High Sheriff praises Nottinghamshire County Council’s pandemic efforts

The High Sheriff Award is awarded to individuals and organisations that show the best examples of self-sacrifice, passion and determination to improve the lives of those less fortunate and vulnerable across Nottinghamshire.

Dame Elizabeth Fradd DBE DL, High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, said that the award to the county council was recognising the combined dedicated effort of all staff over the last 12 months.

Dame Elizabeth said: “Given the complexity and size of the organisation, I am making the award to all employees of the council from the CEO downwards regardless of position or role.

“The collective effort of them all, is that they have significantly enhanced the life of residents and people across the county during what has been an immeasurably difficult period. I am proud of them all and delighted to be able to thank them in this way for what they have achieved”.

During the pandemic, the council launched the Community Support Hub, working with the voluntary sector to provide food, medicines and support to people who were asked to shield due to health conditions.

To date the hub has supported more than 54,000 clinically extremely vulnerable residents and almost 800 voluntary organisations have registered to offer support.

The council’s Community Fund has also been a lifeline for charities and the voluntary sector with 312 projects across Notts being awarded more than £866,000 so far.

Councillor Kay Cutts, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council thanked the High Sheriff for recognising the efforts of staff.

She said: “Our staff have been exemplary, often going the extra mile to ensure that the Council has been able to provide the vast majority of its services throughout the pandemic. As the leader of the council, I am proud of all those who work for the council, because I know how hard they work, not just in these extraordinary times, but always.”

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