We are proud to celebrate our third consecutive success at the prestigious Good for ME Good for FE Awards, which honour outstanding contributions to volunteering and fundraising across the Further Education sector.
This year, the college was shortlisted in three categories, with Emma Shipstone, Strategic Development Manager, taking centre stage. Emma was named Inspirational Role Model of the Year and also recognised as a runner up for Staff Volunteer of the Year. The awards were presented on 5th December during an exclusive afternoon tea reception at the House of Lords, hosted by the awards’ patron, The Rt Hon Baroness Nicky Morgan.
The Good for Me Good for FE Awards celebrate the incredible efforts of staff and students from FE colleges nationwide who give their time and energy to support their communities. Sponsored by NCFE, with prizes provided by FE Associates, the awards showcase the impact of the Good for Me Good for FE (GfMEGfFE) campaign. Since its launch in 2021, the campaign has united 150 colleges across the UK, generating millions of pounds in social value through volunteering, fundraising, and foodbank collections.
An esteemed judging panel, including Shelagh Legrave CBE, Dame Sally Dicketts, David Hughes CBE, David Gallagher, Katerina Kolyver, Phil Packer MBE, Lesley Davies, and Jo Maher, selected the winners and delivered moving citations before presenting each award.
The college was runner up in the Volunteering Accreditation Excellence Award category, recognising its exceptional engagement in the GfMEGfFE Accreditation pilot and support for developing new volunteering ‘Changemaker Qualifications’.
Alongside her role at Nottingham College, Emma Shipstone dedicates her spare time as CFO and founder of Gifts from Fairies, a charity she launched in February 2023. The charity brings joy to children living in poverty, experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic abuse, or coping with parental terminal illness. Inspired by her own experience as a solo parent, Emma’s mission is to “spread a little happiness” by providing birthday and Christmas gifts to children who need them most.
Since its inception, Gifts from Fairies has supported 488 children and families, delivering 7,080 gifts worth over £27,265, including 2,097 books to promote childhood literacy.
Reflecting on her award, Emma said:
“It was an honour to be recognised as a finalist, let alone a winner, especially when you look at the room full of people who provide incredible services to support others. My charity, Gifts from Fairies, works all year round to support struggling families and provide children with presents for birthdays and Christmas. This award comes at the end of our Christmas campaign, which has helped 101 children with presents this year, and is fabulous recognition.”
Principal and CEO, Janet Smith, added:
“We are incredibly proud of Emma and the recognition she has received at this year’s Good for Me Good for FE Awards. Her dedication to supporting vulnerable families through her charity, alongside her work here at Nottingham College, is truly inspiring. These awards also highlight the amazing efforts of our staff and students who give their time and energy to make a real difference.
“Giving back to our community is at the heart of what we stand for, and it’s wonderful to see that commitment celebrated on a national stage.”
