Gail has been nominated for this award due to the exceptional role that she plays in supporting students and the Students’ Union within Walsall College. She is responsible for saving the Students’ Union and ‘Learner Voice’ in the college.

Gail has been employed with Walsall College for over 10 years, working in varying roles for Student Services before she was appointed Learner Experience Coordinator in 2006. At this time there had previously been little requirement for learner voice activity within the college, there were very few opportunities for students to voice their opinions, and there was little support or guidance for those wanting to be involved.

Although a Student’s Union existed, it did so to the most basic level; it lacked the leadership, student involvement and continuity that is integral to all successful Students’ Unions. The Students’ Union struggled to attract the interest of learners, there was little staff support, and there were barriers to access and very little awareness.

Gail faced the challenge of having to revive and save the Students’ Union otherwise it would have fell to the decision of senior management to be dissolved.

She not only saved it but has managed to transform it into a nationally recognised Union where students feel that they can express their views and have equal representation. She has made learners feel like they have somewhere to turn to in times of difficulty and the effective ‘Learner Voice’ strategy that she implemented encourages learners to develop and express views about the organisation and their learning experiences.

The college listens to, and makes very good use of, students’ views to improve further the quality of teaching, learning and assessment and to enrich their overall experience of college life. Ofsted report 2013

Under her guidance the Students’ Union executive has gone from a two person operation to a fully diverse team, including 15 capable, trained elected student officers. There are many students who have different protected characteristics and Gail ensured the Students’ Union executive can come from a variety of backgrounds by insisting that the Exec include liberation officers who represent all minority groups within the college. This has ensured that all students, no matter what their circumstances, feel like they can be heard and not have any barriers to learning and development.

Gail was responsible for developing the profile and role of ‘Learner Voice’ structures within the institution, engaging learners in all aspects of consultation. As well as a Students’ Union executive, there are now over 200 active course representatives, 9 lead course representatives and 2 student Governors.

Gail has developed strong partnership with key organisations, both locally and nationally for the benefit of students. In March 2011 she was successful in receiving a grant of £500 to start a Credit Union at Walsall College, the first FE College to do this, so that students could easily access a savings and loan facility. The Walsave Project promotes a local community financial alternative to the influx of doorstep lenders, payday loans and pawnbrokers that are plaguing the local vicinity. The project won a place in the Grand Final of the Money for Life Challenge in 2012 and Walsall College SU also put forward a motion at the NUS National Conference in 2013 for the NUS to investigate the feasibility of a national Students’ Credit Union.

With her Green hat (and fingers) on, Gail has supported the Students’ Union in achieving a Bronze Green Impact Award, helping put the Students’ Union at the forefront of social and environmental campaigning. And more recently, this year Gail was responsible for Walsall College being selected as 1 of only 18 College and Universities to receive funding for local food growing projects on campus (NUS Student Eats).

Gail led Walsall College’s gaining of a Healthy FE recognition award in 2011 which recognises the work the College does in developing healthy services for students and staff, in partnership with local and regional health services, local authorities and others. The College gained this award for the range of activity the College undertakes to secure the health and well-being of students, including health weeks and a dedicated health centre.

She possesses excellent leadership skills and manages a team of four staff. She definitely brings out the creative side in her team as the Students’ Union welcome events delivered by officers & staff every September are now recognised as good practice by the NUS for their eye catching inventiveness.

It is her passion and commitment to listening and responding to learners that allows the ‘Learner Voice’ strategy not to just be words on paper, but a living and breathing part of college life. She shares her passion and knowledge of engagement with students, staff and all whom she comes in contact, for what is the point in having such an effective learner voice strategy and not shouting about it.

Gail is the first person that many students and colleagues will think to contact for advice and guidance on queries relating to finance, health, personal issues and more. It is the years of experience and extensive knowledge are what make her invaluable to the Students’ Union and she is never short of students and colleagues expressing their gratitude.

“Gail is an exceptionally creative and innovative individual and is able to enthuse learners to participate in new ventures and initiatives. Students have a genuine affection for Gail which results from her unstinting efforts and support on their behalf.” (Student Services Manager at Walsall College)

Gail’s contribution played a big part in helping the College achieve an outstanding Ofsted grade this year; and though she may not be the type of person who would nominate herself for an award, it is time that she receives the recognition that she deserves. As many students have discovered over the years, she is an amazing lady who changes their lives.