Warwickshire County Council’s financial staff have landed a prestigious award for their services. Pensions Services has been awarded the national Charter Mark for Excellence in public service.

The Pension Service team, which administers the County Council’s staff pensions, were put through their paces as the strict assessments tested every area of work. Only 508 organisations out of 1202 applications were successful, with only three organisations winning the Award for Excellence within Warwickshire.

Neil Buxton, Head of Pension Services, said:

"We are delighted to have received the award after such hard work, it marks our group’s increased efforts and initiatives. Our application emphasises out customer orientated approach, and the quality of service that we provide."

County Treasurer Steve Freer greeted the news as "an excellent award for an excellent team." Mr Freer said:

"This really is a fitting and well-deserved achievement for a tremendously dedicated group of staff."

The honour is one more step towards the achievement of ‘Best Value’, which all departments are striving for within the County Council.

The Pension Service staff and the Country Park Rangers, who have also won the coveted award, will be holding celebrations for their hard work. The official Awards will be presented at the London’s Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre on 26 January.