The annual ‘VSA Graduation and Awards Ceremony’ returned on Tuesday 9th September at The Citadel, proudly celebrating the remarkable achievements, dedication, and talent of its staff and volunteers.
As one of the oldest and largest leading social care charities in the North-east of Scotland, VSA takes pride in the care and compassion delivered to its service users and made possible through the hard work and dedication of its staff and volunteers.
Colleagues from across the organisation, along with friends and family, came together to honour the fantastic accomplishments they have attained.
This year, 94 staff members were honoured for their outstanding achievements in pursuing qualifications and apprenticeships alongside their demanding roles. Through VSA’s SQA-accredited training centre, 48 employees earned national recognised qualifications, while 57 new apprentices joined the organisation. Skills Development Scotland commended VSA’s excellence in professional development.
The number of graduates for each qualification are:
SVQ
- Social Services and Healthcare SCQF Level 7 – 1
- Social Services and Healthcare SCQF Level 9 - 1
- Social Services (Children and Young People) SCQF Level 7 – 2
- Social Services (Children and Young People) SCQF Level 9 – 3
SVQ – Modern Apprenticeships
- Social Services and Healthcare SCQF Level 6 – 9
- Social Services and Healthcare SCQF Level 7 – 2
- Social Services (Children and Young People) SCQF Level 7 – 3
HNC
PDA
- Health and Social Care Supervision SCQF Level 7 - 10
VSA continuously invests in its workforce through robust training and development programmes, including new courses in palliative care, epilepsy, equality, and inclusion. The organisation also supports staff in achieving SVQ Social Services and Healthcare qualifications, which aligns with the Health and Social Care Standards and the ethical principles set by the Scottish Social Services Council.
“This moment is one of the highlights of our year,” shared VSA’s Chief Executive Sue Freeth. “It’s a chance to pause, breathe, and celebrate the heartbeat of VSA — our incredible people.”
This year VSA's annual Staff Awards are included, which celebrates excellence in six categories: Employee of the Year, Mentor of the Year, Innovator of the Year, Sustainability Champion of the Year, Apprentice of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year.
Each award reflects the talent, creativity, and compassion that is imbedded across VSA’s community. The nominations, submitted by colleagues, highlight the culture of mutual support, respect, and recognition.
The winners for each Staff Awards category are:
- Employee of the Year – Marie Walker, Team Leader at Queen Mother House
- Mentor of the Year – Erica Barry, MA & Quality Co-ordinator at Castle Street
- Innovator of the Year – Andrew Bates, Senior Practitioner at Linn Moor School
- Sustainability Champion of the Year – Michele Deans, Support Worker at Queen Mother House
- Apprentice of the Year – Omotola Segun-Olaiya, Team Leader at Broomhill Park
- Volunteer of the Year – Gordon Ross, Volunteer at the Mercat Bookshop
VSA’s impact is felt across a wide range of services, from supporting older adults and children to assisting unpaid carers and individuals with long-term conditions. Volunteers play a pivotal role within VSA, through their hard work at Easter Anguston Farm, the Mercat Bookshop, and throughout VSA's services.
VSA is committed to fostering a culture of learning, inclusion, and excellence by investing in its staff and recognising that professional growth and collaborative cultures are key to delivering high quality care and support. The organisation remains dedicated to promoting equality, challenging discrimination, and fostering an empowering workplace.