Inspiration and achievement of dedicated individuals and teams were celebrated by The Sandwell Colleges, as the winners of the inaugural Future Focus Awards were announced at a special awards ceremony held recently. The event brought together colleagues from Sandwell College and Central Saint Michael’s Sixth Form in West Bromwich and Cadbury Sixth Form College in Kings Norton.
Following the launch of The Sandwell Colleges’ strategic plan ‘Your Future Our Focus’ earlier this year, the Future Focus Awards recognise the individuals and teams who bring the mission, vision and values to life through their passion and commitment.
The awards celebrate the success of those who drive forward and deliver the college strategic priorities, creating meaningful and lasting opportunities for others and making a significant impact on learners, colleagues, partners and communities.
Recognising outstanding work under the collaborative One Team ethos, the Future Focus awards provide an opportunity for colleagues to shine a light on those who help create a strong ethos of togetherness and help create such inspiring places to learn and work.
With an overwhelming number of nominations received, each reflecting the skills, professionalism, creativity and care that define the community, the celebratory awards event honoured and recognised how category winners have made a positive difference and impact, how they have shown a One Team approach, and gone above and beyond the requirements of their role and remit.
CEO & Principal of The Sandwell Colleges, Lisa Capper MBE, said: “At The Sandwell Colleges, our people are at the heart of everything we do. These Future Focus Awards are about our colleagues and the contributions they make: put simply, the lives they change. The awards are about shining a light on the incredible people who drive forward our priorities and make our Colleges inspiring places to learn and work.”
Award categories included:
- Ambition for Learners Award – recognising those who go above and beyond, nurturing progress, attendance and achievement, supporting every learner to achieve their potential.
- Innovation and Creation Award – honouring colleagues who bring fresh thinking and creativity into their work, introducing new ideas and tools to make a lasting impact.
- Inspiration to Others Award – celebrates those who lead by example, inspiring others to grow in confidence, resilience and ambition.
- Partnership Excellence Award – recognising colleagues and teams who build strong, purposeful relationships, working collaboratively with others to create opportunities and strengthen communities.
- Exceptional Application Award – colleagues who demonstrate exceptional dedication, focus and professionalism in their role, setting a high standard through their consistent effort and commitment to excellence.
There were also categories to celebrate those who embody the Colleges’ CARE values, showing how connection, ambition, respect and empowerment shape the culture and success:
- The Connect and Collaborate Award for building strong connections, encouraging inclusivity and creating positive impact by working together
- The Ambitious Award for showing aspiration, perseverance and commitment to goals, inspiring others to aim higher
- The Respect Award for listening, celebrating difference and championing voices that are not always heard
- The Empower Award for encouraging others to be bold, resilient and determined, creating trust and long-lasting impact.
The awards also celebrated many long service colleagues marking their incredible milestones in long service of 30 years and more.
Executive Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development, Becky Beaty, added: “Our CARE values are pivotal to our work, and represent so much about our culture. Our values awards celebrate the people who bring those values to life each day. I’d like to congratulate each one of our winners and extend my thanks to everyone who nominated. It was also inspiring to recognise some of our longest-serving colleagues and to thank them for their dedication and commitment. Together, we continue to make an enormous impact on the lives of others.”
