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John Sandbach award
winner
CIPFA student Sara Smithson received
the prestigious John Sandbach Award at a
celebratory event held at London’s CIPFA
Education and Training Centre (CETC)
on 13 May. The annual award honours
the CETC student who has achieved the
highest marks across the diploma level
of the professional qualification in the
previous year.
Award winner Sara works for Kent County
Council as a Finance Manager where she
provides day-to-day financial support
on regeneration projects. She compiles
financial information on which important
decisions are made and believes that
the broad knowledge she has gained by
Tom Sowerby award 2009
studying for CIPFA is invaluable.
‘I was stunned when I found out that I had
This year’s Tom Sowerby award winner is Elaine Lawther, Head of the won this award and it was great to receive as it
Finance Training and Support Unit, NHS Education for Scotland. Elaine’s recognised the hard work that I put in. I have
deep understanding of the pressures of studying for a professional studied with CETC for every exam that I have
qualification have made the support she has given to students sat because of its good reputation, high pass
invaluable. She has worked tirelessly throughout her 18 year career in the rates and helpful tutors.’
NHS on student development and her work has influenced the shape and On achieving high marks, she offers this
direction of the Financial Management Trainee Scheme (FMTS). advice to current students: ‘CIPFA is tough
Elaine is an active member of the CIPFA Scotland branch and is and you do need to put in a lot of hard
in regular dialogue with the CIPFA Education and Training Centre in work. If you want to achieve the best then
Edinburgh and Glasgow Caledonian University championing the cause I would recommend working consistently
of the students and ensuring their interests stay at the forefront of the throughout the term (don’t leave it all until
agenda. the last minute) and don’t be afraid to
The Tom Sowerby award is made annually for outstanding service to ask questions. Talk to fellow students and
student education at CIPFA. The award was instituted by past president, tutors to get as much as help as you can –
Tom Sowerby who was president from 1973 to 1974. Elaine’s passion, don’t feel that you’re making a nuisance of
commitment and enthusiasm on behalf of students make her a very yourself; it’s the best way to learn.’
worthy Tom Sowerby Award winner. John Sandbach was Director of Finance at
Liverpool University and served as chairman
of the CETC Governing Body.
Sir Harry Page Merit award
process frees up police officers from detailed paperwork. I
congratulate Derek Smith and his West Midlands Police team’.
Derek Smith, Director of Resources, West Midlands Police
said:
‘We were surprised and delighted to be given the Sir Harry
Page Merit award, but we could not have achieved this without
considerable support from colleagues across the country.
Our sincere thanks go to everyone involved over the last 18
months’.
Sara with her mentor, Mark Sage
CIPFA | Spreadsheet magazine | AUGUST 2009 7
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