Colleague represents the Council at St James's Palace
Photo credit: Ian Jones Photo Photography 2026
A colleague in our Waste Services team recently represented North Ayrshire Council at an exclusive VIP event.
After being nominated by Neighbourhood Services, Assistant Waste Resources Manager, Phil Diffin had the pleasure of attending a special COSLA reception at St James’s Palace in London, hosted by His Majesty The King.
The event was attended by Their Majesties The King and Queen, alongside 350 special guests to recognise the important contributions of frontline local government employees across the UK.
Waste Services are responsible for kerbside collections, bulky uplifts and white goods appliances, as well as managing the Shewalton Waste Transfer Station alongside the council’s four Household Waste Recycling Centres.
Nominated by his service, Phil’s manager Mark McNeil shared: “We were proud to nominate Phil to represent North Ayrshire Council and the important work of Neighbourhood Services at the COSLA reception."
Phil is an important part of the Management team within Waste Services, who are on the frontline of providing a vital service of bin collections and waste management within our communities. Working for the council for the past 24 years across various roles including being a Waste Operative, HGV Driver, Foreperson and now Assistant Manager of our service, Phil is a brilliant example of our staff values of focus, passion and inspiration. Phil is well-liked by colleagues because he is approachable, supportive and always willing to step in when needed, and is known in our communities and across council services for his solutions-focused approach, and genuine care for the people he serves, so we had no hesitation when nominating him for the once in a career opportunity to represent our team in the capital.
Phil travelled down to the evening reception on Tuesday 3 February, where he had the honour of representing the contribution that our Waste Services team and other council services make across North Ayrshire’s six localities.
Phil shares: “I couldn’t believe it when my Manager Mark told me that I had been nominated to represent North Ayrshire Council in London. It was a real career highlight and also a once in a lifetime opportunity as I was lucky enough to shake the King’s hand and talk to him about the important work our team does. It is not every day you get the chance to hop on a plane to London to attend a special event hosted by His Majesty The King and Queen…
“It was really inspiring being in such a prestigious setting with the special guests. I met some incredible people there including those who had served in the military, social workers, headteachers, public health workers and other local government employees. The time just flew past, but it’s a memory that I will treasure forever.”
Before hopping into a Hackney cab to the event, Phil had the chance to soak up the atmosphere in London. He reflects: “My accommodation wasn’t far from Buckingham Palace, so before the event I travelled over there to see the residence of the King himself.
Phil continues: “Although he is part of the Royal family, he was very down to earth. I was lucky enough to shake his hand and spend time talking to him about living not far from Dumfries House – part of his estate, managed by The King’s Foundation – and we also talked about the Cost-of-Living crisis and the increasing challenges that local government’s face as budgets become tighter.
“He praised our efforts of continuing to show up for the communities we represent and encouraged us to keep up the great work that we do.
“Sophie, Dutchess of Edinburgh was also intrigued by the work of Waste Services and she was particularly interested in recycling, composting and the worms in her garden as she’s very environmentally conscious.
“I am really proud to have represented North Ayrshire Council as I believe it is a brilliant place to work. My team have always supported me and since getting my foot in the door as a Cleansing Operative, I’ve been able to learn on the job and continuously progress. I love it here.
“Although I was the face of Waste Services at the prestigious event, I definitely can’t take the credit for the important work that the council’s wider services are responsible for.
“I have the pleasure of working alongside dedicated colleagues who show up week in and week out for their communities and help make North Ayrshire a vibrant and welcoming place to live and fulfil our potential. That’s what coming to work every day – for me – is really all about.”
Published March 13, 2026
