Helen Clarke
CQ Awards Honour Extraordinary Educators
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This year’s winners of Veterinary Nursing Educator of the Year Awards announced
Two exceptional veterinary nursing educators have been awarded for their hard work and dedication at this year’s Veterinary Nursing Educator of the Year Awards, organised by Central Qualifications (CQ).
Helen Clarke of Myerscough College and Nicola Newman of Plumpton College were announced as the winners by Martin Barrow, CQ chair of governors, at the CQ Graduation and Awards Ceremony at Central Hall, Westminster on Saturday, 3 June 2023.
The annual awards celebrate the commitment and hard work of staff who support veterinary nursing students, recognising their talent, skill, and dedication. They are open to anyone involved in training and educating veterinary nurses in the UK, with the winners nominated by students and fellow professionals.
Helen Clarke
Helen Clarke qualified as a veterinary surgeon from the University of Bristol in 1985 and worked for almost 20 years in mixed and small animal practice. After combining her practice work with part-time teaching at Myerscough College, before moving into teaching full-time. She’s been part of the veterinary nursing team at the college for nearly 20 years, seeing generations of nurses completing their courses.
What nominators said about Helen:
- “One of the loveliest tutors you could ever wish to teach you”
- “Amazing teaching style, keeps students engaged, very passionate about teaching and you can tell she enjoys it”
- “She encourages myself and the rest of the class to be the best nurses we can be”
- “Very supportive and understanding of students’ different learning methods and mental health.”
Helen Clarke said: “As a self-confessed nerd I particularly enjoy teaching anatomy and physiology, and also cover anaesthesia and pharmacology modules; I love the “light bulb” moments when something a student has been struggling with suddenly starts to make sense!
“Interacting with the students on their journey to qualification, and feeling that you may have played some small part in their success, is a privilege. I very much appreciate the fact some have taken the time and trouble to write such lovely comments and am really touched to receive this award.”
Nicola Newman
Nicola Newman began working as a registered veterinary nurse at a mixed animal and equine practice in 2002, progressing through various roles, including head nurse and working in practice management. She supported veterinary nursing students as an A1 assessor and mentored newly qualified veterinary nurses. In 2019, she left veterinary practice to start a new job as a lecturer in veterinary nursing at Plumpton College. Since 2021, she has worked as a programme manager, supporting students both academically and with personal and employment issues.
What nominators said about Nicola:
- “Nicola has been a beacon of light and kindness”
- “Her vast fountain of knowledge and teaching styles is beyond incredible”
- “Nicola makes you feel like she is your equal and helps get the best out of everyone”
- “Nicola is a wonderful person with a caring and nurturing personality.”
Nicola Newman said: “It is an honour to have received such an important award, and to be recognised for my work and support provided to my students. The veterinary profession is a challenging and fast-paced profession which is ever changing. Students need to be armed with the knowledge and skills to be an advocate for their patients’ health and welfare. They also need to be prepared with the tools to prioritise and look after their own wellbeing, as well as that of their patients and their owners.
“I enjoy every part of my role, and seeing students achieve their goals is the most satisfying gift any educator can hope for knowing that they have played a part in that achievement.”
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