Dundee & Angus College’s DFN Project SEARCH Win at SURF Awards.

The 2024 SURF Awards for Best Practice in Community Regeneration were announced on Thursday, 5th December, at Glasgow’s Voco Central Hotel. The event welcomed over 250 guests who gathered to celebrate the 26th annual SURF Awards programme.

Representatives of the five category-winning initiatives for 2024 were personally congratulated on their inspiring work by the Scottish Government’s Minister for Employment and Investment, Tom Arthur.

The Removing Barriers to Employability Award celebrates projects that drive community regeneration by equipping individuals with skills and employability opportunities to help them unlock their potential.

DFN Project SEARCH, a collaborative initiative led by Dundee & Angus College in partnership with Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership, NHS Tayside, and local employers, was recognised for its exceptional work in breaking down barriers to employment for young people with learning disabilities and Autism.

DFN Project SEARCH provides participants with practical skills, real-world workplace experience, and the confidence to thrive in sustainable employment. By championing inclusivity and forging strong partnerships with local organisations, the project has made a significant impact both for its participants and the wider community.

Leanne Macdonald, Supported Education Lecturer at Dundee & Angus College, said: "I am absolutely delighted for DFN Project SEARCH to be recognised by winning this award. It is through partnership working, that we are able to support people who have learning disabilities and/or Autism to become work-ready and to sustain employment.

“Seeing interns flourish and become employed is life-changing for them.”

The SURF Awards, delivered in partnership with the Scottish Government, celebrate outstanding examples of community regeneration across Scotland. DFN Project SEARCH’s success showcases Dundee & Angus College’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and supporting the local community through innovative and impactful initiatives.