Enveco NW wins Keep Britain Tidy Team/Crew of the Year Award
Enveco’s Household Waste Recycling Centre has won the Team/Crew of the Year Award at the Keep Britain Tidy Local Authority Network Awards 2024.
The win comes from the support given to the team regardless of background, gender, and ability. 20% of the team have a learning disability and include members who come from programmes such as Chance2Shine and Project Search. Young people with learning disabilities who are looking for work experience are welcomed by all the team. Work experience allows team members the opportunity to coach and share experiences, increasing their confidence and as a result has a positive outcome for their work ethic. The team have a ‘buddy system’ to support work placement programmes, and every team member is invested in helping and ensuring the young person develops to their full potential whilst working within the team.
Each year the HWRC team welcomes 3 or 4 Project Search interns and as a result has been able to offer paid employment to 3 interns, 2 of whom remain long-term employees and are valued members of the team. Patience, understanding and shared experiences allow the team to support the individual through what may be a very stressful experience. A former Chance2Shine attendee has been employed at the Household Waste Recycling Centre for more than 6 years.
The team are the foundation of Blackpool’s Household Waste Recycling Centre, which enables excellent service allowing Blackpool residents to recycle 7 days a week. The centre welcomes approximately 500 visits per day, and the staff offer advice and support to residents by assisting them to recycle many items and as much material as possible. The centre has a real buzz of positivity, and the team are always happy to help. The environment fosters the success of like-minded people.
Having the recognition of a renowned national environmental organisation is a huge achievement for the team. The Keep Britain Tidy Network Conference and Awards is dedicated to recognising and promoting excellence in local environmental initiatives and brings together more than 150 influential decision-makers from Local Authorities across England.
Out of around a hundred entries the environmental charity receives each year, just three local authorities are shortlisted in each category, so the competition is tough.
Chair of Enveco NW Board and Deputy Mayor of Blackpool, Councilor Adrian Hoyle said:
“What a fantastic achievement for the team at the Household Waste Recycling Centre to be recognised by such a renowned environmental body, the team make a big difference by creating a genuinely pleasant atmosphere and showcasing their willingness to assist.”
The Household Waste Recycling Centre Manager said:
“All the team at the Household Waste Recycling Centre are very proud to be recognised by the Keep Britain Tidy group. The opportunity to work alongside and coach the young people provides real job satisfaction.”
Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive. Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said:
“Our Network Awards celebrate the most innovative campaigns and solutions developed by local authorities to tackle issues like litter, fly-tipping and dog fouling, often with the communities they serve. We hope that these fantastic initiatives will inspire others across the country to do the same.”