NSCG Recognises Outstanding Staff Contribution
30 June 2026
Throughout June Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) has been holding celebration events to recognise the outstanding staff contribution across the group.
Contributions were recognised in all departments from lecturers and assessors to managers and support staff, plus apprentices were celebrated for their invaluable contributions and unwavering dedication.
Shelley Brown, Deputy Principal of NSCG said, "Our Staff Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the people who make NSCG such a special place. ‘While buildings make a campus, people make a college’ and every day our staff change lives through their dedication, professionalism, kindness and unwavering belief in our students. It is a privilege to recognise the extraordinary difference they make, not only to our learners, but to each other and the communities we serve."
Here’s a full list of winners, and make sure to check out all the pictures at the bottom of the page:
Outstanding Contribution by a Lecturer
Academic Studies: Graeme Reed (Newcastle), Amanda Riding (Stafford)
The Arts: Claire Herbert (Newcastle), Jayne Littlehales (Stafford)
Professional Studies: Alex Webb (Newcastle), Marie O’Riordan (Stafford)
English & Maths: Ashleigh Cawley (Newcastle), Martin McGowan (Stafford)
Vocational Studies: Alison Barry (Newcastle), Zoe Bloor (Stafford)
Adult Skills: Gavin Pearce (Newcastle & Stafford)
Skills & Technology: Robbie Legg (Newcastle), Rob Marston (Stafford)
Sarah Kent (Leek)
Steph Lively (Leek)
Outstanding Contribution by a Lecturer in First Year
Academic Studies: Drew Ballinger
The Arts: Matt Scartefield
Professional Studies: Lauren Ball
English & Maths: Lindsay Cutting
Vocational Studies: Gina Joyce
Skills & Technology: Soma Davies
Outstanding Contribution by an Assessor
Macy Blunt – Accounting
Dean Christopher – Engineering
Outstanding Contribution by an Apprentice
Bella Whitehouse – Hair & Beauty
Lennox Kelsall – Finance
Outstanding Contribution by a Member of Support Staff
Kerri Jackman – Payroll
Alice Maud – IoT
Suzanne Bettaney – Exams
Outstanding Contribution by a Manager
Lyndsey Cherry – Employer Partnerships
Karen Renshaw – HR
Becky Sargeant – Campus Director, NSCG Leek College
Outstanding Contribution over the Course of a Career
Hilary Skelding – Head of Additional Learning Support
Lorraine Drayton – Curriculum Manager – Hair & Beauty
SMT Special Award
Exams Teams
SMT Extra - Special Award
Richard Harrison – for a staggering 47 years’ service to Stafford College & NSCG
