SERVICE with an ever-present smile has landed an Okehampton-based Devon County Council employee recognition in a new set of awards. Aimee Worrell, a customer services assistant with the Okehampton local services office, was a runner-up in the service with a smile award in the county?s new Customer Care Awards. Aimee, 24, has worked in the local service office for the past three years, having previously worked for Concept Staffing in Okehampton. Aimee, from Torrington, has a background doing general administration work since leaving school at 16. She was surprised but happy to have been nominated for the award: ?I am really pleased. It is nice to know that people think you are doing a good job.? The awards are nominated by work colleagues and one of Aimee?s co-workers described her as: ?Always happy and friendly, approachable and confident, she literally gives service with a smile. She is a joy to have in the office, always friendly and willing to help ? she cheers everyone up.? She said her friendly manner was not an act, but came naturally: ?It?s just me as a person. I have always tried to be bubbly and friendly. ?When people are phoning up, I always think how would I like to be treated myself. Sometimes people are angry about something, but I always try to put myself in their shoes and be helpful.? A total of 17 members of council staff were recognised for providing outstanding service at the ceremony held at County Hall in Exeter. The awards were presented by Devon County Council chairman Des Shadrick. The nominations, numbering almost 100, were considered by a judging panel. Customer services development manager Judith Davey said: ?We?ve had a brilliant response to the first ever Customer Service Awards. ?We all know how frustrating and upsetting it is to be dealt with in an offhand, rude or inefficient manner by someone in a shop or on the telephone. ?But at the county council we know we have some excellent people who always smile no matter what pressure they are under, who reach out to help people and go the extra mile every single day. ?These awards are a way to give a little recognition to just a few of those that really put their heart into their work which can make all the difference to the people they deal with every day.? Each year the council takes 1.5 million public calls relating to all its services. The award winners were divided into four categories, with three individual winners each receiving a £50 high street voucher and a certificate, plus a further award for the winner of the team award. The runners-up in each category also received certificates acknowledging their contributions.
