Quality Scotland's prestigious Leadership Award for 2008 has been won by Mary Grant, Managing Director of First ScotRail.

The organisation promotes business excellence in the private, public and voluntary sectors across Scotland. It is also the National Partner Organisation for the European Foundation for Quality Management in Scotland.

EFQM is the most widely used management framework in Europe and its principles have been embraced by First ScotRail right across the business as it strives to excel.


At Quality Scotland's annual Scottish Awards for Business Excellence to celebrate outstanding achievement, Dave Bradley, its Chief Operating Operator, highlighted that Mary Grant was responsible for one of the UK's largest train operating franchises - and that "its transformation under her stewardship has been remarkable".

He particularly focussed on First ScotRail's 19% growth in passenger numbers, 50% reduction in train delays and customer satisfaction ratings which are higher than the average for train operators across Britain.

Mr Bradley added: "The winner of this award not only has to display exceptional leadership skills but also be seen to be embracing the principles of excellence within their organisation. Mary encompasses all of these."

Mrs Grant said: "This award is a tribute to all in the First ScotRail team in improving performance. We will continue to use the EFQM model to achieve further gains in the field of business excellence."

(GK/JM)