This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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McConnell praises Fife Charter Mark Winners
27/04/2000
Fife winners of the government's Charter Mark scheme have proved they deliver quality public services to a high standard, Scottish Executive Finance Minister Jack McConnell said today.
Speaking at a special reception for all Scottish winners of the Charter Mark scheme for 1999 at the Burrell Collection in Glasgow Mr McConnell said:
"The Charter Mark Award Scheme is at the centre of the Government's programme to improve public services and modernise them for the 21 st century. In 1999 Scotland had its highest ever total of winners - 58 compared with 32 for the previous year. I congratulate Fife on having two of those winners.
"The Executive believes in high quality modern public services which put the citizen at the centre of what we do. Public services must match the best in their ability to innovate, to share good ideas and to control costs.
"Charter Mark is not about bureaucracy. It is about delivering. It is about making a difference. It is about improving the lives of people who use public services. The winners who are here tonight have shown, through the rigorous Charter Mark process, that they provide an excellent service to the public which responds to local needs.
"Scots have a right to good public services and they benefit from the efforts and enthusiasm of the people who work in organisations which hold a Charter Mark. I congratulate the Fife winners and hope there will be more next year."
BACKGROUND
1. The Charter Mark Award Scheme was established in 1992 and encourages continuing improvement and excellence in service to the public. It forms a key part of the Modernising Government agenda in that it encourages organisations to improve the quality of service and responsiveness to their users.
2. The Winners from Fife are:
Fife College of Further and Higher Education
(Contact: Jamie Farquharson-Welsh. Tel: 01592 268591)
Fife Primary Care NHS Trust - Community Dental Service
(Contact: Doreen Barnett. Tel: 01592 712812)
You are welcome to contact any winners ahead of the ceremony.
3. Photographers will be taking photographs of all winners with the Finance Minister. If you wish to get a photograph of local winners in your area please contact:
Lyndsay Roberston. Tel: 0131 332 4167