STAFF working for Reading’s arts venues, including The Hexagon and South Street, are celebrating after their hard work won them an award.
Reading Arts & Venues, the umbrella organisation that looks after the sites, scooped an honour at the cermeony organised by APSE, the Association for Public Service Excellence Service.
It was given for its role during the pandemic, including launching a digital venue, Reading Culture Live.
The team’s role in running a vital community hub was also highlighted, which provided support for Reading’s most isolated and vulnerable families at the height of the pandemic. The award also acknowledges The Hexagon’s decarbonisation plans.
As well as winning Best Service Team for its Sports, Leisure and Cultural Service, in a category with four other councils, Reading was shortlisted for the APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) Council of the Year award, and selected as one of the top finalists in three other categories: Best Housing, Regeneration or New Build Initiative; Best Collaborative Working Initiative (with other public or third sector); and Best Service Team: Waste Management and Recycling Service
Reading Council Leader Cllr Jason Brock was delighted with the team’s efforts.
“This really is a wonderful achievement for Reading,” he said.
“These awards are extremely competitive, with over 300 submissions from across the UK. I would like to congratulate everyone in our winning team and in the nominated teams.
“The winning award and nominations are recognition of all the hard work Reading does to deliver the best services for our residents.”
He continued: “I’m incredibly proud of Reading’s Arts & Venues for their Sports, Leisure and Cultural Service award. From our vital community hub run from The Hexagon, to our innovative online theatre offer and adapted programme of shows during Covid, to our partnership with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) and the Hexagon’s contribution to a net zero carbon Reading by 2030, Reading’s Arts and Venues have rightly been highlighted as a shining example of good practice and excellent quality of service.”
