And the winners are…

Colleagues from across the business gathered in London last week to celebrate the best of the best of Royal Mail at the ninth annual Chairman’s Awards for Excellence.

TV journalist and Strictly Come Dancing contestant, Kate Silverton, took time out from her hectic dance training schedule with partner Aljaz Skorjanec, to team up with Royal Mail Chairman, Les Owen, for the afternoon.

Kate told the audience: ‘I know however much I have been moaning about the hard work, sweat and commitment I have been putting into Strictly, it is nothing – and I mean nothing – compared with what you guys are doing on a daily basis.’

Kate and Les co-hosted the ceremony, presenting awards ranging from Postie of the Year to the CEO’s Award for Bravery, Team Leader of the Year, Team of the Year, Community Champion, Rising Star Award and Safety, Health and Wellbeing Champion.

There were also a range of Customer Experience, Logistics and International awards.

Kelt Jones, from Llanelli, was awarded the prestigious CEO’s Award for Bravery. Kelt, who entered a burning building to attempt to save a customer’s life while out on his round, said: ‘I think it is just something that everybody may do. It was a tough situation to be in, but it is nice to be appreciated for something you have done beyond your normal day of work.’

Brian Milner, from Chester-le-Street, was crowned Royal Mail’s Postie of the Year. Brian, who has been awarded the British Empire medal for services to charity, said: ‘This award feels particularly special to me, because it’s what I do at work. There’s a lot of postmen in the land, so it’s nice to be recognised.

‘One thing I want to say - it’s not just me, it’s every postman about, it’s a team effort. We’re all doing a fantastic job getting customers’ post to their door, especially when it’s snowing and raining. It is really nice to be recognised for that.’

Team Leader of the Year, Kate Allen, from Liverpool South East, was recognised for driving up morale at her delivery office by creating a calm and relaxed environment. She said: ‘I wasn’t expecting to win, especially when I saw the video of all the candidates, how fantastic they were and all the different things that people have done. All I’ve done is go in and be myself and try to create a positive atmosphere at work. It’s simple but sometimes you take it for granted.

‘I don’t think anyone should not want to come into work – it should be a positive place, and you get more out of people when it’s like that. The sickness levels reduce, people are happier, it’s a nicer atmosphere. All I’ve done really is listen to my staff and action their ideas. To be nominated by them is the biggest achievement for me.’

• Colleagues came from as far afield as Newcastle, Wales, Plymouth and Glasgow
• Our 50 years’ service colleagues (pictured) and Ops Fundraising Challenge winners were also honoured at the event
• The day started with a drinks reception featuring a performance by the Royal Mail choir, followed by a shadow dance show performed by acrobatic dance troupe, Tumbellina 
• The awards were presented to colleagues by CEO of Post & Parcels, UK, Sue Whalley; international director, Richard Snowdon; head of customer experience, Susan Howlett; logistics director, Euan McMurdo; director of public affairs and policy, David Gold; global director of safety, health and wellbeing and sustainability, Shaun Davis, and business transformation director, Ian Jones. 

And the winners are:

• Technician of the Year - Murdo Johnson, Stornoway
• HGV Driver of the Year - Stuart Gillgrass, Warrington
• MGV Driver of the Year - Trevor Wheat, Nottingham
• CEO’s Award for Bravery - Kelt Jones, Llanelli
• Safety, Health and Wellbeing Champion - Steven Keeley, Sunderland
• Community Champion - Brian Phillips, Newport
• Team of the Year - Escalated Customer Resolution Team, Plymouth
• Postie of the Year - Brian Milner, Chester-Le-Street
• Team Leader of the Year - Kate Allen, Liverpool
• Rising Star Award - Lee Bannerman, Glasgow
• International Team Award - Night Shift Fundraising Team, HWDC/ Slough
• International Individual Award - Leon Harding, Slough
• Customer Experience: Inspirational Colleague Award - Hazel Hughes, Bangor
• Customer Experience: Service Excellence Award - Patricia Brigham, Stoke-on-Trent
• Customer Experience: Handle with Care Award - Pauline Williams, Bangor