People Awards 2026: recognising the people behind the work

26 March 2026

Colleagues from across Coleg y Cymoedd came together this month for the annual People Awards at Aberdare campus.

The event recognises individuals and teams making a difference across the college – supporting learners, strengthening teams and improving how things work day to day.

While the awards reflect the college’s ASPIRE values, it was the stories behind the nominations that stood out. From supporting colleagues through difficult times to quietly improving systems and creating new opportunities for learners, the impact was clear across every category.

Seventeen awards were presented on the evening, recognising contributions across both curriculum and operations.

Authentic

Lesley Hughes (Curriculum)
Recognised for her resilience and the way she continues to support and inspire colleagues through challenging circumstances.
Alun Davies (Operations)
For his consistent support of dual career learners, helping them balance academic study with high-level sport.

Supportive

Caitlin Broom-Janaway (Curriculum)
For her leadership and day-to-day support of colleagues, creating a positive and well-organised working environment.
Rachel Hughes (Curriculum)
For her ongoing support across campuses, particularly in helping colleagues through periods of change.

People-Centred

Helen Wigley (Curriculum)
For her focus on team wellbeing and creating a collaborative, supportive culture.
Julia Thomas (Operations)
For her approachable leadership and the way she supports colleagues to develop and grow.

Inclusive

Kevin Hall (Curriculum)
For creating opportunities for learners of all abilities to take part and succeed.
Helena Vickery (Operations)
For her work supporting learners and colleagues through wellbeing and safeguarding.

Responsible

Kathryn Bishop (Curriculum)
For the care and support she provides to colleagues, particularly during difficult times.
Alex Carnie (Operations)
For improving safety and compliance across workshop environments.

Empowered

Rob Dempsey (Operations)
For his role in improving digital infrastructure across campuses.
Rebecca Bennett (Operations)
For leading and developing teams within Health and Social Care.

Team Achievement

Netball Academy Team (Curriculum)
For building a high-performing programme and supporting learner progression.
Finance Team (Operations)
For their work delivering a major system change while maintaining day-to-day operations.

Distinguished Employee

Simon Evans (Curriculum)
For his ongoing work improving systems and processes across the college.
Clair Mapp (Operations)
For her support to senior leadership and the wider organisation.

Principal’s Award

Sean Thomas
Recognised for his contribution to Management Information Systems, supporting teams across the college through accurate data and reporting.

Coleg y Cymoedd would like to congratulate all winners and nominees, and thank colleagues across the organisation for their continued contribution.