Scottish Borders Council wins national award
Friday, May 23 2008
The Council has picked up the award for Business Continuity Strategy of the Year at a national ceremony – against competition from big names such as ScottishPower and Rolls Royce.
The Council’s senior risk management adviser, Hugh Kinsella, was highly commended in the Public Sector Continuity Manager of the Year category for his work in planning to ensure that whatever happens, it can be business as usual at the Council.
The accolades were announced at the Continuity, Insurance and Risk (CIR) awards in the Dorchester Hotel in London. The team involved was also praised by Council Convener Alasdair Hutton and re-presented with their award in front of elected members during the latest Council meeting.
The awards recognise excellence within the field of business continuity and operational risk management. Awards are judged by a peer group of distinguished and experienced business continuity professionals.
As set down in the Civil Contingencies Act, each local authority must, by law, prepare business continuity plans which set out how the Council will continue to operate under the most extreme outside pressures. The Council worked with Glen Abbot in developing its plan.
SBC’s Chief Executive, David Hume, said: “This award recognises the importance of ensuring that Scottish Borders Council can continue to deliver its vital services, regardless of any incident. It’s also a perfect example of a Council and a consultancy working together. I would also like to commend staff across the Council for their excellent work on business continuity.”
David Hutcheson, Managing Director of Glen Abbot, added: “This is an excellent reward recognising the forethought and attention to detail which went into defining the strategy.”
Hugh Kinsella was delighted with the Council’s success: “A lot of hard work has gone into preparing this plan but that just reflects the importance we place on continuing to deliver our essential services no matter what is thrown at us. I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve been recognised in these awards.”
SBC’s risk management team has also picked up a European-wide accolade with a ‘highly commended’ mention in this year’s European Risk Management Awards in the Best Risk Management Approach in the Public Sector category.
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