Bradford College Staff Shine at Summer Conference
The spirit of pride and progress was alive at the Bradford College Summer Staff Conference, held at the Trinity Green Campus. Staff were celebrated for their hard work and dedication during a special awards ceremony, recognising excellence across departments. Meanwhile, the lively ‘Brag It Booth’ gave colleagues a chance to share their own success stories, with many stepping up to shout proudly about the incredible work happening across the college.
From compliance to creativity, leadership to learning support, staff didn’t hold back in celebrating personal wins, team triumphs, and the college’s collective impact on students and the community.
Celebrating the people behind the college’s success, Alina Khan, Vice Principal of EDI:
“I have the privilege of working with the most inspirational people I have ever come across in my career, here at Bradford College because we are amazing!”
Gareth Robinson, Curriculum Area Manager followed suit with high praise for his team:
“My brag is that I work in a fantastic department with fantastic colleagues and we are in the top 5 for apprenticeship providers in West Yorkshire.”
In true warrior spirit, Caroline Collins, Digital Team Leader gave a heartfelt and honest reflection:
“My brag is I get to work with the most amazing set of humans I have ever had the privilege of meeting. No two days are the same, we get bombs thrown at us, we put on our warpaint, and we go fix stuff.”
Katherine Bolton, Learning Assistant, reminded everyone that crafting can be a superpower:
“I love working with crafts, teaching staff new crafts in the wellbeing room. We all have a great time, and it’s amazing to see everyone go home proud of what they’ve made, anyone can big themselves up!”
Sarah Faulkner, Senior Events Executive, brought her royal energy to the booth:
“I am the queen of events, and I love my team support all around me.”
Innovation and inclusion were themes that echoed throughout. Mussarat Ali celebrated the Aspiring Leaders course that helped shape this year’s EDI Festival.
Head of Department of Student Recruitment, Anita Ladva-Cheung proclaimed:
“I’m Anita, I am the queen of SR. I love everything recruitment, so if you want to get yourselves some students, come and see me!”
Ashiq Hussain, Curriculum Team Leader, spoke of academic innovation:
“This year we launched a new qualification. called ‘Step Up to GCSE Maths’ for 14-16 year-olds. It’s gone really well!”
One especially moving moment came from Denys Dreyzer, Ukrainian staff member who found belonging and purpose at Bradford College and has just recently obtained a full time job in IT Services:
“I came to England over three years ago from Ukraine. Bradford College helped me find friends and finish my degree in Network Infrastructure and Security. Now I work here as an IT Support Assistant. I’m proud and happy to be here.”
Sylvester Warner, Student Engagement Officer, summed up the day’s theme beautifully:
“It is amazing to work here, and it is so diverse. That’s what makes it all work.”
Emma Dodsworth expressed her appreciation for the PLW department, stating:
“It is an absolute pleasure to work in the PLW department. The team embraces a strong, family-centred ethos where every individual is truly valued and well supported. We are fortunate to have outstanding leadership and a team of exceptional colleagues
The final word came from Eamon Ward, representing the creative engine of the college:
“I’m proud to be part of the Digital Marketing Team at Bradford College. This is where creativity meets impact and every click tells a story. We don’t just follow trends, we set them.”
We’ve received an incredible number of nominations for these awards, each one highlighting the passion, dedication, and impact of so many deserving individuals. It’s clear that our community is full of people whose hard work truly deserves recognition and celebration. After careful consideration, we’re proud to share the list of this year’s award winners below.
Rounders: Winner – Learning Development and Innovation (captain Ash Choudry)
Traditional Sports Games: Winner – Learning Development and Innovation (Captain Ash Choudry)
Soft Archery: Winner – Fusion Flight (Captain Zain Ahmad)
Mini-Marathon A.M:
1st Colin Jallard
2nd Sarah Cooper
3rd Mareen Saghir
Mini-Marathon P.M
1st Gary Bradwell
2nd Eamon Ward
3rd David Ho
Football:
Winners of the final – Student Services Group B (Captain Mohammed Nawaz)
Runner Up of the final – Construction Group A (Captain Matthew Fisher)
Winners of the 3rd and 4th Play Off – Admissions (Captain Reece Tapsell )
Runner Up of the 3rd and 4th Play Off – Sports (Captain Adam Longden
Scavenger Hunt: Winning Team
I.T Services: Richard Round, Robert Whitaker, Mark Price, Bilal Sarwar, Toby Chan
Long Service Awards
David Ho
Stephen Flather
Josephine Cupryk
Kasra Mobeen
Ian Goodair
York Dixon
Catherine Holden
Helen Rook
Innovation to transform lives through support
Lewis Peel
Innovator in Learning and Teaching
Craig Clarkson
Employer/Community Engagement Champion of the Year
Heidi Reinsch
Outstanding Contribution to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in Transforming Lives
Charlotte Parkinson
Superstar FE Lecturer of the Year
Rebekah Smith
Superstar HE Lecturer of the Year
Saeed Alamdari
Superstar Assessor of the Year
Mohamed Raje
Superstar Assessor of the Year
Rachel Littlewood
Inspirational Manager of the Year
Omar Chowdry
Staff Apprentice of the Year
Sheldon Fieldhouse
College Volunteer of the Year
Andrew Ralph
Team of the Year – Curriculum
Early Years and Health & Social Care
Team of the Year – Support
Health & Safety Duo – Danny and Al
Superstar Support Person of the Year
Sara Lee
College Ambassador of the Year
Thawid Jihad
Outstanding Individual (All college)
Beverley Higgins
Outstanding Team (All College)
Customer Services Team
CEO Award – Lifelong Commitment to Transforming Lives at College
Sandra Mears
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