Star Queen's employee wins Northern Ireland Cleaning Operative of the Year Award 2018
Renee (Sarah) Starbuck, a long-serving employee of the University, recently won 'Cleaning Operative of the Year' in the Education category at the regional awards of The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc), held in Belfast City Hall.
Renee, who was shortlisted in the 'Lifetime Achievement' category in Queen's second annual Staff Excellence Awards in 2017, was nominated for the Northern Ireland Cleaning Operative of the Year Awards by colleagues in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work (SSESW).
The award is fitting recognition for Renee, who has worked at Queen's for 24 years, and comes at a new stage in her life as she looks ahead to her retirement in November 2018.
Commenting on her award, Renee said:
"I am delighted to have been awarded the 'Cleaning Operative of the Year' in the Education category at this year's Awards. The awards are important in recognising the hard work done by so many cleaning staff across an industry that I am proud to represent. As I look forward to my retirement, the award is a lovely way of marking the close of my career at Queen's. Thank you to all my colleagues in Estates and especially to those in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work who nominated me."
Speaking on behalf of Renee's colleagues in the School of SSESW, Professor Carl Bagley said:
"SSESW staff in 69 University Street are delighted that Renee Starbuck has won the 'Cleaning Operative of the Year' award at the regional ceremony of The British Institute of Cleaning Science Awards. Over many years Renee has maintained spectacularly high standards in single-handedly keeping our University Street buildings sparkling for students, staff, visitors and events. She does us and the University proud in keeping our facilities looking great. Queen's has a proud tradition of success in the Northern Ireland region of this national competition and Renee has reached the final before."
Finally, acknowledging Renee's award, and paying tribute to her dedication to Queen's over the years, was Keith Halliday, Head of Cleaning Services:
"Renee's outstanding service to Estates in the past 25 years is something she should be very proud of. Her colleagues were delighted that she has won the BICSc 'Cleaning Operative of the Year' for Education. The fact that this national recognition came in the year she retires makes it extra special. We will all miss Renee and wish her the best in her retirement."