Teamwork is the bedrock of effective service delivery. But sometimes it’s the contribution of an individual as a member of any team that makes the critical difference between a good service and an outstanding one.

The Guardian Public Servant of the Year Award is intended to honour just such a person.

Service users and other members of the public were asked to nominate the individuals whose contributions shine out and our team of judges has drawn up a shortlist of five nominees.

The final decision on who will win this award lies with Guardian readers, so vote now!

Voting closes on Friday 30 October 2009

Dominique Chapman

Violence reduction co-ordinator, HMP Nottingham

Hardly a day goes by at HMP Nottingham without a prisoner saying that they have been the victim of physical or verbal abuse ... read more

Steve Richards

Senior park ranger, Burnley Council

"A shining example of an employee who always goes the extra mile, often while working in difficult situations," ... read more

Vote for: Steve Richards

Joe Mawdsley

Founder and chief executive, Legacy Rainbow House

Joe Mawdsley's vision, grit and instinctive leadership skills ensure that The Legacy Rainbow House near Chorley can transform the lives ... read more

Vote for: Joe Mawdsley

Stuart Doran

Resident caretaker, Camden council

For many people the job of a caretaker conjures up an image of an old man in well-worn overcoat ... read more

Vote for: Stuart Doran

Carl Clements

Prison officer, Feltham Young Offender Institution

Carl Clements became a prison officer because, he says, he, "wanted to make a difference" ... read more

Vote for: Carl Clements
[ Log On ]