New College Lanarkshire's Social Value Champions!

New College Lanarkshire has celebrated its Social Values Awards across all three campuses this week, recognising staff who go far beyond their job descriptions every single day.

Ceremonies took place at Cumbernauld on Tuesday, Motherwell on Wednesday, and Coatbridge on Thursday, with more than 50 staff attending each event.

All winners were nominated by their colleagues, and the awards were judged by last year's winners.

Assistant Principal Elliot Scott, who hosted the Cumbernauld ceremony, set the tone for the week: "Social value isn't an add-on at NCL, it's at the heart of everything we do. Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate. You showed exactly what kind of community we are."

Cumbernauld

Paula Etherson, Student Adviser, (pictured right) received a Social Value Award after being nominated three times. Colleagues described her office as "a safe, calm space where colleagues can retreat for a breather, share concerns, or simply reset without judgement."

A former student credited her directly: "When applying for funding and housing support when I was struggling, Paula helped me by explaining the best possible route for me and my education so I didn't have to leave college to go back to full-time work."

"It's nice to know that you're not just there doing a job," Paula said. "Knowing that your colleagues have got your back is great."

Jacqui Clarke, from the Admissions team, also received a Social Value Award. Her nomination credited her with single-handedly helping 54 infill students enrol on construction courses.

"I like interacting, I like making a difference," she said. "There's a lot of young people coming in, and I'd like to think that if that was my son or daughter, someone would be looking out for them."

The special Gallus Award, for someone who has made a unique contribution that the judges felt simply had to be recognised, went to Tommy Marshall of Music Industries and Performing Arts, who was unable to attend.

Tommy gave evenings, weekends, and holidays to support students, including helping an outreach group perform live at Mugdock Festival and building a partnership with CFM Radio.

His nominator wrote: "Tommy consistently goes beyond their role, creating a strong sense of belonging."

Motherwell

More than 50 staff gathered at Motherwell Campus on Wednesday as three colleagues were recognised as Social Value Champions.

Andrew Ure was honoured for his profound impact on young men at the college, challenging unhelpful social media narratives and leading by example.

"I only wish I could share this award with my colleagues," he said, "who have been instrumental in making this place what it is today."

Jaz Sandhu, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Adviser, was recognised for her tireless support of staff and students alike.

"We are going to be completely EDI-ed out by the time I'm finished," she said. "I look forward to working with everyone as we push our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion goals forward."

Michelle Docherty, Apprenticeship and Commercial Programme Leader, overhauled the Lanarkshire Business Hub, raised over £1,300 at a single Christmas event, and introduced Cheerful Chat visits where Partnership Officers check in on apprentices' wellbeing, not just their grades.

"It's wonderful to see the work we're doing being acknowledged," she said. "I'm honestly delighted."

Hosting the ceremony, Deputy Principal Jennifer Lowe said: "It's a pleasure to recognise the nominations as we have loads of staff who go above and beyond. Social value is at the heart of what we do."

Coatbridge

A week of celebrations came to a close at Coatbridge Campus on Thursday, where Deputy Principal Ronnie Gilmour hosted the final ceremony. "We're lucky to work here because of the staff, who always show up for our students, and always go above and beyond what's expected," he said.

Nicola Bradford, Access and Progression Lecturer, was recognised for working closely with Health and Social Care colleagues, supporting students in World Skills competitions, and going well beyond her role to give students the best possible chance. Some of her students are now on degree programmes in Health and Social Care and their journeys started with Nicola. "I love my job, so this means the world to me," she said.

Aileen Kane, Beauty, Aesthetics and Hair Design Lecturer, received more nominations than anyone else across the College this year. For several years she has taught an ASN group from Buchanan High School on Fridays, creating such a welcoming atmosphere that the school has agreed to extend their sessions from three hours to five and a half hours next year. She also fundraises for charities including the Teenage Cancer Trust and Crohn's and Colitis UK. "We are very much a team," she said, "and I'm honoured to have been picked."

The Gallus Award went to Alec Cheer, Lecturer in Visual and Creative Arts, for quietly championing students and building meaningful connections between the College and industry.

 A standout collaboration with No Limits and Volvo saw his students work alongside ASN pupils to produce video content with industry partners praising the professionalism and quality of the results. "To be singled out and nominated by my colleagues, and to actually win, is really nice," he said.