THE people behind Wiltshire College & University Centre’s student success took centre stage as colleagues from across the College gathered to celebrate the annual Staff Awards.
Held in the beautiful arboretum at the Lackham campus, the event recognised staff who have made an outstanding contribution to teaching, student experience and the wider College community during the past academic year.
Opening the celebration, Principal and CEO Iain Hatt reflected on another successful year for the College, thanking staff for the role they have played in achievements including:
- Record open event attendance
- More than 170,000 hours of industry experience completed through work placements
- More than 300 employer pledges secured through the College’s apprenticeship campaign
- National recognition as a finalist for Sustainability Institution of the Year at the Green Gown Awards.
He said: “When people tell us why they choose us, it’s remarkably consistent – welcoming staff, passionate teaching and learning, knowledgeable support, and students who are proud to be here. That’s down to every single one of you.”
The awards recognised excellence across four categories – Outstanding Contribution to the College Community, Outstanding Contribution to Student Experience, Outstanding Teaching and Team of the Year – celebrating colleagues whose dedication makes a lasting difference to students every day.
Among the winners was Student Engagement Officer Natasha Penton, who received an Outstanding Contribution to Student Experience Award after completing her first year at the College.
She said: “I honestly couldn’t believe it. I was really touched that people had chosen to vote for me.
“The students are what motivates me. I want to make their time at College a positive experience, even if that is just a regular catch-up chat. To make a positive difference to their day is hugely rewarding.”
Outstanding Teaching Award winner Rosie Williams said seeing students develop in confidence is what inspires her every day.
She said: “Helping students who often arrive lacking confidence in English realise what they’re capable of is what motivates me every day. Seeing them develop their skills, grow in confidence and achieve qualifications that open up future opportunities is incredibly rewarding.”
Finance team member Scott Collier, who completed his first year at the College this summer, received an Outstanding Contribution to the College Community Award.
He said: “It’s a privilege to receive this award so soon after joining the College. The people are what make WCUC special and I’m grateful to be surrounded by such a hardworking and supportive team.”
Vice Chair of Governors Janet Bolton congratulated all nominees and winners, thanking colleagues across the College for the difference they make to students’ lives.
She said: “These awards recognise outstanding colleagues, but they also represent the commitment, professionalism and teamwork that exists right across the College.
“For many students, College is where they discover their confidence, develop new skills, make lifelong friendships and begin to believe in themselves. That’s something every one of you helps make possible.”
Full list of winners:
Awards for Outstanding Contribution to the College Community
- Alex Phillips – Creative Arts and Media – Chippenham
- Angel Gunning – MIS Curriculum – Trowbridge
- Chelsea Bryar – Land Based Skills (Animal Care) – Lackham
- Clare Hutcheson – Construction (Wood Occupations) – Salisbury
- Deborah Fisher – Admissions – Trowbridge
- James Gulliver – Estates (security) – Lackham
- Lara Taylor-Jenkins – Customer Services – Salisbury
- Robert Garraway – Construction and Built Environment – Chippenham
- Scott Collier – Finance – Trowbridge
Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Student Experience
- Natasha Penton – Student Engagement – Lackham
- Clare Armstrong – Inclusion and Support – Chippenham
- Claire Perry – BIS Assessor – Trowbridge
- Bob D’Mellow – Engineering – Salisbury
- Helen Chivers – Creative Arts and Media – Trowbridge
- Martin Clegg – Business – Lackham
- Philomena Filsell – BIS – Hair – Chippenham
- Poornima Tennakoon Mudiyanselage – Health and Life Sciences – Salisbury
Outstanding Teaching Awards
- Andy Gill – Construction (plumbing) – Trowbridge
- Lynette Pearce – Pathways – Salisbury
- Nic Davey – Land-Based Studies – Lackham
- Rosie Williams – English – Chippenham
Team of the Year
- Julia Gillard and Cindy Hibberd – Initial Teacher Education
