VGC’s senior directors have announced the shortlist for the 2024 Go Beyond Awards.
Chief Operating Officer, Ciara Pryce said:
“We are delighted to announce the shortlist for the 2024 Go Beyond awards, awarded to those that live and breathe the VGC values every day and have delivered exceptional results. This year’s awards were more popular than ever with incredible nominations received from colleagues, clients, and suppliers. Following a detailed review, we are pleased to reveal the 2024 shortlist. We are immensely proud of all those that have been nominated and have loved reading about the way that VGC people continue to uphold the highest standards every day at offices and sites across the UK.”
We achieve potential – Head Office
Abbas Hussain – Labour Manager – Midlands
Abbas continues to excel in his role as Labour Manager and has received numerous commendations from colleagues and clients alike. His clients acknowledge the great job he does and his ability to get the right people to the job at the right time. Everyone including our site operatives recognises the hard work and dedication he puts into his role. One client commented: “Special thanks to Abbas for managing the constant phone calls and requests with such dedication. The service has been outstanding, and I hope this level of excellence continues as we move forward.”
Alice Dupree – HR Advisor
Alice was integral to the success of improving the company’s PDP process by making it an electronic process through Hi-Bob. Due to her commitment and innovation VGC have an electronic PDP process with record completion rates across the company. Alice is also developing her career, by working towards achieving a Level 7 Master’s in Human Resource Management. This involves Alice attending university once a week.
Anna Slavova – Senior Resourcer and Compliance Specialist
Anna is always on hand to help her team to reach their full potential. She is happy to share her knowledge and give feedback where required to help her team improve their skills. Anna takes pride in her role and ensures everything from a resource and compliance point of view is always completed to the highest standard.
Christina Donaghey – Social Impact Manager
Christina takes the lead on social impact across all of our activities. In the last 12 months she has taken the company through a number of accreditations including the defense employer recognition scheme, gaining both bronze and silver accreditation, disability confident level 2, the FIR growth assessment and we were also the first company in the UK to achieve the CHAS social sustainability accreditation. She has also taken a lead in 2024 helping the Midlands achieve their SEE outputs across a number of projects which has helped improve how clients’ goals are delivered. Christina has also arranged a number insightful collaborative lunch and learns that have been impactful for both internal staff and clients.
Jade Harrison – Resourcing & Compliance Specialist
Jade is always willing to step up and offer support to the team whenever it is needed. Jade has taken a leading role in delivering SEE in the Midlands, attending multiple events, providing mock interview sessions and helping new entrants write CVs for roles with HS2. Jade has also led the apprentice programme on BBV. This involves not only onboarding, but arranging interviews, classroom sessions, arranging and delivering tools, obtain GCSE qualifications, and much more.
Krista Edwards – Assistant Quantity Surveyor
Krista continuously works hard and doesn’t get phased by any obstacles that are put in her way. Her role involves her working closely with Balfour Beatty to help ensure works go ahead on the Piccadilly Line Upgrade. She receives great feedback on the quality of her work from our clients. Krista does this whilst continuing her university education to further develop herself by studying to become a fully qualified Quantity Surveyor.
Zoe James – Senior Credit Controller
Zoe plays a pivotal role in managing and optimising our credit control functions across various clients and projects. Her work directly supports VGC’s financial operations, including cash flow management, debt collection, and client relationship building. Her contributions this year have had an extraordinary impact on our financial health, team dynamics, and organisational efficiency, setting new benchmarks in every area she has been involved in. Zoe is known for her cheerful demeanor and unwavering support, she has cultivated strong, supportive relationships with both colleagues and clients. Her positive energy is evident as she greets everyone warmly each morning and remains approachable and helpful throughout the day.
We achieve potential – Site
Abbie Doyle – HS2 North – Administrator
Abbie works at the BBV site at Bromford Tunnels and is responsible for various office duties. One of our clients commented; “Abbie is our rock. She works in the site office hiring plant, completing timesheets, and lots of other important administration.” Abbie is impressively efficient and is always proactive. She is known for being calm and level-headed, making her indispensable.
Christopher Bate – HS2 North – Crane supervisor
Christopher noticed an improper crane setup and although he hadn’t seen the temporary works document, he investigated and halted work until the issue was resolved. Whilst carrying out an assurance check on another site, Christopher, spotted an issue with site set-up which was not in accordance with the temporary works document. Christopher ensured the work was stopped until the situation had been rectified.
Craig Rogers – HS2 North – Crane co-ordinator CPCS
Craig received a glowing client commendation: ‘Craig plays a pivotal role within the lifting team; he is a key link between the management and the lifting team whilst communicating with the structures teams as well. His hard work, level of commitment, time keeping, can do attitude and willingness to work is really appreciated.’
Gary Cornford – HS2 North – Carpenter
Gary was recognised by our client for the fantastic work he does in his day-to-day duties, and for his contribution to a local community investment project. Gary has also taken the time to hand-make many items of furniture, a bird house and insect habitats for local schools.
Mosiah Payne – HS2 North – Duty Access Manager
Mosiah noticed a tipper wagon leaking stone due to broken clips. He promptly stopped the wagon, arranged for the stone to be tipped safely, and ensured it was repaired. In addition, the client was informed that these checks were carried out which ensured that the lorry did not leave with stone falling out of the back which could have caused a serious incident.
Peter Westwood – HS2 North – Duty Access Manager
Peter’s day to day role includes him booking wagons in and out and he is constantly on radio communication with another Duty Access Manager on the opposite site of the road to ensure safe traffic flow. Peter noticed a HGV low loader with a load that seemed too high for the overhead powerlines’ height restriction. The load was confirmed to be 4cm too tall. Peter questioned the height of the low loader and ensured the total height of the low loader with the load was checked. Peter was diligent by enforcing the checks before the vehicle was allowed through. Peter’s actions ensured the low loader did not cause any damage.
Satinger Singh – Riverlinx – Ganger
Satinger was recognised by our client and was presented with the Riverlinx Safety, Quality, Mission, Values Certificate of Recognition. Our client gave a favourable review: ‘Satinger, you are a highly skilled supervisor who pays attention to detail, always on time, pays attention to daily briefings and RAMS briefings when briefed out. You are very reliable, a hard worker and have a good relationship with your teammates. You always make sure your team are on point with workbooks and do not neglect any site Health, Safety and environmental issues.’
Scott Rigby – HS2 North – Crane Coordinator
Scott received a glowing commendation from our client; ‘Scott demonstrates that he is consistently able to reach his full potential and meet all the expectations of his job role. He has repeatedly delivered on all of the tasks that he has been assigned with by our lift team management. Having Scott in the team means that I can confidently allocate tasks to him and have peace of mind that the task will be completed as requested, in a timely manner, provide feedback where required and the task will be completed to a high standard.
We deliver on our promises – Head Office
Ben Keegan – HSQE Manager
Ben is very knowledge and always keen to drive the health and safety message within the business with a proactive approach. Ben is always happy to support our clients by promoting best practice, raising issues where necessary and supporting the clients where possible to find a solution. One of our clients nominated Ben following a presentation he gave on a safety stand down day on mental health and financial wellbeing. Ben presented with such strength and passion that he was given a standing ovation when he finished.
Southwest resourcing team
The team were nominated for their excellent delivery on Hinkley Point C. They received an order for 100+ operatives to cover the holiday period. They mobilised over 100 workers in three weeks on the project. Daniel, Anna and Manpreet received excellent feedback from the client on the quality of workers supplied, their communication, and the day-to-day management of the workers.
Diane Searle – Training and Assessment Coordinator
Diane has been integral in the UAT for the training and assessment section of Pump. She has taken the lead in learning and navigating the system for the training department and has been committed to testing and providing critical feedback to the digital transformation team. This is on top of her normal busy day to day workload dealing with a high volume of training requirements.
Donatas Jausicas – Labour Manager
Donny covers a large area and has in the region of 18 projects to manage which is not an easy task. He always manages to have excellent visibility across all sites, fosters great relationships with our clients whilst keeping 100% compliant.
Kayleigh Keeling – Recruitment Consultant
Since joining the business, Kayleigh has conducted herself and promoted both the business and herself in a very impressive way. The detail that Kayleigh puts in her online posts regarding roles, should be the standard across the business. Kayleigh really understands the requirements and how these should be sold to the wider market.
Marion Beattie – Resource & Compliance Administrator
Marion was nominated for her quick response to our client requests to resource over 80 people in an area where there is insufficient resource.
Michaela Folkes – Operations Manager
Michaela personally spent time at site to ensure that VGC resourced the clients’ requirements. There was a short lead time to resource over a large number of people in an area where there is insufficient resource.
Wayne Pleasant – Procurement Manager
Wayne is an extremely conscientious employee, who never leaves a job unfinished. Most recently, Wayne arranged for the yard at Eskdale Road to be demobilseed of all equipment and stock, negotiating best prices when selling plant, equipment and stock at best value. He also oversaw the clearance of the yard following fly tipping. Wayne managed the clearance bringing it in under budget and ahead of the reoccupation date.
Mark Davies – Project Manager, Digital Transformation
With Pump going live, Mark has been extremely helpful and is always willing to share his expertise. Mark has played a pivotal role in driving the RSM Projects forward. We are excited for the go-live date in 2025.
We deliver on our promises – Site
Craig Metcalfe, Carlisle Bypass – Ganger / Dale Ousby Carlisle Bypass – Groundworkers
Craig and Dale were nominated by our client following extreme weather issues on site. Carlisle experienced severe rainfall after the site had closed for the day. Our client attended the site and discovered areas flooded, posing risks of significant damage and life-threatening situations. They called Craig and Dale for assistance who dropped everything and rushed to the site. Upon arrival, they worked together to rescue plant equipment, set up pumps to manage the water, and even saved locals stranded in their vehicles. Our client was extremely grateful for their dedication in this situation and their daily hard work.
Janis Purins – Energy – General Duties Assistant
Janis was tasked to watch a pressure gauge and noticed it dropping so raised the alarm to the MCR to evacuate the work area. Janis’s prompt action ensured the safety of everyone.
John Waterfield – HS2 North – Duty Access Manager
John’s role involves him greeting vehicles as they arrive on site, assessing where they need to go and what the driver requires. John presents an excellent first impression for those arriving on site for our client and is a credit to VGC. He is always ready with the daily brief, advising visitors about current hazards, speed limits, and ongoing works.
Keith Lyon – HS2 North- Scaffolding Supervisor
Keith works incredibly hard and goes above and beyond wherever possible and always takes the time to look after his team.
Mo Hasan – Streetwork Supervisor
Mo identified a guide plate missing from a hired floor saw delivery. He immediately quarantined the item and requested it be collected and a replacement sent.
We look after each other – Head Office
Amy Wells – Resourcing and Compliance Specialist
Amy took it upon herself to arrange, collect and deliver donations for Crisis at Christmas in 2023 – a relationship that has continued into 2024 – meaning that people less needy then others had food, toiletries and clothes for the festive period, this was no small task. Amy also played a vital role in supporting an operative who was having a difficult time. Her empathy and compassion are to be commended.
Katie Djordjevic – Resource and Compliance Specialist
Katie has been praised by many of her colleagues for always going above and beyond. Over 2024 Katie has grown in stature as part of the team and in terms of working with our clients. Katie has taken on more responsibilities outside of the day-to-day role to ensure a high level of service for our clients including site visits, PPE drops, and covering the BBV labour desk. Katie has also helped bring the team closer together by supporting the team dynamics in the office ensuring that life events are celebrated – fostering team spirit.
Ryan Rees – HSQE Manager
Ryan supported our client with their suicide prevention campaign and shared his personal story on a Teams Live event, where we had 373 workers join. Ryan has always advocated for mental health and suicide prevention within VGC and across the projects we work on.
We look after each – site
Andrew Donnelly, Kieran Walsh, Ian Hendry – Siemens Rail
During the initial stages of setting up a work site for works around Ramsgate Southeastern Depot, Andrew, Ian, and Kieran were in the process of undertaking a site survey when they observed a distressed member of the public (MOP) trackside. The MOP, who had pulled a train communication cord and somehow exited the train had made their way across 4 open live tracks to a Network Rail access gate. The team acted quickly by opening the access gate and moving the MOP to the safe side of the fence line away from the tracks, they sat and spoke with them whilst one member of the team contacted Network Rail and the British Transport Police. They stayed with the MOP until help arrived on site and took control of the situation. The team acted professionally, safely and empathetically and their actions prevented a potentially serious occurrence.
Atif Sherazi – Site Engineer – Costain Midlands
Atif was recognised by the Senior Engineer on site when he encountered two foxes who had fallen into the sewage tanks. Atif called the RSPCA who arrived and advised they were unable to rescue them themselves. Atif and the RSPCA contacted the fire service where one person came to assess the situation. After roughly two hours the foxes were rescued and taken by the RSPCA to be looked after. Atif stepped up to care for the foxes when others looked away. Excellent work Atif.
Eamon Keogh – HS2 South – General Foreman
Eamon noticed a leaking concrete skip that had spilled onto an operative’s PPE. He quickly stopped the task, replaced the skip’s bagging, and ensured the operative could clean up and change. The site and client were made aware of the incident and operatives were reminded to make sure that the bags in the skip were not damaged to prevent recurrence.
Elena-Diana Palesec – HS2 South – Document Controller
Elena-Diana spotted a deteriorated 110V cable with exposed wires and immediately notified the maintenance team to replace it. The electrical team were notified and the 110v cables that were damaged were replaced with new ones. Elena-Diana’s actions prompted the electrical team to check all the other 110v cables in the area for damages.
Mark Haywood – HS2 North – Crane Supervisor
Mark noticed in the compound a generator had malfunctioned causing it to kick out excessive exhaust fumes. Mark and Ryan Rees went over to investigate and made the generator safe. They noticed the generator had leaked oil/diesel onto the floor and it was spreading. They responded by containing the spill, cleaning up and making the area safe, then reporting up the chain of command.
The winners of our values awards will be announced on Thursday 19 December 2024 at our end of year team meeting and awards ceremony.
