Scottish Public Service Awards 2025 shortlist announced

Organisations involved in suicide prevention efforts, raising awareness of sextortion, and social care have all been shortlisted in this year's Scottish Public Service Awards (SPSAs).  

Now in its 12th year, the SPSAs celebrate the often-unsung contribution made to Scotland’s civic society from within the civil service, Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament, local government, health and social care sector, broader public sector and their partners within the third sector. 

Following deliberation by a panel of judges, entries have now been whittled down to a shortlist – with 30 nominees across 11 categories. 

In addition, the Lifetime Achievement Award will also be presented to someone who has shown a commitment to public service. 

The awards will take place in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 3 December and will be hosted by finance secretary Shona Robison and Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone.

Holyrood Communications runs the SPSAs in partnership with the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government. 

Inspired by the late Campbell Christie and his efforts to help reform Scotland’s public services, Holyrood Communications launched the awards in 2014 with the aim of recognising and rewarding best practice, teamwork, innovation, and clear leadership across Scotland’s diverse public services. 

The full shortlist is available below, and for more details on the event you can visit its dedicated webpage. 

The Campbell Christie Public Service Reform Award  

• Active Lives Pathway, Dumfries and Galloway Council, NHS Dumfries and Galloway, Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership   
• Reducing Antisocial Behaviour Leadership Group, East Renfrewshire Council  
• You Are Not Alone, I Am Me Scotland  

The Campaign of the Year Award  

• Raising Awareness of Sextortion, Fearless Scotland (part of Crimestoppers), Police Scotland and Scottish Government   
• South Ayrshire Young Carers, South Ayrshire Council  
• What if a conversation about suicide could save a life?, Suicide Prevention Scotland, SAMH, Electrify, Republic of Media  

The Project and Programme Management Award  

• Carer Support Payment, Social Security Programme - Scottish Government  
• Digital Transformation Programme - ITC Managed Services Replacement, NHS 24  
• Newton Tree Nursery, Forestry and Land Scotland  

The Collaboration Award  

• Carer Support Payment, Social Security Programme - Scottish Government  
• Digital Evidence Sharing Capability (DESC), Scottish Government and Justice Partners  
• Improving Urban Waters Team, Scottish Water, m2 (Stantec/Mott MacDonald JV), ARC (Atkins/RPS JV), Caledonia Water Alliance (AECOM/M Group) and Clancy   

The Leadership Award  

• Afifa Khanam, Community Leader, Fife Council  
• PC Guy Jenner, Licencing Officer, Police Scotland  
• Robert Stitt, Prison Officer, Scottish Prison Service  

The Digital Public Services Award 

• Assistive Technology Team, University Health and Social Care Lanarkshire  
• The Digital Evidence Sharing Capability Team, Police Scotland and Scottish Government  
• Meet Millie: Our AI Digital Advisor, Renfrewshire Council  

The Community Engagement Award  

• Additional Support Needs Holiday Support Programme, East Renfrewshire Council  
• Community Development Team, Glasgow Life  
• Strengthening local voices across Inverclyde via Community Councils, Inverclyde Council  

The Voluntary Sector Partnership Award  

• Digital Lifelines Scotland, Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre in partnership with SCVO and Simon Community Scotland  
• includem’s family wellbeing service, includem and the Health Improvement Team Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership  
• You Are Not Alone, I Am Me Scotland, Scottish Prison Service, Police Scotland, Renfrewshire Council  
• The Sustainability Award  
• Newton Tree Nursery, Forestry and Land Scotland  
• NHS Orkney: Investing in a Sustainable Future, NHS Orkney  
• Scottish Government Sandeel Management Team, Marine Directorate and wider Scottish Government  

The Policy into Practice Award  

• BeWell+, Glasgow Life  
• respectme reward, respectme, Scotland's Anti-Bullying Service  
• Scottish Welfare Fund - Spotlight on the High Most Compelling Priority rating, Scottish Public Services Ombudsman