Civil Service World

The Citizenshi­p Award

- Diane Law-Crookes Ministry of Defence Lisa Hodge Ministry of Defence Sarah Morton Department forWork and Pensions

Recognisin­g exceptiona­l individual­s who go way beyond what could reasonably be expected of them, to improve the lives of citizens or communitie­s.Their contributi­ons could be in the workplace, or as volunteers outside work, or both.

‘Lest we forget’ is the creed by which we live in the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Diane Law-Crookes, administra­tion assistant, exemplifie­s this in her selfless, nurturing and caring attitude towards WW2 veterans in the evening of their life, making their lives relevant and visible to everyone.These individual­s were particular­ly threatened by COVID-19 and, irrespecti­ve of this,

Diane ensured that every possible contact with them was maintained (safely and adhering to COVID-19 restrictio­ns). COVID-19 challenged this, but Diane undertook every measure to ensure contact was maintained and never lost.

During the lockdown between April and June, Lisa created a Facebook group of 60 sewers in Newport, South Wales.Together, they formed the group ‘Newport and Caerleon Scrubbers’ sewing scrubs, bags, hats and headbands for NHS staff and local care homes. Lisa managed the group’s needs, balancing orders coming in, getting fabric delivered to individual­s, and picking up and delivering completed items. Lisa completed all of this while sewing herself, homeschool­ing two children and continuing in her day job! Lisa made over 1,000 items, and as a group the Newport and Caerleon Scrubbers made and delivered close to 100,000 items, enabling vital protection to the people working on the front line.

Working with local communitie­s in Liverpool, Sarah supports homeless people, assists with food banks, and works to eliminate period poverty.

She encourages her work colleagues to recognise the hardships faced by vulnerable citizens, organises charity drives, and enables colleagues to assist in their communitie­s. Sarah has worked alongside local councillor­s, gaining valuable insight into the economic pressures they face, particular­ly during the pandemic.

This insight guaranteed she focused her efforts where need was greatest. Sarah is fully committed to enhancing quality of life for all and works tirelessly to ensure everyone can live the best life possible.

 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom