Last week we hosted our second Celebration of Success Awards and Gala Dinner as part of Empower. We celebrated those of you who have gone above and beyond. Honouring the many individuals, teams and institutions who have made significant contributions across various areas within HE, FE and work-based learning. The stories we heard are an inspiration to us all, and set a high bar for future success. Over 300 people celebrated at the majestic Cutler's Hall, with a three-course dinner, awards ceremony, disco and casino. The awards and this year's winners are:
Higher Education Awards
VICKIE VOWLES UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR: The University with the biggest overall impact for its stakeholders over the past year. This institution will utilise Tribal solutions for a number of processes across a number of functions. We renamed the award in memory of our dear colleague who sadly passed away during childbirth ten years ago. Our winner smoothly transitioned their infrastructure to the cloud, mirroring their forward-thinking vision for improvement.
- Arden University
- University of Wolverhampton
- Sheffield Hallam University
WINNER: University of Wolverhampton
PROJECT OF THE YEAR AWARD: This award highlights innovation, resilience, and impactful outcomes. This year’s winner is a trailblazer through a series of firsts—including the first implementation of Blueprints in their institution type. They set the bar high for innovation and collaboration.
- University of Plymouth
- Luminate Education Group
- Robert Gordon University
WINNER: Luminate Education Group
HOWARD KNOWLES SPECIAL SERVICE AWARD: This long-standing award rewards the hardwork, dedication and commitment to the use of SITS to create positive outcomes for their team, institution and stakeholders. (Put simply, this is a special service award for someone in the user base). The award is named after a very well-respected member of the SITS user community who passed away.
WINNER: Carron Windsor, University of London
With over 30 years of excellence in Higher Education Administration, Carron has left an indelible mark on the sector. Starting as a Mathematics teacher, she quickly transitioned to HE Administration, where her expertise in implementing and redefining processes using SITS Student Management Software transformed operations across more than 50% of UK HE institutions. From her early roles at the University of Brighton and London Metropolitan University to her pivotal contributions at Tribal, Carron led numerous successful implementations, shaped key features of the SITS solution, and mentored countless professionals. Returning to the University of London in 2013, she rose to Associate Director of IT Student Administration and Engagement, continuing her legacy of innovation and leadership. UK Higher Education is richer for her contributions.
Further Education Awards
COLLEGE OF THE YEAR: This award represents the pinnacle of achievement in further education. Tonight’s winner transformed systems and processes to realise the true value of their infrastructure and deliver lasting impact.
- South & City College Birmingham
- Leicester College
- The Sheffield College
WINNER: Leicester College
PROJECT OF THE YEAR: This award shines a light on remarkable projects that have brought meaningful change to further education. Our winner tonight launched an ambitious project to transform systems and improve student outcomes in a way that will benefit future generations of learners.
- North East Scotland College
- City of Wolverhampton College
- Cambridge Regional College
WINNER: North East Scotland College
SPECIAL SERVICE AWARD: This award honours exceptional dedication to using ebs to build positive outcomes for teams and stakeholders. Our winner tonight has gone above and beyond to share their expertise, provide thoughtful feedback, and support others across institutions.
WINNER: Alex Wilkinson, Nelson & Colne College
Work-based learning Awards
PROVIDER OF THE YEAR: This award highlights outstanding impact within work-based learning. This provider stood out through smooth cloud migrations and effective team collaboration.
- The Growth Company
- University of Exeter
- Inspiro Learning
WINNER: Inspiro Learning
PROJECT OF THE YEAR: This award celebrates a single project that has made a transformational impact. Tonight’s winner distinguished themselves by developing innovative digital onboarding processes, making a significant positive difference across regions and stakeholders.
- University of Wales Trinity St David
- Wiltshire Council
- Standguide
WINNER: Standguide
SPECIAL SERVICE AWARD: This award honours a dedication to the use of Maytas in a way that drives progress for teams and stakeholders. This organisation continually strives for excellence, setting the standard for collaboration and outcomes.
WINNER: York St John University’s Maytas Team
Cross Sector Awards
WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP: This award celebrates the power of collaboration. Building strong partnerships is not just a strategy; it’s a value that drives mutual growth and shared vision. For tonight's nominees, partnership is at the very core of their achievements. This year’s winner embodies the strength of long-lasting relationships that deliver results, highlighted by their recent Ofsted inspection recognising the depth and quality of their collaborative approach.
- University of Exeter
- University of Chichester Apprenticeship Team
- Institute of Tourism Studies
WINNER: University of Chichester’s Apprenticeship Team
STUDENT IMPACT: This award recognises projects that have delivered lasting, positive impacts for students
- Swansea University
- Preston College
- Chesterfield College
WINNER: Preston College
Preston College used innovative app integration to build student engagement and streamline staff processes
More photos coming soon!
We would like to thank our sponsors: Flywire, AMOS, AFD Software, Infuse Consulting, Pact Solutions, Prolifics Testing, LinguaSkin, , GradIntelligence, Trust ID, mesma, Niico, Akari. Events like this simply cannot happen without you!
Keep an eye out on LinkedIn for ticket sales and award nominations opening for 2026!
TOPICS:
Skills, Training and Employability
