Warwickshire Country Council’s Country Parks have just been awarded the Charter Mark. The Charter Mark is the Government’s award for recognising and encouraging excellence in public services, and provides a strict measure against which to test service provision and quality.

Gaining the Charter Mark standard is a considerable achievement and can be recognised by the fact the Country Parks were 1 of only 3 organisations to achieve the award in Warwickshire. They also achieved the award at the first attempt.

Dr Jack Cunnigham, Minister for the Cabinet Office said,

"Many congratulations to the Warwickshire’s Country Parks on winning a Charter Mark. This success is well deserved. I am delighted that a record-breaking number of public services have achieved the gold standard of customer care this year. Charter Mark is all about rewarding services that listen and respond to their users and staff. The White paper I will be publishing in the Spring, will be setting out the Government’s plans for improving public services and securing a better deal for the millions who use and work in public services every day."

The award scheme was established by the Government as a means of improving the quality of service both within the public and private sectors. Research has shown that organisations that have gone through the Charter Mark award application process have improved the services they offer, regardless of whether they achieved the standards necessary to receive the award. It is for this reason that the Government is encouraging as many organisations as possible to go through the lengthy and detailed application process.

Keith Higginson, Country Parks Land Manager said,

"I have been involved with Warwickshire’s Country Parks for the last 25 years and I am extremely proud that the service we offer the public has been recognised nationally. It’s a real pat on the back for all our staff, past and present."