an opportunity to showcase the very best of public service and recognise those who put service to others at the heart of their work.
In these grim times, it is clear just how much we need excellent public services. We know you, our public service readers, don’t always feel comfortable blowing your own trumpet, but we want to encourage every single organisation in public service to open up about the work they are doing and why it matters.
As Helen Backus, a commissioner of services for young people at Buckinghamshire county council, and our 2016 public servant of the year, has said, winning the award has been hugely important for her professionally and personally: “It’s nice to actually feel valued.”
We want to see a diverse range of entries. It doesn’t matter if your organisation is a huge civil service department, a small district council, a private supplier or a voluntary organisation. We look to highlight progress and innovation in every different area of public service.
There are 10 categories this year, including a new award for leadership excellence. Each category has different criteria, so please read our hints and tips carefully before entering and then encourage all your colleagues to enter and help us celebrate the best of public service in this country.
Jane Dudman
Editor, Guardian Public Leaders, Housing and Voluntary Sector Networks
