College Thrills in Staff Member Success
Friends and colleagues at College celebrated with Quality and Compliance Lead Diane Ward, after she received a “Highly Commended” in the Quality Improvement Professional of the Year category at the Quality Professionals Awards in Leeds. The glitzy ceremony at the Leeds Marriott honoured the outstanding contributions made by quality professionals in further education and employability.
The Quality Improvement Professional of the Year Award focuses on achievements within the last 12-18 months and recognises individuals in non-leadership roles who have made a significant impact on driving quality improvement.
It celebrates professionals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, creativity, and expertise in enhancing teaching, learning, employment support or institutional processes, leading to measurable positive outcomes for learners and job seekers.
The judging panel said of Diane, “Diane has a broad set of accountabilities, overseeing all aspects of registry, quality monitoring, and compliance for the Craven College HE provision. She has recognised and responded to the need for streamlining processes to underpin quality provision. She is relentless in her approach to continuous improvement, constantly seeing better ways of doing things that benefit her colleagues and learners.”
Gemma Conti, Head of Quality and Teaching Excellence said “I am absolutely delighted that Diane Ward was recognised as a finalist and highly commended by the judges for the Quality Professional Award. She is a shining star within our College team, embodying excellence, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Her passion for maintaining the highest standards is second to none, and her contributions make an invaluable difference to our work. I am truly grateful to have Diane on my team, and this recognition is a well-deserved testament to her talent and hard work.”
Gillian Thom, Higher Education Manager at Craven College added, “It is fantastic that Diane’s hard work and professionalism has been recognised. As a small College Diane’s role encompasses everything from Degree registry to student voice and academic compliance, all of which she cheerfully completes with meticulous attention to detail. A great member of the team and an asset to the College.”
We spoke with Diane, fresh from her success, “I was really proud to be nominated for this award, and to make it to the finals was amazing. I love my work at Craven College and feel lucky to be part of a brilliant team. To be nominated by the people I work with makes it even more special.“
