Cleaners quick-step to awards final

Flavia Cacace congratulates Yvonne Wilson (left) from Norden and Sandra Timms (right) from Middleton on the cleaning team’s success

Strictly Come Dancing star Flavia Cacace, honoured a sparkling performance from Rochdale Borough Council at the Association of Public Service Excellence Awards 2009.

The council’s Facilities Management team reached the finals of the most improved performer award for building cleaning at the December award celebrations in Blackpool.

Speaking to the finalists at the awards Ms Cacace said: “As a professional dancer I know that in order to achieve and sustain the highest levels of performance you need to have dedication and commitment and a willingness to constantly learn and improve. These are all qualities that you need in competition and are qualities that all of you here tonight bring to your own working lives to make sure that the public receive the best possible public services”

The Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE) is the UK’s largest voluntary benchmarking service. It allows public sector services to compare performance and share best practice. The annual APSE Performance Network Awards celebrate the best performers across the UK in more than 20 different categories.

Rochdale Borough Council’s cabinet member for corporate management, Councillor Liz Thirsk said: “Keeping our buildings spick and span for customers and staff is not just important for everyone’s health and safety but is also a vital ingredient that makes them bright and welcoming places to use, visit and work in. I am delighted to add my congratulations to the staff, whose hard work and effort can go unsung.

“To reach a national final for most improved performance recognises their excellence and commitment to improving the quality of services and delivering value for money for local taxpayers.”