Gold stars
The annual winners of the 2019/20 CEO and COO Awards have been announced. Co-sponsored by CEO, Stuart Simpson, and COO, Achim Dünnwald, the awards recognise and reward excellence in our operational units.
Goldsworth Park Delivery Office is this year’s proud winner of the ‘Large Delivery Office of the Year’ award.
The team received a visit from Stuart to receive prizes of gold lanyards, pin badges, a special commemorative plaque and breakfast to celebrate their outstanding achievements.
Goldsworth Park delivery office manager, Michael Curlis, said his team were both surprised and ‘extremely happy’ that all their hard work had been recognised with their award.
‘Goldsworth Park is a relatively new delivery office,’ said Michael. ‘We share the unit with Woking Vehicle Operating Centre (VOC) and Woking Collections. Up until three years ago, we were eight independent scale payment delivery offices (SPDOs). So, over a period of time, we’ve grown together into a single unit.
‘An SPDO is quite independent in nature as it is self-managed and has local nuances, so moving into a larger managed unit could potentially have been a problem. But due, in part, to a great CWU and manager relationship, we’ve proved that this was an excellent move.
‘I would say our strengths would have to be communication, building relationships, getting on well with each other and understanding how we all fit together. Problems are solved collectively, with the team empowered to problem solve any changes we’ve had to make, together.
‘Stuart Simpson’s visit was a great experience for all of us. Stuart is a lot more engaging than the team were expecting and it was great to see him spend hours talking to everyone with great interest. All my staff sung his praises for his communication skills and his genuine interest in them. Several colleagues also received personal handwritten letters, which they’re immensely proud of as they showcase Stuart’s personal touch.
‘I think all of us recognise that this last year has been trying, and that there’s more of the same to come with many challenges coming our way. But I think we’ve all demonstrated how flexible and adaptable we can be when challenges are thrown our way. It’s important to remember that Royal Mail is only as strong as its people and the business very much depends on us working together to solve any problems we encounter.
‘If I was to offer any advice to other units, I would say the key is to aim to create a harmonious working environment. If we’re happy in our workplace, then great results will come. It’s vital that the CWU and Royal Mail work closely together. I think that we’re evidence of what can happen when this occurs.’
Postwoman, Sue Carrana, said: ‘We have all come together from different units, but we’re all honoured and proud to get this award. It’s great to see everyone pull together every day.’
‘We’re very proud,’ adds postman, Sergio Cotugno. ‘There’s great morale here. We all love to come to work and contribute to the office.’
The CEO and COO Awards take place throughout the year at quarterly intervals, with prizes awarded to the highest achieving units at the end of the year.
A huge congratulations to all our best performing 2019/20 CEO and COO award-winning units. They also include:
- Small Delivery Office of the Year: Forest Gate Delivery Office
- National Operations Unit of the Year: Yorkshire Distribution Centre
- Special Recognition Award: Penzance Delivery Office
- Award for Going Above and Beyond: Worksop Delivery Office
- Most Improved Unit of the Year: Rotherhithe and Southwark Delivery Office
Pictured left to right: Adrian Glazzard, Paul Newman, Adie Bond and Daud Iqbal.
