As part of Staff Development Week earlier this summer, Inspire Education Group (IEG), comprised of Peterborough College, Stamford College and University Centre Peterborough, hosted a remarkable Staff Conference and Staff Awards ceremony at the Kingsgate Conference Centre in Peterborough. In recognition of his hard work as Exams Team Leader, James Clarke was declared Business Support Staff Member of the Year.
The award category celebrated the accomplishments of those staff whose work supports the overall mission of Inspire Education Group, but which often takes place ‘behind the scenes’. Nominations from fellow staff members recognised the hard work of tens of employees in the commercial and business support and service teams, but one individual came out on top.
James was appointed as Exams Team Leader midway through the academic year, and has since worked tirelessly to drive forward the quality of the department. As noted in Rachel Nicholls’, Chief Executive Officer at IEG, awarding speech, “James possesses a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude, and works well with all stakeholders, including curriculum staff, invigilators, awarding bodies and other internal business departments. He has excellent IT and systems skills, embedding software into the workflow to make the department more efficient”. Rachel concluded, “James is a credit to the organisation and epitomises the values we strive to achieve”.
Prior to working at IEG, James obtained a First-Class BA Business Management (Finance) degree, and went on to work in Marketing and Student Recruitment at a university. He shared, “The culture at IEG is not something I have experienced in previous roles and definitely makes it stand out. The people I work with are absolutely amazing and supportive, and they make every day enjoyable and different”. He continued, “I was really appreciative and honoured by the comments that were read out during the awards ceremony – this is not something I have ever really experienced in previous roles. Receiving the award does kind of kick back the feelings of self-doubt and disbelief, realising that I have actually been able to make a difference and provide a positive experience for others”.
Congratulations to James, his fellow winners and to all nominees of the Inspire Education Group Staff Awards 2022-2023.