The Learning and Skills Improvement Service hosted its third Leading the Learner Voice Awards ceremony in London on Wednesday 1 July 2009. More than 100 learners, guests and sector representatives gathered to celebrate the achievements made by individuals and organisations in the further education and skills sector in embedding the learner voice.

Joe Martin, LSIS's learner engagement programme manager, said, “This year we received the biggest ever response to these awards, I believe this signals just how far the influence of learners in our organisations has now progressed and we would like to applaud everyone who has been part of this important development. The standard this year was also extremely high which made judging really challenging in many categories; despite this we do recognise that some providers have found this progression less easy and we will be working with our winners and nominees through resources, events and support to ensure that we share practice widely across the sector.”

The LSIS leading the learner voice awards 2009 were presented to:

• Student governor of the year:
  Sarah Burton, Castle College
• Student liaison officer of the year:
  Adele Burrow, Lancaster and Morecambe College
• Most improved provider of the year:
  Bradford College Student's Union
• Community and social cohesion:
  Leicester College
• Principal or senior leader of the year:
  Barry Hansford, Northampton College
• Representative organisation of the year:
  BSix Brooke House Sixth Form College
• Provider of the year:
  Castle College Nottingham
• Leading learner of the year:
  Kate Roberts, The Oldham College and First Choice Homes
• Outstanding contribution to the leadership of learners:
  Emma Smith, Bradford College

The awards were presented by Dame Ruth Silver, Chair of LSIS and Principal of Lewisham College, who spoke to the audience of the sector’s commitment to the learner voice. She said “It is not always easy, but always worthwhile, to hear what our learners have to say to us.  Learners are our future, their voice of strategic contribution and what they tell us will ensure that Further Education is building for the society of tomorrow. These awards honour and recognise the leading edge of this work.”