Staff members recognised with the Prestigious King’s Award for their Community Impact
Two Hugh Baird University Centre staff members were recently awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service for their work with children and young people.
Kevin Rice, Higher Skills Manager of Quality and Compliance, and Thomas Rothwell, Facilitator for the Faculty of Creative and Technical Industries, are members of the 4th Crosby & District (St William of York) Scout Group.
Kevin is the leader of the Scout Group, which serves as part of the worldwide Scout movement that helps young people aged 6 to 25 to develop life skills through adventure, teamwork and leadership. They organise canoeing, problem-solving and public speaking activities to encourage members to grow in confidence, resilience and independence, all while creating a supportive community for those involved.
The dedication to improving the lives of young people in the local community led to the group being honoured with the King’s Award for Voluntary Services (KAVS). The award was created in 2002 and looks to shine a light on the hard work of voluntary groups across the UK. The KAVS is awarded for life, equivalent to an MBE, and is considered the highest award for voluntary groups in the UK. The Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Mark Blundell, recently presented the award to Kevin and Thomas on the Kings’ behalf at a ceremony in Thornton. The ceremony will then be followed by a trip to Buckingham Palace this summer for a Royal Garden Party to celebrate.
When speaking about receiving the KAVS, Kevin Rice said:
It felt amazing to receive such a prestigious award and have it announced as part of the King’s Birthday Honours. I am so proud of the team and all the hard work they put in. Volunteering with the Scouts is a truly rewarding experience, and this recognition highlights the dedication and passion of everyone involved.
When asked about Kevin and Thomas’ achievements, Colette Mawdsley, Assistant Principal of Higher Skills at the Hugh Baird University Centre, said:
We are absolutely thrilled for Kevin and Thomas. Their commitment to supporting young people in the local community is truly inspiring and it’s fantastic to see their efforts recognised with The King’s Award. This achievement couldn’t be more deserved, and we’re so proud of them.
For more information about Hugh Baird University Centre, please follow the link: https://www.hughbaird.ac.uk/university-centre .
