Royal seal of approval for our colleagues
Three of our staff members have attended Royal Garden Parties after being recognised for their exceptional services to education, skills and local communities.
Director: Quality of Education Carol Layall, Head of Public Services at Leeds City College Tom Griffiths, and Progress and Attendance Mentor at Keighley College, Fiona Thompson BEM, were all invited to Buckingham Palace in May.
Carol and Tom attended an education and skills focused King’s Garden Party on 14 May, while Fiona attended a separate King’s Garden Party the following week. All three had been nominated for the honour due to their exceptional contributions to the communities they serve.
During their visits they each enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment, afternoon tea and a chance to mingle with members of the Royal Family – while also having a chance to meet and network with other celebrated individuals from across the country.
A privilege and an honour
Carol Layall, Director: Quality of Education
Carol was nominated for her leadership across the quality of education function, and a track record of providing exceptional support for students for more than 20 years.
She said: “It was a privilege to receive an invitation to such a special event. The garden party was amazing and it was lovely to see so many people getting recognition for their commitment to education and skills.”
Meeting other inspirational individuals
Keighley College’s Fiona Thompson BEM, with guest
Fiona is Chair of the Keighley Big Local, a National Lottery funded programme to improve the quality of life of local residents. She was recently awarded a British Empire Medal for establishing Cafe Eden, a monthly coffee morning and support group hosted at Keighley College for parents/carers of autistic children; a cause close to her heart as her son, Eden, was diagnosed with an autism spectrum condition when he was four.
Fiona was awarded the British Empire Medal in the King’s New Year’s Honours list in 2024 for services to the community of Keighley. She said: “The greatest honour for me was meeting so many inspiring individuals who dedicate themselves to supporting and transforming lives within their communities.”
‘FE through and through’
Tom Griffiths (right) with other guests
Tom has worked both in and outside the classroom to improve the life chances of vulnerable people within the community. Over the last five years he has established a partnership between Leeds City College and Harehills-based community centre CATCH, which is dedicated to improving opportunities for young people.
Tom has also been involved with the development of a study programme for FE learners with a passion for youth engagement and working within the community; and led on the setting up of an Emergency Food Support scheme for students during the cost of living crisis.
Leeds City College’s Public Service department has also worked with Leeds Learning Alliance to develop the Pathfinders Programme, aimed at developing future public service leaders.
In 2024 , Tom was shortlisted for the Association of Colleges’ Good for Me, Good for FE Award, in the Inspirational Role Model of the Year category, and has been described by colleagues as: “FE through and through…he understands its purpose and that it changes lives.”
Tags: Keighley College, Leeds City College, Luminate Education Group, Royal Garden Party, services to education and local communities