College named first ‘Leadership Academy’ in the North West

Farah Rehman – Link for Life, Alan Morton – Link for Life, Rochdale Borough Commander David Kirkham - GM Fire and Rescue, Lesley Hawkins – Assistant Principal, Alan Brierley – Sports Leader UK NW Regional Manager, Terry Morley – Curriculum Manager UPS, Michaela Hutchings - Sports Leader UK Operations Manager, Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester - Warren J. Smith, Chief Superintendent Annette Anderson – Rochdale Division

Hopwood Hall College has been named the first College in the North West and Cumbria, and the first Uniformed Public Services course in the UK, to receive the Leadership Academy Award.

The Leadership Academy initiative is a scheme to reward and recognise some of its best Approved Assessment Centres who go beyond the call of duty. These Leadership Academies will act as beacons of good practice to other organisations in their local area. They not only deliver Sports Leaders UK's awards and qualifications with high levels of success and enthusiasm, but by meeting the criteria, these organisations have a very positive impact on the local community with regards to increased voluntary hours, community placements and events.

A letter sent to Uniformed Public Services Curriculum Manager Terry Morley, stated that the College is “a shining example of a centre going the extra mile to support its learners.”

Representatives from Sports Leaders UK attended the College to present a special plaque and were joined by a variety of VIPs, including: the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Warren J. Smith, Chief Superintendent - Rochdale Division, Annette Anderson and Commander of GM Fire and Rescue, David Kirkham.

As part of the presentation, the students also demonstrated their skills delivering map and compass work as part of the Sports Leader UK ‘Day Walk Leaders’ course and coaching ability as part of their Level 3 Higher Sports Leader Award.

Sports Leaders UK will be showcasing Hopwood Hall College as a model of best practice across the UK.