College's HR team scoops three top awards

Gower College Swansea’s Human Resources team has won three awards at the prestigious Wales HR Awards 2022.

At a glitzy ceremony in Cardiff on 8 July, the team were awarded with the following trophies:

Best Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy
Best HR Initiative
HR Star (Sarah King)

The team had also been shortlisted in the following categories:

Best Covid Response
Employer of Choice
Outstanding HR professional – Sarah King
HR Director of the Year – Sarah King
HR Team of the Year

“We were absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for so many awards which reflect our ethos, from ensuring our staff were fully supported during the global pandemic to embedding equality and diversity into every aspect of College life,” says Sarah. “And to come home with three awards when we were up against such fierce competition is an incredible honour.

“When we were collating the information to submit to the Wales HR Awards judging panel, it really struck me how many fantastic achievements we’ve seen at the College in recent years from launching Rainbow Week and becoming the first further education institution in Wales to gain College of Sanctuary status to the fantastic feedback we’ve had from staff in terms of well-being and post-Covid support."

Over the past few years, the College’s HR team has achieved a number of impressive milestones, such as gaining Bronze, Silver and Gold corporate health standards.  

An extensive wellbeing provision has been introduced, with staff actively encouraged to participate in a range of free activities, workshops and information sessions that promote physical and mental health.

The College holds an annual health and wellbeing day and a long service awards ceremony was also introduced to acknowledge and thank staff for their loyalty. 

Other recent initiatives include awareness days around menopause, LGBTQ+ issues and financial wellbeing.

Photo: HR winners on stage