Pictured above: People's Choice winners the Sutton Coldfield and Erdington Home Care Team, Specialist Care Services with compere Ed James (far left)

Birmingham City Council has once again included a special award in its annual Chamberlain Awards which is open to nominations from the general public.

Nominations for The People's Choice for Service to the Community Award are open until Friday 17th June 2011.  This Award has been created to allow members of the public to vote for a member of staff or team at Birmingham City Council who has made a significant difference to them either through their excellent customer service, or by the way in which a service has been delivered to a consistently high level   Nominees may be from any department and service area at Birmingham City Council.

"This is the public's opportunity to recognise and show their appreciation for the many outstanding contributions made every day by members of the city council staff that have made a real difference to their lives and experience of council services," commented Councillor Alan Rudge, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Human Resources at Birmingham City Council.  "We want to hear about members of staff who have gone over and above their role to support individuals or organisations in Birmingham, through their hard work, caring attitude or ability to simply brighten someone's day.  

"The Chamberlain Awards was created to recognise those who achieve excellence in their roles and make a valuable contribution to the communities within which they are working.  The People's Choice for Service to the Community award is the first time we have let members of the public have their vote as to who within the council deserves special recognition and I hope those who feel they have received extra special service from within our many departments will make the effort to nominate deserving members of staff."

Named after Joseph Chamberlain, one of Birmingham's most respected civic leaders, the Chamberlain Awards scheme is designed to reward Birmingham City Council workers who go the extra mile to ensure that the people of Birmingham receive quality services.

Established by Cllr Rudge and now in its seventh consecutive year, the Chamberlain Awards is Birmingham City Council's flagship awards initiative, recognising the achievements of its employees through 10 diverse categories. Nominations in all but the People's Choice category are sought internally, with shortlisted entries agreed by an appointed panel of judges. The resulting finalists are announced at an awards ceremony sponsored by local businesses, held at The International Convention Centre on 11 November 2011.

Nominations for The People's Choice for Service to the Community award are open until Friday 17th June 2011. To nominate a member of staff simply download a nomination form from the Chamberlain Awards website  - www.chamberlainawards.co.uk/criteria#public - or call the Corporate Recognition team on 0121 675 4870 /  4871 to request a nomination form by post. Nomination forms can be submitted by post or email but must be submitted by Friday 17th June 2011.

Nominators whose entries are successful in reaching the final will be invited with their nominees to the glittering award ceremony and dinner on 11th November 2011.