LSEC honoured at Royal Borough Civic Awards

London South East Colleges and a special member of its staff have been presented with awards by the Royal Borough of Greenwich to recognise their dedication and contribution to the community. 

The College was named a winner in the Community Category and staff member Karen Oliver received an individual award in the Volunteer category. 

The annual Royal Greenwich Civic Awards celebrate the work of individuals, organisations and businesses who have made an outstanding contribution to the social, economic and wellbeing of the Borough. 

Both awards were recognition of the work that has been done as part of the College’s Good for Me Good for FE social action campaign. This encourages staff and students to volunteer and fundraise in their communities, generating social value along with positively impacting their own mental health and wellbeing. 

Karen Oliver works at the College’s Greenwich Campus and has been instrumental in supporting and co-ordinating donations to local foodbanks – which is a key strand of the Good for Me Good for FE campaign. At Christmas over 400 hampers were produced and donated to people in need, thanks to Karen’s commitment and hard work. 

The College was named a winner in the Community Category – again reflecting the work it has done over the past year to support local residents by generating community wealth and encouraging social mobility. 

A special ceremony took place at Woolwich Town Hall took place last night to honour the winners across nine categories. Collecting her Volunteer award from Cllr Denise Hyland, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Karen Oliver said:  

“I’m delighted and surprised to receive an award for such a positive part of my life and which I’ll share with my family, my colleagues at London South East Colleges and everyone who has supported and encouraged me to volunteer and fundraise for a variety of amazing causes, over the past 20 years!” 

Being presented with the College’s Community award, Group Principal and CEO, Dr Sam Parrett, said: 

“We are very excited and indeed grateful to be presented with this award. It is such wonderful recognition for the college and all our wonderful staff who work so hard to support local people by fundraising and volunteering via our national Good for Me Good for FE campaign. 

“Huge congratulations especially to our unsung hero Karen – an inspiring role model who leads by example and is committed to helping others. Thank you for all you do. 

“Colleges play a crucial civic role within their communities and we are absolutely committed to playing our part here in Greenwich. We are extremely grateful for the support we receive from the Borough and look forward to continuing to make a positive difference to residents’ lives.”