We are delighted to announce the winners of 2024 Go Beyond Awards.
We Achieve Potential
Office
Winner – 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.
Highly Commended – 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.
Site
Winner – Peter Westwood, Duty Access Manager, HS2 North
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.
We deliver on our promises
Office
Winners – 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.
Highly Commended – 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.
Site
Winners – Craig Metcalfe, Ganger & Dale Ousby, Groundworker, Carslisle Bypass
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.
We look after each other
Office
Winner – 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.
Site
Winner – 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.
Outstanding achievement
Winner – Abbas Hussain, Labour Manager
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.”
Chairman’s Award
Winner – Stephen Burns, Client Engagement Director
