Paul is a true hero

A dedicated trading standards officer has received an award for his efforts keeping elderly people safe from scams and fraudsters.

Paul Holland, of East Renfrewshire Council’s trading standards team, has been named the 2020 recipient of the Brian Smith Hero Award.

Presented by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), the award recognises Paul’s efforts to equip vulnerable people with the insight needed to recognise scams and avoid them.

The award is named after the late Brian Smith, a CTSI lead officer who sadly passed away in 2017.

Paul had worked with Brian in 2013 to put together a package of advice, information and support for vulnerable people for a variety of scams, which was a new idea at the time.

The scheme began in three Scottish regions and, thanks to Paul’s perseverance and skilful negotiating for funding, was later rolled out across the whole of Scotland.

Paul was presented with his award at a recent online ceremony.

Eleni Chalkidou, director of communications at CTSI, said: “Paul has contributed substantially to consumer protection in Scotland over the past few years.

“It is apt that Paul wins this award, named after the late Brian Smith, who worked with Paul to achieve this important project.

“Congratulations Paul, and to East Renfrewshire trading standards who I am certain are extremely proud to have such a brilliant trading standards officer on their staff.”