Union scoops two TUC awards

The FDA has been placed second (highly commended) in the best journal/magazine and the best campaign categories of the 2011 TUC Communication Awards.

The union's quarterly Public Service Magazine was described by the judges as "a very impressive magazine with a professional appearance and well-written and varied content". They added that, with a smaller budget than some of the other entries, "it is more than punching above its weight".

Magazine editor Oliver Rowe said: "To win this award following a major redesign last year is particularly pleasing and reflects the considerable team effort involved."

The Association of Revenue and Customs (ARC) - the union for senior HM Revenue and Customs staff, which is a part of the FDA - took second place with its Defeat the Deficit campaign aimed at raising additional government revenue by closing the tax gap. The judges said "great campaign materials" were "strategically and tactically pitched at the right audiences" and it involved good member engagement.

Campaign manager Gareth Hills paid tribute to the ARC campaign team and "the committed and fantastic support from members".

At the awards ceremony, which took place in the evening of 29 June at Congress House in central London, TUC general secretary Brendan Barber described ARC's campaign as both innovative and persuasive.

The full list of winners and judges comments can be read here.

Public Service Magazine team (left to right): editor Oliver Rowe; staff writer Kay Hender; and designer Andrew Chapman. 

ARC's Defeat the Deficit team: campaign manager Gareth Hills; and campaign project manager Sarah Guerra.