St Luke's janitor Stevie Devine wins Unsung Hero award

Stevie Devine, who works at St Luke’s High School, won the accolade after being praised by pupils and colleagues for the dedication and kindness he shows them.

Unsung Hero winner Stevie Devine, janitor at St Luke's High School, with education convener Councillor Andrew Anderson (Image: East Renfrewshire Council)

He was one of several winners recognised for going above and beyond as more than 100 staff gathered at Clarkston Hall for the We Are East Ren Awards.

The event celebrated the achievements of those employed by the council and the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP).

Going the Extra Mile winner Cathie Fraser with Mark Ratter, director of education (Image: East Renfrewshire Council)

Steven Quinn, the local authority's chief executive, told the Barrhead News: “Congratulations to all our winners from the We Are East Ren Awards.”

A total of 20 finalists were shortlisted across the eight award categories before a panel of judges decided on the winners.

Chief Executive Award winner, Jim Welsh, with Chief Executive Steven Quinn (Image: East Renfrewshire Council)

HSCP support worker Andy Crumlish received the Putting People First Award, for making a real difference to the children and young people he works with, while information security and digital risk officer Cathie Fraser picked up the Going the Extra Mile award for her work to ensure council networks remain secure and safe.

Putting People First winner Andy Crumlish with Louise Pringle, director of business operations and partnerships (Image: East Renfrewshire Council)

Young Employee of the Year winner Isabelle Hopkins with Steven Larkin, Unison East Renfrewshire (Image: East Renfrewshire)

Young Employee of the Year went to Isabelle Hopkins, a climate change data officer, who undertakes important reporting on the council’s climate change progress, while the housing options team was named as Team of the Year for their vital work every day with some of the most vulnerable people in the community.

Team of the Year winners the Housing Options Team with Julie Murray, HSCP chief officer (Image: East Renfrewshire Council)

A performance at the event by the St Mark's Primary School choir (Image: East Renfrewshire Council)

The Leader of the Year category was won by Gordon Stewart, head of maths at Mearns Castle High School, for his commitment to bringing about “any change that will make a meaningful improvement to the school”.

Values Champion winner Farkhanda Chaudhry with council leader Owen O'Donnell (Image: East Renfrewshire Council)

Leader of the Year winner Gordon Stewart with Deputy Provost Kate Campbell (Image: East Renfrewshire Council)

The Values Champion Award, meanwhile, was picked up by Farkhanda Chaudhry, a strategic services officer, in recognition of her great kindness to colleagues and work to establish trust with many people across the community.

Finally the Chief Executive’s Award went to Jim Welsh, a resettlement employability client advisor, for his work going the extra mile to support his clients, many of whom have gone through unimaginable trauma before arriving in East Renfrewshire.

“It was wonderful to celebrate the amazing contribution made by so many of our staff and hear all the stories about the work which goes on day-in day-out to ensure our residents receive the best services possible,” added Steven.