Community Impact Awards 2007

Last night at the ITV Studios on South Bank over 50 business delegates came together to celebrate and recognise businesses and employees who have volunteered over the past year.

Helen Andrews of ITV welcomed guests to the studios which have incredible views over London. Helen described the commitment shown by all the volunteers this year as humbling.

Ronke Phillips, Correspondent, London Tonight, ITV announced this years Award winners and said she felt enthused by the passion of the businesses and their employees.

This year's Award winners:

TEAM OF THE YEAR
Winner: Grant Thornton
Southampton

A team of 20 put together a 160 metre long nature trail for pupils of a local school. The school is in a huge area of deprivation which is a subject of high levels of vandalism and anti-social behavior. This nature trail has given the children a safe and educational environment where they can explore a very different world and has enabled them to see that people can use time and energy to build something positive.

Highly commended: Aviva Group Centre

Aviva created a social and educational 'day out' that enabled a group of children to step inside a building and see the mechanics of a large financial institution.  The theme of the day was to break down cliché perceptions and demonstrate that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

TEAM LEADER OF THE YEAR
This award seeks to recognise team leaders who have supported, inspired and led their teams to achieve change and benefit for all concerned.

Winner: Vanessa Williamson, Diageo

Following requests from employees through an annual values survey Vanessa led a four site community day.  Her innovation and style gained support and engaged employees from across Diageo GB to become team leaders and volunteers. Diageo's Corporate Relations Director says that 'Vanessa has made an outstanding contribution to our ability to build a culture of making a difference'.
 
Highly commended: Lucy Parry of PWC

Lucy committed significant time and passion to lead 70 members of staff and 8 other team leaders to overhaul the outdoors environment at a local school. In a testimonial Lucy was described as ' an excellent ambassador for both PWC and by extension, Business in the Community.

INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
This award recognises the commitment and achievement of an individual through volunteering

Winner: Theeba Ragunathan, Carillion

Theeba won this award for her role in engaging Carillion with the Business Action on Homelessness campaign in London. As well as being a successful job coach herself Theeba has motivated over 50 colleagues to support the campaign which increased motivation by 75% and half felt their perceptions of homelessness had changed as a result.

Highly commended: Martin Head, Lloyds TSB Asset Finance

Martin was nominated for his extended involvement with Shake Ur Arts, and developing this relationship by engaging pupils from a local school to work on an anti-bullying DVD.