Bradford College

Staff Awards for Excellence 2010/11

Bradford College Principal, Michele Sutton, OBE was the vision behind the Staff Awards for Excellence – now in its fourth consecutive year. The Awards Ceremony held at the College’s Level 6 Restaurant, marks the achievements of individuals and groups of people who play a vital role in making the College an outstanding place to work and study.

During the evening our award winners were honoured for showing true dedication and real pride in their work, scooping awards in the following categories:

• Outstanding Team of the Year Award
• Outstanding Innovation Award
• Outstanding Leadership Award
• Outstanding Support Award
• The Person that Makes me Smile Award
• Outstanding Teaching, Training and Learning Award
• The Executive Award

Chair of the Corporation, Mr Richard Wightman was delighted to welcome the award winners during the memorable evening, before handing over to Bradford College Principal and Chief Executive Michele Sutton, OBE. 

In her opening address, Principal Michele Sutton, OBE said with great warmth: “I’m delighted to be here with you this evening, as this is one of the highlights of my year, to celebrate your achievements. We have some of the most talented students in the country - and some of the most committed and dedicated staff that go the extra mile to make the College an outstanding place to work and study.  That’s why this evening’s ceremony is really important to us; enabling us to recognise the fantastic work you do within the College.”

Executive Director of Finance, Mr Doug Stott was the Master of Ceremonies at the memorable event.  Speaking to award winners and guests, Doug said: “Ladies and gentlemen, colleagues and friends, a very warm welcome to this our Staff Awards night.  I’ve seen the hard work, effort and commitment that you have put into improving Bradford College - and this evening is a testament to that.”

Principal Michele Sutton, OBE went on to present the award winners with the Staff Excellence Awards, congratulating each worthy winner as she handed over their prize money and accolade.

The Person That Makes Me Smile Award was scooped by Michelle McNeil. Master of Ceremonies, Doug explained:  “Every morning Michelle has a beaming smile on her face whatever the weather. If you start the day with a smile it follows you around all day and Michelle starts that smile going every day. She has a very caring nature, she understands all her colleagues’ needs, just a lovely person to have on our team.” 

During the evening’s formal dinner, our award winning staff and guests were treated to outstanding acoustic performances of popular songs from Music students Dineo Motaung and Shawny-Dee Penn and internationally acclaimed musician, Darren Dutson-Bromley. The three course dinner was prepared, cooked and served by our students from the NVQ Level 2 & 3 Hospitality and Catering Course.

The Team of the Year Award went to International Centre for the significant and positive impact the team have had on their learners’ experience, – the International Centre staff take special care to ensure that all students feel welcome with learners describing the staff as friendly, helpful and supportive.   Martin Binns, Head of the International Centre speaking on behalf of the Department said: “With any successful team, all members of that team play a vital role in ensuring the success of the team.  Tonight’s award is a culmination of the hard work and commitment of the whole team.”

Carol Lee, Manager for the International Centre added: “We really value this acknowledgement from our students. It’s nice to know that our students feel looked after by our friendly team, which is our aim!”

Michelle Millar, International Projects Officer commenting on how it felt to be part of the award winning team said: “I am delighted that our team has been chosen and it’s lovely that we’ve been recognised for all our hard work, commitment and dedication.”

The Outstanding Leadership award went to Kirsty Dwyer, whilst Brad Webster, Val Robinson and Peter Maggs scooped Outstanding Support Awards.

Wife Margaret watched with pride as husband Peter Maggs received his award from Principal Michele Sutton.   Explaining why receiving the award meant so much to him, Peter said: “I’m very proud and very touched that the students have taken the trouble to nominate me for this award.” Peter is well known for his kindness and thoughtfulness. He has supported learners who have struggled with personal issues and struggled in College.  Through his support and commitment to learners, many have gone on to excel in their studies and careers.

Outstanding Support award winner, Val Robinson said: “I feel honoured to have been nominated, because it’s a nomination from all the people I work with so it means so much – it’s the greatest award I could have.”

Paying tribute to the success of the staff during the Awards Evening, Kath Oldale Vice Principal for Performance Management said: “We’ve heard some fantastic stories about staff from all areas of the College and about why these staff have received their awards. Hearing their stories makes me feel extremely proud and privileged to work for the College, knowing that there are so many staff that show true dedication and real pride in their work and go that extra mile.”

As a guest speaker, Naveeda Ikram was invited to attend the Awards Evening.  In 2004 Naveeda was the first Pakistani woman to be elected to Bradford Council and over the last year she has served as the Deputy Lord Mayor and has just been elected as the Lord Mayor for Bradford. Naveeda spoke about her experience of Bradford College with great passion and enthusiasm.

Colleagues who were also recognised for their remarkable achievements included: Helen Denning, Fiaz Ahmed and Mally Maclver who received Awards for Outstanding Teaching, Training and Learning.

Boxing Coach, Mally MacIver, modestly attributed his achievement to team work, adding that the award meant so much to him as the nomination had come from his students. Mally’s lessons are reported as ‘beyond compare’ - encouraging and inspire everyone to achieve through his enthusiasm and passion for his subject and the Boxing Academy.

Tracy Michael, scooped the Award for Outstanding Innovation; Expressing her delight at receiving the award, Tracy modestly remarked: “I’m very flattered to have been nominated for this award – It wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the help and support I received from David Smith I.T. Systems Manager and Waqar Aijaz I.T. Support Officer.”  Tracy went on to add: “It’s out of the blue and I didn’t expect it, so it’s very nice.”

The Executive Awards went to Miguel Montescano, Programme Manager Community Education and Rose Kane, I.T. Services Manager. Rose is well known as an outstanding and efficient Manager who treats everyone fairly; always ensuring she has time for everyone.

As he accepted his award from Principal Michele Sutton, Miguel said: “I feel very honoured to have been nominated for this award by my colleagues at Bradford College.” With a smile on his face, Miguel added: “I look forward to making further contributions to the College in the next year.”

Summing up the evening, with pride, Vice Principal of Corporate Services, Andy Welsh said: “Watching our dedicated staff receive their awards makes me feel incredibly proud to work for the College, knowing we have so many outstanding members of staff that have contributed significantly to the continued success of the College – making it the innovative, forward thinking institution we know today for our learners.”

• Staff Awards for Excellence