At North Hertfordshire College and Hart Learning & Development, we’re proud to work with some amazing colleagues who are dedicated to helping us reach our goals and our learners achieve their dreams. At our annual winter wellbeing conference, colleagues from across the group nominate each other for awards to recognise their work and achievements.
Join us in celebrating the winners from our December 2025 conference!
Joe Palmer – Computing, Networking and Design Tutor
Nominated by his peers against the “inspiration” value, Joe is described as an inspiration to his students, consistently striving to provide the best opportunities for all.
He is always ready to step in to help if needed and is quick to provide resources he has designed and created as teaching aides.
Jess Barry – Inclusion Assistant
Jess received no less than ten nominations against the excellence, inspiration, professionalism and respect values. These nominations included phrases such as “inspiration to us all”, “outstanding in her field”, “calm, professional and compassionate” with attributes such as professionalism, stamina, kindness and reliability” mentioned throughout the nominations received.
This has been a challenging year for this individual, supporting students medically to keep them on track and dealing with numerous first aid requests but remaining an unfazed beacon of support throughout.
She is a true inspiration to the whole team and the students she supports and is a well-deserving winner of this award.
Alan Warren – Inclusion Assistant
Alan is a vital member of the team whose expertise knows no bounds. He has an excellent way of connecting to students and engaging them in their learning.
He is an expert in what he does and an impromptu mentor to tutors and fellow support staff. He has helped learners become more independent and confident through the support offers and combined offering focussed attention to those he is assigned to work with, whilst also supporting the group
Charlotte Mathieson – Supported Studies Transition Coordinator
Charlotte embodies all of the College’s values and consistently demonstrates exceptional professionalism. She has been integral in streamlining processes, strengthening pathways and making a significant impact on students.
Her positivity is unwavering and she excels at building and maintaining strong professional relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. Her dedication, adaptability and commitment to ensuring students and their families have the best introduction to college life in her role as Transition Coordinator make her an invaluable member of the team.
Josh Liddar – Construction and Trades Technician
Josh is a great example of “growing your own” starting as a student and progressing to a technician supporting staff and students with professionalism and enthusiasm.
His positive approach and belief that enjoying work is essential, have helped create a collaborative and uplifting environment across the team.
Steve Francis – Head of Estates
Steve works diligently behind the scenes across sites as well as supporting staff across all departments throughout the year. He constantly looks to improve the learner experience through their work keeping quality and high expectations high on the deliverables list!
His expertise and knowledge are integral to the success of the outputs for each and every project they work on. Building on the success of previous large building projects, we’ve thrown even more challenges their way this year with condition improvements amounting to £6.4M to be delivered in record time, overseeing the successful delivery of a new £4.5m campus in Stevenage Town Centre and exiting the existing Engineering Campus on time with minimal disruption.
One of these projects alone would be enough for most people but Steve has approached each of these with professionalism and a “bring it on” attitude.
Aimie Clark – Corporate Services Coordinator
Aimie has worked at the college for a few years and joined us during Covid, when we needed to call upon some temporary staff to help us undertake covid tests for all 2,000+ students before opening back up. Even reading that now seems strange!
She was keen to work at the College to take on more and joined us permanently following this temporary assignment. The qualities included in her nomination are ”enthusiastic volunteer”, “infectious can-do attitude” and “always approaches work with a smile”. She’s kind, approachable, and incredibly generous and has been integral in organising this year’s conference.
Chrissy Phelps – Community Learner Engagement Officer
Since starting with us a year ago, Chrissy has transformed how we connect with learners and the wider community. She’s developed innovative engagement initiatives that not only increase participation but also showcase our organisation as a trusted and supportive learning provider.
Chrissy ensures that every voice is heard and valued, creating an environment where colleagues and learners feel respected and included. She actively engages with local initiatives demonstrating her dedication to make a positive impact beyond the workplace. Her work has not only enhanced learner satisfaction but also positioned us as a leader in community learning.
Lisa Brotherton, Paul Kinsella, Clare Knox, and Francesca Hurst
These individuals were challenged to think differently, develop their knowledge and skills and work quickly and positively to deliver a redesign of a programme in collaboration with a large employer.
Embracing the idea of flipped learning, they were supported with clear direction and oversight, to produce a programme that meets all of the employers needs whilst making it fun and engaging. They’ve shown dedication and enthusiasm, working hard to research innovative new ways of delivery. They redesigned programme, embedding sustainability and educational technology, which has received excellent feedback from Lloyds banking group and has been a huge success.
Sarah Dewbrey – Online Programmes Administrator
Sarah talks to many different learners and is always friendly, professional and helpful. She is responsible for enrolling learners and is a crucial first impression for the organisation. She consistently works outside of her job role to support and help others and does so with a smile on her face!
Sarah is a valued member of the team who is supportive to colleagues and learners and has a positive, can-do attitude.
And finally – The Big ONE
Adam Newland – Sport and Protective Services Tutor
Adam is an outstanding professional who consistently demonstrates excellence through his organisation, commitment and ability to inspire learners. He brings the curriculum to life in innovative ways for his learners and is a committed and hardworking member of the team and wider college community.
Adam’s group achieved exceptional results in their behaviour exam, outperforming the national average on every single question, a real treatment to his teaching quality and dedication.
Outside of his Lecturer role, he takes time to drive forward departmental goals as a Digital Champion, ensuring continuing improvement alongside his teaching responsibilities.
He embodies professionalism, ambition and inspiration, making him a truly deserving winner of this award.