Linda Ham wins award sponsored by the Centre for Excellence

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The Estates Manager at Alton College in Hampshire has won the QIA STAR Award for outstanding leadership, sponsored by the Centre for Excellence in Leadership (CEL). Linda Ham was nominated for her leadership of the estates team and for transforming the way in which the college is served by caretakers and cleaning staff. Her daughter Nicola, who also works at the college, collected the award for Linda at a gala ceremony on Monday 26 November 2007.

Alton College was graded “Outstanding” in all five areas when reviewed by Ofsted at its last inspection, and the quality of the campus is seen as a major factor in its success. Many students cite this as their reason for choosing the college and, under Lindas leadership, the estates team has succeeded in maintaining the attractiveness of the campus and facilities, in spite of several major building projects in recent years.

Linda was thrilled to hear that she had been nominated, and as one of ten shortlisted in her category, enjoyed attending the regional event in October. “To win the award is absolutely amazing,” she said, “and a great honour for me and for my team, without whose hard work I wouldnt have been nominated.”

Jane Machell, who is the principal at Alton College, said, “We are all delighted and immensely proud that Linda has won this award. It is very well deserved and recognises her significant contribution to a high achieving college with excellent facilities and a superb campus. Linda is an excellent member of staff; she is extremely committed to high standards and works tirelessly for the college.”

Lynne Sedgmore, chief executive of CEL, said, “We congratulate Linda on winning this award, and for her clear and positive leadership of the estates team. Her success at Alton College is a shining example of distributed leadership at work ““ an individual leader taking responsibility for her own area in a way that has a real impact on learning outcomes. Its wonderful to note that so many of the learners and staff really appreciate the college environment and the dedication and effort that goes into making it so special. New build projects are notoriously challenging for learners and staff alike, and this makes Lindas achievements all the more remarkable.”