IT was with joy and a sense of accomplishment that Ryan Campbell hoisted the coveted Best Customer Service Officer trophy.

The 10-year employee of the National Housing Trust’s (NHT) St Catherine office was rewarded for dedicated and top-class service to clients at the Public Sector Customer Service Competition award ceremony, held earlier this month at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in Kingston.

Campbell was selected based on the votes of customers and was praised for his helpful service and a positive attitude towards his job and clients.

He said that he was happy to be recognised and grateful that customers acknowledged and appreciated his efforts.

“I am elated that the customers have spoken and they have appreciated quality service, and it’s an inspiration to continue to work hard and do even better for the future,” he said.

Campbell’s job involves overseeing the operations of customer service and front desk, while monitoring how customers are being treated.

He believes his availability to customers is what stood out and gave him the nod over the other nominees. “When customers meet me they feel as if they have known me for a long time because I have genuine care for their concerns. I go over and beyond, so customers have access to me Saturday, Sunday, every day of the week,” he said.

“I dedicate myself to giving quality service so I think they feel that genuine vibration when they come around me and I try to make everyone feel dignified, whether they are getting through or not. Some of the clients may not be qualified for what they came in for, but when they leave, at least they will be thinking that if it was possible, I would have made it happen,” Campbell added.

Campbell, who is an internationally certified customer service officer, is occasionally selected by the organisation to train staff in the principles of good customer service and also offers self-development coaching to his co-workers.

“[I like to motivate and empower my co-workers] because I realise that once you have a certain mindset you can do anything. I also set the bar for myself at a very high standard and ensure that I don’t drop the ball so I can be the catalyst and pull everyone to remain at a high standard,” he said.

Asked about future plans, he said: “The future is endless for me. I see myself going to great heights. I don’t have any limits but (as long as) I am around people and motivating people, then that’s where I see myself. When I am sharing knowledge and upliftment, that’s when I am most happy.”

The competition, staged by the Cabinet Office through its Public Sector Transformation and Modernisation Unit, rewards public sector entities and officers for excellence and improvements in customer service.

The National Health Fund (NHF) and the Administrator General’s Department (AGD) were named winners of the Best Customer Service Entity award, taking home the Prime Minister’s Trophy and cash prize of $300,000 each. The NHF won in the ‘multiple location’ category, while the AGD was recognised as having the best single location.

The NHT and the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) were first runners-up in both categories, respectively. The FLA was also awarded the Cabinet Secretary’s Trophy for ‘The Most Improved Entity’ and walked away with a $200,000 prize.

Meanwhile, the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) won $100,000 and the Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA) trophy for being the ‘Most Innovative/Creative Entity’, plus $50,000 and a trophy for being ‘Most Socially Aware’.

— JIS