Robyn said:

“I really don’t know what to say! I feel very honoured to be nominated and to have won this award. Thank you, Abdul! I am grateful to work with an amazing team, and I wouldn’t be collecting this award without them.”

The nomination

Robyn was nominated by Skills for Life (Functional Skills) Tutor Abdul Saboor.

Abdul commented:

“I am nominating Robyn for her outstanding leadership in managing multiple teams within Learning & Development. She embodies compassion, integrity, and fairness, treating every team member with equal respect.

“Robyn has consistently stepped into challenging situations, mediating conflicts with impartiality and professionalism – even when it meant taking on additional work. Her ability to remain neutral and solution-focused has strengthened trust across teams. Beyond her managerial duties, she has provided invaluable support through supervision, safeguarding both professional growth and mental wellbeing. Personally, her guidance has been instrumental in protecting my own mental health during difficult times.

“What sets Robyn apart is her leadership by example. She doesn’t just delegate; she rolls up her sleeves, demonstrating tasks first-hand to build confidence and clarity. Her proactive approach to wellbeing – whether sharing resources on Teams, encouraging staff engagement, or promoting Continuous Professional Development (CPD) – shows her genuine commitment to putting people first.

“Despite her dedication, Robyn never takes herself too seriously. Her approachable nature and ever-present smile create a positive atmosphere, making her the kind of leader everyone respects and admires. She challenges us to improve individually and collectively, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous growth.

“In my view, Robyn has been pivotal in transforming L&D’s workplace culture. She ensures every voice is heard, acts on feedback (as she did with my own suggestions, directly improving our work environment), and leads with unwavering fairness. Her influence inspires people and teams.

“Colleagues feel supported—personally and professionally—through her mentorship and responsiveness to their needs. For learners and service users, this trickles down into better-delivered training and services, as staff are more motivated and united.”