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The Cedar Foundation has become the 1st Northern Ireland Charity to win the EFQM (European Foundation in Quality Management) Award. As well as winning the Excellence Award the charity also walked off with a special judge's award for Best Customer Focus.
Stephen Mathews and Dr Victor Patterson receive the European Excellence Award
The Cedar Foundation stole the show at the prestigious European Foundation of Quality Management Annual Awards Gala in the wonderful surroundings of Athens Arena.
Like the champions of the past who graced this ancient arena, the Cedar Foundation presented to a hushed audience, highlighting their tremendous work in supporting people with disabilities in Northern Ireland and the progressive work of the Foundation’s User Forum, representatives of which attended the event.
Stephen Mathews, Chief Executive of the disability charity, received the European Excellence Award for outstanding organisational achievement, a first for a charity from Northern Ireland. Presenting the award, Mr George Alogoskoufis, Greek Minister of State commended the work of The Cedar Foundation and congratulated the Cedar Team on reaching such a high standard of Excellence.
Stephen Mathews, Chief Executive of The Cedar Foundation added:
"Winning this award is the ultimate accolade for the Cedar team; it recognises the extraordinary dedication, hard work and professionalism of Cedar’s Service Users, Volunteers and Staff.
"This puts The Cedar Foundation at the top end of the most efficient and effective organisations in Europe, an unbelievable accomplishment by any standard."
In front of a world class international business stage, including the likes of VW, Siemens, Ricoh and West Lothian County Council The Cedar Foundation also walked off with a special judge’s award for Best Customer Focus. This was greeted by spontaneous applause, the loudest of the night from the audience.
Dr Victor Patterson, Chairman of The Cedar Foundation added:
"Winning the award was a magnificent achievement, but to also secure judge’s special award for customer focus is about as good as it gets!
"It clearly demonstrates Cedar’s dedication to involve people with disability in every aspect of our work"
The EFQM Excellence Award is Europe’s most prestigious recognition for organisational excellence given to Europe’s best performing companies and not for profit organisations.
The Award recognises organisations with an undisputable track record of progress and results. Each finalist had been rigorously assessed by an international team, composed of high level representatives from a variety of industries across Europe. This team provides detailed feedback to each applicant allowing the organisation to continue to improve their performance even further and sustain the results they have achieved.
The Cedar Foundation is a voluntary organisation working in partnership with people with disabilities throughout Northern Ireland to provide a range of services, from supported living projects promoting independent living and community based support services to training that enhances skill and opportunities in education, training and employment.
The Cedar Foundation also provides information and practical support services to parents and young people with disabilities. Central to all our services are the themes of user involvement, inclusion and empowerment.
If you would like to find out more details about The Cedar Foundation please log on to www.cedar-foundation.org , e.mail: info@cedar-foundation.org or tel: 028 9066 6188.
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Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action is registered as a company limited by guarantee in Northern Ireland (No 1792) and is registered as a charity for tax purposes with the Inland Revenue