Caerphilly County Borough Council honoured its workforce at the inaugural Diolch!
awards ceremony held at the Blackwood Miners Institute on the evening of Tuesday, 13 October.
More than 130 staff members gathered for the event, presided over by Chief Executive Ed Edmunds.
The Unsung Hero accolade was awarded to Lynn Hoskins from Trading Standards, with Gayle James from Social Services receiving a special commendation.
In the Delivering Excellent Service category, James Pizey of the Housing department took the top prize, while Barry Miller from Health and Safety earned special recognition.
The Residential MyST Team from Social Services was named Team of the Year, with the Vacant Homes team from Housing receiving a special commendation.
Max Nebe from Infrastructure secured the Making a Difference Award, and Jayne Evans from Sport and Leisure was specially commended.
Day Opportunities Gardening Team from Social Services claimed the Green Champion honour, with Ross Jones and Peter Lewis from Countryside Services receiving special commendation.
Christie Williams from Flying Start won the Rising Star Award, and Selina Griffiths from Trading Standards was specially commended.
The Digital Ambassador prize went to the EMIS Team from Early Years, Digital and Education, while the AI Team from Digital Services received a special commendation.
Employment Support Team Regeneration won the Collaboration Champion award, and the Neurodivergence Delivery Group from Social Services and Education was specially commended.
Sarah Stook from Infrastructure took the Wellbeing Champion prize, with Paula Yemm from Social Services receiving a special commendation.
Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to four long-serving employees: Jeannette Carter from Registrars, Hayley John from Social Services, Rosemary Brown MBE from Social Services, and John Poyner from Youth Service.
Sixteen members of staff who have served 40 years with the council over the past year were honoured with long service recognition.
Mr Edmunds said the ceremony provided an opportunity to celebrate the contributions made throughout the organisation.
The proceedings highlighted examples of dedication, creativity, bravery, compassion and collaborative effort.
Mr Edmunds extended his congratulations to all recipients, stating that they exemplified the highest standards within the council and that their efforts could serve as an example to others.
Mr Edmunds also expressed appreciation to colleagues across the council for their continued professionalism, resilience, innovative thinking, empathy and dedication.