Christopher Cunningham Earns PSEA Award
Christopher Cunningham from the Department of Child and Family Services [DCFS] earned the Public Service Excellence Award [PSEA] for February.
A Government spokesperson said, “The Government of Bermuda is pleased to acknowledge Mr. Christopher Cunningham of the Department of Child and Family Services [DCFS] as the February recipient of the Public Service Excellence Award [PSEA].
“Mr. Cunningham, who serves within the Residential Treatment Services section, was nominated for demonstrating exceptional professionalism, collaboration, and child centred practice during a recent high risk case involving a parent experiencing significant mental health challenges.
“In this case, which did not fall within his team’s usual remit, Mr. Cunningham stepped forward to support a colleague by drawing upon his extensive mental health expertise gained in a previous role. His participation in a joint home visit proved invaluable, offering calm, informed guidance that contributed significantly to assessing the parent’s mental state. He ensured that concerns were identified clearly and sensitively using a trauma informed lens, strengthening both the assessment and the resulting safety plan for the children.”
Premier, David Burt, congratulated Mr. Cunningham, saying, “The Government of Bermuda congratulates Mr. Christopher Cunningham on receiving the February Public Service Excellence Award. By stepping in to support a vulnerable family and a colleague during a demanding situation, and by drawing on his training and experience to guide child-focused decisions, Mr. Cunningham helped to ensure that the safety and wellbeing of the children remained the priority. His willingness to step beyond the boundaries of his formal role reflects the standard of care and sense of duty expected across the Public Service.”
Head of the Public Service, Ms. Cherie Whitter, added, “It is always rewarding to observe public officers draw upon the breadth of experience and diverse insights gained throughout the service which allows them to act in the best interests of the public we serve. I take this opportunity to extend sincere thanks to Mr. Cunningham for demonstrating excellence in public service.
The spokesperson said, “Mr. Cunningham’s nomination highlights not only his technical skill, but also his commitment to safeguarding, his steady presence in challenging situations, and his dedication to supporting both colleagues and families. His efforts made a meaningful difference to the public officer involved, the investigation process, and the overall safety of the children.
“The PSEA is a programme that recognises a group or individual within the Public Service who has made significant achievements in service delivery in the last 60 days.”
