Skills Competition Success for Rhondda Cynon Taf Care Student

Coleg y Cymoedd has received the news that it has been awarded the Gold Level” in the Wales Travel Plan Awards; for its work in developing a strategy that promotes sustainable travel practises at the College.

The College strategy and plan is developed and monitored by a group of college staff, working with key partners including Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Councils, South Wales Police and SEWTA.

As a result of this work the organisation is making steady progress in reducing single user car journeys and encouraging use of travel that reduces the carbon footprint; some initiatives include encouraging cycling and the use of public transport. Annual surveys of staff and learners have helped steer the plan’s priorities and even contributed to changes in public road layout in the Nantgarw area.

The Travel Plan also contributes to the Platinum Corporate Health standard which the college achieved for its efforts in encouraging an active lifestyle such as walking and cycling, which are key targets of the College strategy. These habits along with the intention to promote car sharing schemes will also help the environment around the campuses by reducing car parking.

Furthermore, in this coming year the College is rolling out greater use of video link meetings to reduce staff travel between campuses, this has a cost saving advantage both to the college and its staff and students.

To qualify for the Gold Award, Coleg y Cymoedd were assessed and met the following criteria; held a Silver Award for at least a year, completed a full staff survey with a 50% response rate, showed evidence of monitoring and feedback on progress against objectives set, continued to action achievements against current targets, further development of travel initiatives, and agree future targets, produced a revised action plan with dates for future survey work and monitoring and provided evidence that the updated plan has been communicated to staff.

Head of Learner Services David Brookes said” The College is delighted to have achieved the Gold Travel Award and will continue to work closely with the staff, learners and key partners. Once we’ve held the Gold Award for one year, we will be in a position to apply for the Platinum Award, which is the highest level an organisation can hold. The staff and learners have been instrumental in achieving this award; to achieve success everyone has to ‘buy in’ to the schemes. We are always keen to hear from staff and learners of any ideas they may have in relation to the Travel Plan”.

“

Share!