Estates news

Chris Wright, Ben Small, Ian May, Andrew Bailey, Harry Smith, John Taylor and Amy Murray, Landscape and Grounds Team

Two nominations were received the first from Chris Wright and secondly from Catherine Morris in recognition of the work carried out to plant 300 trees for the Diamond Anniversary Orchard project.  Chris and Catherine acknowledge the support  provided to the student and staff volunteers who worked alongside the grounds team, creating a positive experience to all involved.

Jon Wiltshire, Maintenance

The nomination was received from Charlotte Richardson in recognition of the quick and safe solution Jon devised to cover the skylight in the Colyer Fergusson Hall.  Jon’s innovative idea resulted in a financial saving to the University and avoided working at height risks.

In awarding the Staff Excellence Award the Senior Management Team, acknowledge the impact made to both the Department and the University.

In recognition of the award recipients will each receive a £75 top up to your Kent One card.

Claire Whale – Assistant Housekeeping Manager

The nomination was received from Keira Hannigan in recognition of the support Claire provided to the supervisors within her team.  Claire’s organisation and communication skills ensured a smooth transition during a time of change within the housekeeping team.  At times Claire worked beyond her job role with a professional and cheerful attitude which has resulted in a pleasant working environment for the colleagues within the team.

Sabine Hazelgrove – Clerical Assistant

The nomination was received from Jacquie Edwards in recognition of the support provided to the reception and admin operations within Kent Sport.  Sabine’s willingness and positive attitude has been greatly appreciated.

Elaine Long – Receptionist

The nomination was received from Jacquie Edwards in recognition of the support provided to the reception operation within Kent Sport.  Elaine’s loyalty and assistance has been greatly appreciated.

In awarding the Staff Excellence Award the Senior Management Team, acknowledge the impact made to both the Department and the University.

In recognition of the award £75 top up to Kent One card was received.  Certificates were presented by Trevor Pereira on Wednesday 5 April 2023  in the Senior Team Lounge, Estates Building.

Jason and Wayne Wheeler, Maintenance Team

The nomination was received from Beverley Braiden in Customer Services for the response provided to the failed boilers in Park Wood houses in the lead up to Christmas. Beverley commented that Wayne and Jason, are both conscientious and professional, regularly performing above and beyond to provide an exceptional customer service, together with exemplary communication skills. As a result, the Customer Service Team are able to provide the level of service required to customers.

In recognition of the award, Wayne and Jason each received a £75 top up to their Kent One cards. Trevor Pereira, Director of Commercial Services and Estates presented the certificates on  Wednesday 1 March 2023.

Wayne Nixon, Approved Fitter, Maintenance

The nomination was received from David Harrison, following the failure of the main boiler at the beginning of December.   Wayne attended site outside of his normal working hours and whilst he was attending a college exam.  Wayne’s expertise enabled repairs to be undertaken and the issue was resolved.  In awarding the Staff Excellence Award the Senior Management Team, acknowledge the impact made to both the Department and the University.

In recognition of the award a £75 top up has been made to Wayne’s Kent One card. Trevor Pereira, Director of Commercial Services and Estates recently presented the certificate.

Peter Adams, Assistant Building Services Engineer
The nomination was received from Martin Jones, Head of Technical Support, in recognition of the outstanding support provided whilst Peter has been seconded to the Control Systems role.

Harry Williams, Clerical Assistant
The nomination was received from Susan Hickmott, Head of Business Development in recognition of Harry’s outstanding contribution to the Kent Sport admin team during his placement.

Ahmed Abdelaal, Senior Food and Beverage Assistant
The nomination was received from Jan Williams, Event Co-ordinator in recognition of Ahmed’s excellent customer service skills.

In awarding the Staff Excellence Award the Senior Management Team, acknowledge the positive impact made to both the Department and the University.  In recognition of the award a £75 top up will be made to Kent One cards.

Certificates were presented by Trevor Pereira, Director of Commercial Services and Estates.

Simon Omer, Maintenance Assistant

The nomination was received from Colin Flux, Mechanical Maintenance Manager in recognition of Simon’s strong work ethic, often going above and beyond.  Simon’s willingness to help and conscientious manner is a credit to himself and his team.

Keynes Housekeeping Team – Dionne Hoyle, Sam Martin, Wayne Colton, James Knott, Claire Standen, Kaji Gurung, Oksana Panasluk, Joanne Askew, Svitlana Dmytrorsa, Judith Daley

The nomination was received from Amanda Intrieri, Housekeeping Supervisor, in recognition of the support provided to Oksana and Svitlana on their arrival from the Ukraine.  The team have all demonstrated great team work and friendship and Oksana and Svitlana have embraced their new challenge with humour, reliability and dedication at an extremely difficult time.

In awarding the Staff Excellence Award the Senior Management Team, acknowledge the impact made to both the Department and the University.

In recognition of the award each staff member will receive a £75 top up to their Kent One card.  Awards were presented by Trevor Pereira, Director of Commercial Services and Estates.

Colin Reynolds, Store Keeper

The nomination was received from Adam Hames, in recognition of the exceptional work Colin put into creating a stock control spreadsheet for the Lambeth Conference, which will now be used for future events, saving time and improving planning.

Estate Planning Team – Karen Weatherley, Sophie Pearson, Charlotte Longman, Mark Ashmore

The nomination was received from Helen Holland in recognition of the care and commitment the team recently provided to a work experience student. The team were responsive and adaptable to the special needs and interests of the student, which resulted in an extremely positive and valuable experience within a workplace setting.

Andy Turner, Carpenter

The nomination was received from Kim Mullholland in Strategic Planning and Performance. Kim wrote to express her gratitude for the work Andy carried out to ensure the successful installation of an art exhibition in Keynes College, with very short notice. The exhibition is of huge importance to a lot of students who will now feel welcomed and valued by the university.

In awarding the Staff Excellence Award the Senior Management Team, acknowledge the impact made to both the Department and the University.  In recognition of the award all recipients will receive a £75 top up to their Kent One card.  Certificates were presented by Trevor Pereira, Director of Commercial Services and Estates.

Mike Sault, Supervisor, Sibson Café

The nomination was received from Kerry Bowra, HR Manager, KBS.  Kerry commented that Mike consistently provides an excellent customer service.  Mike demonstrates extreme patience when training colleagues and has a calm authoritative manner when dealing with situations that arise.

Stewart Thomson, Building Surveyor (pictured)

The nomination was received from Martin Jones, Head of Technical Support, for the recent collaborative project carried out with Canterbury College students to repair the wall in the Grounds Compound.  Stewart’s proactive thinking has resulted in a saving to the University whilst also providing an essential hands on training opportunity for the students.

Mark Crutchlow, Despatch and Postal Assistant (pictured)

The nomination was received from Liberty Chambers, Corporate Events Manager, on behalf of the Congregation Team, for Mark’s contribution to the ceremonies in March and May.  Mark went above and beyond to contribute to the success of each event as part of the executive group.

In awarding the Staff Excellence Award the Senior Management Team, acknowledge the impact all have made to both the Department and the University.

In recognition of the award each recipient will receive a £75 top up to their Kent One card. Certificates were presented by Trevor Pereira. Director of Commercial Services and Estates.

Ian Lewis, Campus Security
The nomination was received from Aron Soto, Duty Manager, for the introduction of the Operational Procedure Card initiative that has been adopted by the security team. The system will allow for a quicker response to incidents and will ensure essential information is to hand in the event of a long term power outage.

Antonio Duarte Ramos, Kitchen porter, Rutherford (pictured)
The nomination was received from Geoff Wilcox, Food and Beverage Manager. In appreciation of Antonio’s  strong work ethic and flexibility.   In particular Geoff has highlighted the recent deep clean provided to the Rutherford kitchen. Antonio is an integral and vital part of the team.  Certificate presented by Ben Elsbury, Chef De Cuisine

In awarding  the Staff Excellence Award the Senior Management Team, acknowledge the impact all have made to both the Department and the University.

In recognition of the award each recipient will receive a £75 top up to their Kent One card.

Julie Gellatly and Hayley Blindell, Housekeeping Supervisors  (Hayley pictured)

The nomination was received from Becky Verlin in recognition of the outstanding commitment demonstrated by Julie and Hayley, ensuring a consistently high standard of cleanliness, which includes additional buildings both are now responsible for.  Becky commented, a number of compliments have been received at Woody’s and the Coop and are as a result of Hayley’s commitment.  Whilst Julie has stepped in to cover staff inductions in addition to providing cover for the Sport areas.

Jenny Martine, Interior Services and Signage Manager
The nomination was received from Laetitia Gullett on behalf of herself and many staff members in MORA for the recent redecoration project.  Laetitia commented that Jenny has gone the extra mile in every aspect of the project, ensuring all members of staff felt included and more importantly happy with all the arrangements. Jenny has demonstrated excellent customer service skills.

Alex Watson, Building Services Engineer
The nomination was received from Martin Jones in recognition of Alex’s role during the recent works to repair the underground high voltage network.  Alex worked closely with UKPN to ensure minimal disruption, which resulted in the area being reinstated in readiness for a crucial University Open Day event.

In awarding the Staff Excellence Award the Senior Management Team, acknowledge the impact made to both the Department and the University.

In recognition of the award Julie, Hayley, Jenny and Alex will each receive a £75 top up to their Kent One card.