TEN years ago we launched the Herald Society Awards – an annual celebration of the public and voluntary sectors in Scotland. A decade on it is still the only event offering recognition to organisations and individuals across the public and voluntary sectors.

This year’s gala dinner will be a particularly special occasion as we mark the birthday of awards which over the years have recognised the efforts of workers and volunteers, schools and hospitals, community campaigns and wacky inventors, all with one thing in common – a desire to help make Scotland a better place.

Today we are opening the 2017 Herald Society Awards for entries. In association with Social Work Scotland 2017’s awards will highlight the best achievements and the most creative approaches across the public and voluntary sector over the past year. The awards are also supported by evh, Legacy 2014, MacRoberts LLP and The Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE).

Each year, an expert panel of judges helps us to assess the most dedicated workers and teams, the projects with the biggest impact and the most imaginative ideas at work to tackle social problems, meet health needs and promote learning among young and old alike.

There are 13 categories and this year’s entry deadline is Wednesday, September 6, 2017. The awards are a great celebration of the hard work of Scotland’s third and public sectors, as well as a chance to meet and mingle with those responsible for Scotland’s most inspiring social initiatives.

Susan Taylor, President of Social Work Scotland said, “These awards recognise the vital contribution that social work and social care staff make, along with others in the public and voluntary sectors, to make a difference to people’s lives across Scotland”

Eamonn Connolly, Director, EVH said, “Once again, we are delighted to be associated with these prestigious awards; which celebrate those wonderful people and institutions which give selflessly for the betterment of their fellow citizens.”

Andy Sinclair, Head of Legacy, Scottish Government, said, “ It’s great to see these awards recognise the great work being done, three years on from Glasgow hosting the best ever Commonwealth Games, to guarantee a strong Games legacy across Scotland”

Ian Welsh, Chief Executive, the ALLIANCE, described the awards as: “a celebration that highlights the vital work by the public, voluntary and third sectors to help improve Scottish society”

Val Surgenor, Partner with first-time supporters MacRoberts said “We regularly work alongside and support organisations and social business in the Charities & Third Sector, Social Enterprise and Public Sector. Scotland is home to many fantastic organisations and individuals – who work tirelessly every day to reach out, engage and make a difference. The Heralds Society Awards provide us with an opportunity to celebrate their wonderful contribution to the very fabric of Scottish society.”

Entering is free and you can enter any number of categories.

For more information on this event, please contact Lyndsay Wilson on 0141 302 7407 or email Lyndsay.wilson@heraldandtimes.co.uk