Nottingham College triumphs at prestigious Good for Me Good for FE Awards with triple win
Added by Love Business East Midlands | 20 December 2024
UPDATED: 2 January 2025
Nottingham College is proudly celebrating its second consecutive success at the prestigious Good for ME Good for FE Awards.
The college was shortlisted in six categories and emerged victorious in three: Student Volunteer of the Year, Volunteering College Coordinator of the Year, and Outstanding Long-Service Award for Volunteering. The awards were presented during a special ceremony held at the House of Lords on 6th December.
The Good for Me Good for FE Awards recognise the incredible volunteering and fundraising contributions made by staff and students from Further Education (FE) colleges across the UK.
Sponsored by NCFE with prizes provided by FE Associates, the awards highlighted the exceptional impact of the Good for Me Good for FE (GfMEGfFE) campaign. Since its launch in 2021, the campaign has united 150 colleges nationwide, generating millions of pounds in social value through volunteering, fundraising, and foodbank collections.
Winning in the Student Volunteer of the Year category was Beth Williams, 17, who studies T Level Health (Support Adult Nursing). She has dedicated an impressive 900 plus hours to volunteering, with a focus on youth development and social justice. As a Youth Voice Ambassador, she supports young offenders through the Derbyshire Justice System, tailoring rehabilitation programmes to break cycles of reoffending.
Reflecting on her award, she said:
"Traveling to London and sharing the experience with my mum was incredible. Volunteering is my passion, especially supporting vulnerable people through St John Ambulance’s Night Time Economy programme. Being recognised for this award is amazing - not just for me but for all young people, proving we are more than the stereotypes portrayed in the media. I hope this inspires others to see that volunteering can be meaningful and enjoyable, with opportunities for everyone."
Rich Williams, Nottingham College Vice Principal - Funding, MIS and IT, took home the Outstanding Long-Service Award for Volunteering. He has devoted over 20 years to volunteering with the Scouts, currently serving as County Lead Volunteer for Staffordshire. Committing over 1000 hours annually, he oversees 12 districts, 119 groups, and 2657 volunteers – supporting nearly 8000 young people.
The third and final accolade went to Nottingham College’s Social Action Project Lead, Hannah Richardson, who achieved the Volunteering College Coordinator of the Year award for her dedication to the GfMEGfFE Accreditation Focus Group – a collaborative group which is developing an innovative new programme to recognise skills gained through volunteering.
Janet Smith, Nottingham College Principal and CEO, said:
"We are immensely proud of the exceptional achievements of our winners and shortlisted staff and students. Their unwavering dedication to volunteering and their commitment to supporting the community serve as a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the transformative power of Further Education. Through their selfless efforts, they not only enrich the lives of others but also embody the values of compassion, leadership, and service that lie at the heart of our institution."
The awards ceremony was hosted in the Cholmondeley Room at the House of Lords by The Baroness Barran MBE, who praised the FE sector's contributions, saying:
“Each finalist is incredibly inspiring and extremely deserving of this national recognition. Huge congratulations and thank you to you all.”
Speaking at the event, Dr Sam Parrett CBE, co-founder of Good for Me Good for FE and Group CEO of London South East Colleges, said:
"These awards showcase the incredible impact of the FE sector in supporting its communities and generating social value. The contributions of our students and staff are a powerful reminder of the difference we can make together."
For more information about the Good for Me Good for FE campaign and the extraordinary work happening across the FE sector, visit www.goodformegoodforfe.co.uk
