City of Westminster College Estates team has won a national award presented by TES (Times Educational Supplement), in recognition of its outstanding work to support the College and its students and staff. The inaugural TES FE Awards were announced at a Gala Luncheon at The Brewery on Friday 11 November, with 13 awards in total presented by BBC journalist Evan Davies and TES Editor Gerard Kelly. The City of Westminster College team – which comprises staff dealing with buildings management, IT, security and student enrichment – won the Outstanding Estates Team award for its key role in managing two major relocations by the College and transforming its working practices.

Managing the relocations was a major logistical undertaking. First the Estates Team moved over half the College’s students and staff into temporary accommodation in 2008. Two years on, they relocated 80 per cent of the College’s staff and students into the new Campus. Both moves took place over Christmas breaks to ensure minimal disruption and involved military-style planning – including calling in specialist contractors to transport complex specialist equipment such as the Motor Vehicle workshop’s ‘rolling road’.

The Estates Team were also commended in the award for pioneering a highly successful approach to College security that focuses on advice and pastoral care in order to enrich the student experience. As the judges’ citation notes: “This was an innovative entry from a team that managed a major relocation and at the same time completely reinvented its approach to estates management.”

Head of Estates Robin Pellett says: “Estates teams are often the unsung heroes who provide essential support but don’t grab the headlines, so we are delighted to have won this award in recognition of the team’s excellent work in handling two College moves, adapting to the sophisticated new technology of Paddington Green Campus and developing methods of support that benefit all students and staff. This award is a great boost to everyone in the team.”

Further information:
Raffaella Cuccia - 020 7258 5522 / 07852 772303 or raffaella.cuccia@cwc.ac.uk
Libby Norman - 01799 550 007 / 07866 310083 or elizabeth.norman@cwc.ac.uk