Meet the distinguished panel of judges who selected the winners of this year’s Outstanding PLUS Awards.
The OPA celebrates Bristol PLUS Award students who have made a significant change or impact in their PLUS Award activity. There are eight award categories, with just one winner per category.
Winners of the OPA were selected by a panel of external judges, comprising of employability experts and PLUS Award Endorsing Organisations from varying sectors:
- Luke Emms from the Institute of chartered accountants England and Wales (ICAEW)
- Emily Godbold from Teach First
- Christy O’Sullivan from Bristol SU.
Let us introduce you:
Luke Emms, Early Careers Executive at the Institute of chartered accountants England and Wales (ICAEW)
At ICAEW, Luke helps students find a route into the accountancy profession and prove that many stereotypical accountancy myths are untrue.
He talks with hundreds of students every year and enjoys helping students improve their employability to secure the careers they want.
To all students interested in applying for the OPA, Luke advises: “Remember it’s not just about your idea/solution but how you implemented it, so explain your actions clearly and link them back to the category in question.
Nominations that stood out did this well and included how they had also had a wider impact on others.”
Emily Godbold, University Recruiter at Teach First
At Teach First, Emily works towards making the education system work for every child. As a University of Bristol alumnus, she has greatly enjoyed staying connected to the fantastic student community through Teach First’s ongoing endorsement of the Bristol PLUS Award.
To all students interested in applying for the OPA, Emily advises: “Make sure you include lots of detail about the role you played as an individual, and both the immediate and longer-term impact of your work.
The most impressive applications this year conveyed a real passion for the work that had been undertaken, so feel free to let your enthusiasm shine through!”
Christy O’Sullivan, Director of Community and Opportunity at Bristol SU
Christy’s professional interest lies in creating the conditions to foster community, and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to make meaningful connections. His directorate seeks to empower students to lead, innovate, collaborate, and create amazing experiences for themselves and each other.
To all students interested in applying for the OPA, Christy advises:
“Having great ideas and a motivation to make a difference is vital, but to make that count you need to find a way to make things happen.”
Are you thinking of applying for the Outstanding PLUS Awards?
The OPA is only open to Bristol PLUS Award achievers. You must nominate yourself for the OPA in the same year that you have achieved your Bristol PLUS Award.
To find out more, check out our OPA blog series or visit the PLUS Award webpage.
Are you currently completing your PLUS Award?
The completion deadline is just 2 weeks away – all evidence must be logged by Friday 9 June.
Log into mycareer to stay on track.
If you need additional guidance or support, email careers-plusaward@bristol.ac.uk and a friendly member of staff will be happy to help.