Local Council Officer Sean Henry wins Employee of the year award

"Local Council Officer Sean Henry wins Employee of the year award." Magherafelt District Council's Good Relations Officer received Employee of Year Award at The Local Government 2010 Awards Ceremony, which were held on 10th February 2011 at The La Mon Hotel and Country Club, Castlereagh The Local Government Awards Northern Ireland showcase the best examples of service provision, new initiatives and personal commitment from Councillors and officers. The awards show public recognition while awarding excellence in front line local government public services. The categories are designed to acknowledge innovation, individual commitment and to highlight the best working practices, while providing those working within local government the opportunity to step forward and shine.

Sean Henry is Magherafelt District Council's Good Relations Officer with a long list of personal characteristics that has gained him much respect and support from community leaders, other Council officers and stakeholders throughout Magherafelt. He is a trained mediator and is available to assist in any situation, no matter what time of day or night. An example of his work is with the New Meadows Community Partnership to reduce sectarianism and to improve the health and social wellbeing of all residents in some estates of Magherafelt.

During July 2007, sporadic violence erupted at this interface, which attracted widespread media interest. In response Sean instigated and delivered a programme of work that established the New Meadows Community Partnership. This was followed with a programme of events and public meetings to help Catholics and Protestants understand and respect their own culture, and other cultures. The number of sectarian incidents recorded by the PSNI has been reduced from 70 - 20 during the last two years, highlighting the positive impact he is having.