Today’s blog is with Derek Rankine, Events and Communications Manager with SURF.  I’ll pass you over now to Derek, who will explain about SURF’s 2013 Awards.

My organisation, SURF, is currently welcoming applications to our 2013 SURF Awards for Best Practice in Community Regeneration.

Each year, SURF and the Scottish Government team up to highlight, share and celebrate success and innovation in efforts to improve the physical, social and/or economic fabric of disadvantaged communities across Scotland through the prestigious SURF Awards process.

This year, there are five categories of entry, which are designed to reflect the full range of regeneration activity, from infrastructure and place-making to employability and community led regeneration.

Our application process is free and straightforward and the benefits of SURF Awards recognition include:

 •       Demonstrate value to key partners and funders

 •       Making an application can increase team confidence and focus            

 •       All 15 shortlisted entries will be highlighted in a widely distributed publication

 •       The winning initiatives will be showcased throughout 2014 and offered free consultancy support to build on their success

 •       Housing & Welfare Minister Margaret Burgess MSP will present the SURF Awards at a celebratory presentation dinner event on 04.12.13 in Glasgow

So if you know of a deserving Scottish regeneration project, please consider submitting a nomination before this year’s closing date of Monday 19 August.

The application materials are available on the SURF website.

Alternatively, please contact me directly on 0141 585 6879, or by email to derek@scotregen.co.uk, for further information.