Further Education sector recognised in Queen's Platinum Jubilee birthday honours list

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ColegauCymru is delighted to see staff in the further education sector rewarded for their contributions in the birthday honours with Siân Holleran of ColegauCymru and Kay Martin of Cardiff and Vale College both receiving MBEs.

We would like to send huge congratulations to our International Project Manager, Siân Holleran, on receiving an MBE in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee birthday honours list for services to education. Siân’s tireless work within the further education sector, ensuring that students across Wales have access to life-changing opportunities to travel, experience and grow through international trips sets a true example of commitment – and we are so proud that she has been rewarded with this outstanding achievement.

The past decade has seen many tests for international travel and exchange schemes, particularly with the implications of Brexit and the Coronavirus pandemic, Siân has always put a strong emphasis on the benefits of these programs. As an organisation, we are proud that Siân is part of the ColegauCymru family, and she continues to create and develop opportunities as we enter two new ventures with the Taith and Turing schemes.

We would also like to send our congratulations to Kay Martin, Principal at Cardiff and Vale College and Chair of ColegauCymru’s Curriculum and Quality Group, who has also received an MBE for services to education in Wales. Kay is also a Governor of two of the region’s secondary schools; a member of Business in the Community, Wales Leadership Board and a lead provider of one of the largest work-based learning contracts in Wales.

Interim ColegauCymru Chief Executive David Price said,

“Recognition in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee birthday honours list is no less than both Siân and Kay deserve. Travel can be a life changing opportunity for learners. For those in further education particularly it can change lives and perspectives; nobody has done more to promote this more than Siân and her tireless work should inspire others greatly.”

“Kay Martin has made a tireless contribution at Cardiff and Vale College, playing a hugely influential role in transforming education and training across the Capital region of Wales that spans Further Education, Higher Education, Work-Based Learning, Adult and Community Learning and Secondary Education.”

“We send our warmest congratulations to Siân and Kay.”

Further Information 

Cardiff and Vale College Group Principal Kay Martin awarded MBE
8 June 2022

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