UCS College Group is celebrating national success after its Learning Resources Team won the prestigious CoLRiC Award for Service Enhancement for its innovative reading initiative, Take 20 to READ.
Earlier this year, the CoLRiC Management Committee launched three new national Further Education awards recognising excellence in digital impact, service enhancement, outreach and partnerships. Nominations from colleges across the country were reviewed by a judging panel made up of external library and information services experts alongside members of CoLRiC’s Management Committee. Following a rigorous assessment process, UCS College Group was announced as the winner of the Service Enhancement category.
Take 20 to READ was developed to encourage students and staff to build a simple but powerful habit of reading for at least 20 minutes each day. The campaign promotes the benefits of regular reading for literacy, academic achievement, wellbeing, focus and critical thinking, while helping learners prepare for GCSE and vocational studies through improved concentration and comprehension skills.
The judging panel praised the initiative for its inclusivity, sustainability and potential impact across the education sector. Among their comments were, “A great example of inclusive service enhancement that works to combat declining literacy, one of the biggest challenges facing the education sector.” And, “This is a great initiative. It feels attainable, which will encourage participation, and is completely sustainable, requiring only enthusiasm and imagination to keep it developing.”
We are absolutely thrilled to receive this national recognition. Take 20 to READ was created to inspire a lifelong love of reading across our college community, and this award highlights the vital role our Learning Resources Centres play in supporting literacy, wellbeing and student success.
What makes this achievement particularly special is that it belongs to everyone. From students discovering the joy of reading for the first time, to staff making time for a daily reading habit, this award reflects the enthusiasm and commitment shown across UCS College Group.
Jolanta Peters
Research & Library Services Manager
Winning this national award is wonderful recognition of the dedication and creativity of our Learning Resources Teams. Through Take 20 to READ, they have inspired students and colleagues alike to embrace reading and experience its many benefits.
The initiative perfectly demonstrates our commitment to enhancing the wider student experience and supporting learners to develop the skills, confidence and resilience they need to succeed. We are incredibly proud of everyone who has contributed to its success.
Liz Nuttall
Group Vice Principal, Curriculum & Quality
The award recognises the outstanding work taking place across UCS College Group’s Learning Resources Centres and highlights the positive impact that a culture of reading can have on education, wellbeing and personal development.
As Take 20 to READ continues to grow, the College Group hopes to inspire even more students and staff to discover how just twenty minutes of reading each day can open doors to learning, achievement and opportunity.
For more information, please contact the Communications team at UCS College Group the communicationsteam@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk or on 01278 441359.