SCMA is delighted to share that we have been shortlisted in two categories – ‘The Leadership Award’ and ‘The COVID-19 Award’ - at the upcoming Scottish Public Service Awards, which recognises the contributions of Scotland’s public sector.
This is a huge achievement for #TeamSCMA, who have been recognised for demonstrating strong leadership and representation at a national level throughout the pandemic, and for supporting childminders to ensure critical childcare could continue for key workers and vulnerable families during challenging and uncertain times.
Crucially, SCMA worked with its members to influence policy makers and keep childminding open provided it has been safe to do so – whilst also continuing to deliver an extensive range of services and support for our members.
SCMA is the only Third Sector organisation to be shortlisted in these categories, and we are extremely proud to be nominated alongside other services and individuals who have demonstrated truly extraordinary work and are helping to make a difference.
We are thrilled to be nominated for two honours at the Scottish Public Service Awards:
- The Leadership Award: Shortlisted for ‘Leading Above and Beyond’, recognising the many ways in which SCMA has led by example during COVID-19, innovated, influenced, represented the needs of childminders and families at the highest levels and launched our new three-year strategy in May 2021 to promote recovery, support families and focussing on securing the future of childminding in Scotland.
- The COVID-19 Award: Shortlisted for providing an emergency response; facilitating critical childcare and supporting vulnerable families during lockdown, including securing additional funding to take referrals from other Third Sector organisations who were unable to provide physical family support due to COVID restrictions.
Graeme McAlister, Chief Executive of SCMA said:
“I am extremely proud and delighted that our dedicated team of core staff, our volunteer Scottish Executive Board and our entire membership community have been recognised and shortlisted for these national awards.
“It is strong acknowledgement of our collective efforts and to be the only Third Sector organisation to be shortlisted in these categories is an incredible accomplishment and testament to our commitment and devotion to childminding in Scotland. Members should be assured that no-one else has been doing more, is doing more and will be doing more to support childminders in Scotland.”
The winners will be announced at the upcoming awards ceremony, taking place at the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 8 December, co-hosted by Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone and Deputy First Minister John Swinney.
Read more about the Scottish Public Services Awards
HERE.