Community champions for Digifest 2026
Our community champion programme looks for individuals who share knowledge and bring people together for the good of our communities.
These extraordinary people go above and beyond to support colleagues across the sector by facilitating communities, building connections and being advocates for great digital experiences. Our selection panel considered impact, reach and passion of each nominee. We were particularly looking for individuals who see the bigger picture and strive to support colleagues across the sector.
Nominations closed on 17 December 2025.
Announcing our 2026 community champions
We were thrilled by the quality and quantity of champion nominations we received, and we are pleased to announce the 2026 winners.
Community advocates
Helen Thorham, professor, University of Leeds
Nominated for leading the creation of INCLUDE+, helping build trust between institutions and mobilise networks. The IN+ Principles have been adopted by multiple partners as a benchmark for inclusive digital practice, influencing procurement, training, and safeguarding.
Lilian Joy, digital accessibility manager, University of York
Nominated for hosting the Future Teacher community which supports FE, HE, and academic and professional services across the world. The community shares ideas, events and video content. This nomination also commends Alistair MacNaught, consultant and Ron Mitchell, MitchellMedia for their ongoing support and commitment to the community.
Owen Crawford, Cardiff University
Nominated for both the UK and Wales XR communities. Owen's contribution goes beyond technical expertise, demonstrating reliability and passion for ideas and providing support. He understands the bigger picture and is pivotal to the community progress.
Professor Sacha Hassan, Heriot Watt University, was nominated for research that identifies critical gaps in digital mental health services for autistic adults. Sacha showcases leadership that bridges academic rigour with community-rooted change through co-design with the NHS, third sector and academic partner workshops.
Community connectors
Rosemarie McIlwhan, associate professor of digital pedagogies and practices, Heriot Watt University
Nominated for her dedication to the Scottish AI in Tertiary Education Network (SCAITEN). The network combines Scottish HE and FE institutions, building a safe space to discuss GenAI practice and non-practice. Through talking at events and to sector bodies, Rosemarie helped form GenAI principles for others to adopt.
Sue Beckingham, associate professor, Sheffield Hallam University
Nominated for transforming fragmented online spaces into the coordinated, inclusive #LTHEchat community. Sue establishes a dependable hub for conversation and collaboration that explore sector-wide challenges with blogs, discussion and interactions. Sue established external sector body partnerships and introduced a mentorship programme to further support professional progression pathways.
Suzanne Galloway, learning teaching and quality manager, Forth Valley College
Nominated for being the driving force in engaging with educators and agencies to share best practice, connecting people and ideas. Sue positioned the Moodle Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) as a hub for inclusive, interactive and accessible learning. Engaging with partners to align with national priorities for digital capability and quality enhancement.
Zoe Tierney, learning technologist, Burton and South Derbyshire College
Nominated for strengthening collaboration in the FE Immersive Interactive Community Group. Zoe developed a content library, encourages the exchange of effective practice via CPD events and at sector wide presentations. Zoe helps other progress by uplifting their confidence and building bridges to have powerful impact on educators, learners and the sector's collective approach to immersive practice.
Community innovator
Dr Brian McGowan, lecturer, Ulster University
Nominated for supporting GenAI literacy, creating agile approaches to learning and teaching that centre on the authenticity of the staff/student relationship. Part of a new and passionate community within Ulster University and across wider institutional working groups, Brian creates blogs and guidance on AI policy, helping to shift staff behaviours.
Clark Mitton, digital experience design lead, Bradford College
Nominated for organising the Innovate North community, bringing educators across the UK together to share ideas. Clark also supports the wider community through Innokits, giving learners outside the campus access to digital tools. He makes digital exciting and challenges staff perceptions to help build their skills and confidence.
Dan Owens, digital wellbeing officer, Coleg y Cymoedd
Nominated for being the driving force behind the Wales Digital Wellbeing community. This has included forming partnerships with relevant online safety bodies. His unwavering passion and breadth of knowledge help to anticipate sector needs and see the bigger picture.
Dustin Hosseini, lecturer, University of Cumbria and associate tutor, University of Glasgow
Nominated for supporting ethical AI in education, challenging and evolving institutional thinking through workshops, blogs and resource creation and sharing. Dustin has played a critical role in helping other educators connect their practice and contexts to the bigger picture of ethical AI while providing advice on institutional policy.
Louise Ord, learning resource centre manager, Exeter College
Nominated for bringing new and creative energy to the FE library LRC community. Louise does this through sharing ideas and optimism, creating opportunities to collaborate and support the community of FE libraries across the UK, keeping it relevant and interesting.
Steve Wileman, head of digital learning, South Staffordshire College
Nominated for being instrumental in transforming AI adoption across the education sector and in the AI community. Steve has a visionary approach and commitment to collaboration, mentoring peers, sharing resources, strategies and best practice while making innovation feel accessible rather than intimidating.
Community tech experts
Alison Fawdrey, digital learning technologist, South Staffordshire College
Nominated for sector leadership and commitment in inclusive digital transformation. Alison helped shift to widespread use of XR and amplifying AI adoption and policy. Alison improves staff and learners’ confidence via CPD sessions, sharing instructional videos, designing AI apps and AR signage.
Our finalists
- Cheryl Lamb-Evans, head of digital innovation services and transformation, South Thames Colleges Group
- Darren Flynn, lecturer, University College London
- Jim Harris, learning designer, learning and teaching enhancement, library, learning and student services, University of Northampton
- Katie Kendrick, digital learning advisor, Heart of Worcestershire College
- Tony Libbey, programme and operational delivery lead, University of Salford
- Alistair MacNaught, Alistair McNaught Consultancy Ltd
- Ron Mitchell, MitchellMedia
Thanks to our selection panel
- Chair: Natasha Veenendaal, head of engagement, Jisc
- Co-chair: Carolina Barnes, community specialist, Jisc
- Tiberiu Dancovici, digital learning and innovation manager, Coleg y Cymoedd and 2025 community champion
- Bryony Evett, director of teaching, learning and education at Coleg Sir Gar and 2025 community champion
- Alex Harding, head of IT services, Runshaw College and 2025 community champion
- Luke Searle, senior learning designer team lead at the University of Southampton and 2025 community champion
- Hazel Bone, deputy director, relationship management, Jisc
Past champions
If you would like to learn more about our champions' accomplishments, listen to our Digifest community hub podcast playlist.
2025 community champions
Community advocates
Alex Harding, Runshaw College
Nominated for his exceptional dedication to the cyber security community, by delivering talks, showcasing proven strategies helping other institutions enhance their security practices.
Caroline Ball, University of Derby
Nominated for campaigning to push for change with eBook access for academic libraries, advocating for legislative change.
Gary Holden, Kirklees College
Nominated for his deep commitment in supporting tailored and personalised planning for special education needs or disabilities (SEND) and high-needs students, prioritising accessibility and inclusion through implementing tools and developing the teaching excellence framework.
Luke Searle, University of Southampton
Nominated for being a role model in simplifying technical concepts and providing practical solutions in the accessible maths community, distilling complex ideas into actionable advice.
Rosie Jones, Teesside University
Nominated for her unwavering support of academic libraries and advocating for the pivotal role librarians play in supporting initiatives across curriculum, though promoting skills and knowledge that help drive change.
Tiberiu Dancovici, Coleg y Cymoedd
Nominated for being an invaluable member of the Wales AI working group helping facilitate, chair and for creating the Over A Brew podcast for FE to talk about technology in learning and teaching.
Community pioneers
Andy Tattersall, University of Sheffield
Nominated for investigating and communicating his knowledge of social media and research communications with the library technology community by sharing best practice and championing open research.
Bryony Evett Hackfort, Coleg Sir Gar | Coleg Ceredigion
Nominated for supporting the AI in FE community through sharing advice on developing AI policy, improving AI literacy for staff and students and encouraging responsible AI use through talking part in working groups and creating invaluable resources.
Dominic Pates, City St George's University of London
Nominated for his passion and dedication opening new lines of thought with ALT-C radio and The Thursday Night Show (TTNS) to enable the community to reflect on learning technology through music.
Dr Jacqueline Bartram, University of Hull
Nominated for her passion and in talent helping express and explore ideas through visual mediums, advocating through the Association of Learning Developers (ALDinHE) community to transform content and demystify complex messages.
Dr Louise Drumm, Edinburgh Napier University
Nominated for her transformative leadership in embedding AI into the curriculum at Edinburgh Napier University and has been instrumental in running workshops and courses that empower educators to embed AI into their teaching.
Nurun Nahar, Greater Manchester Business School University of Bolton
Nominated for creating an inclusive and impactful platform founding the innovative TIRIgogy CPD series she has redefined professional development in teaching-intensive roles and connects educators globally.
Raghda Zahran, Newcastle University
Nominated for her consistent effort in driving change and collaboration for Learning Analytics, helping transform how data is used to improve the student experience, through hosting events, and sharing best practice.
Community tech gurus
Elly Cope, University of Leeds
Nominated for using her technical knowledge and skills to find creative solutions for library and data systems, sharing learnings to upskill and develop the wider sector.
Stephen Taylor, Regent's University London
Nominated for helping inspire educators to change practice to be more accessible by translating his technical knowledge into tailored straightforward advice.
Community advocates
Alex Harding, Runshaw College
Nominated for his exceptional dedication to the cyber security community, by delivering talks, showcasing proven strategies helping other institutions enhance their security practices.
Caroline Ball, University of Derby
Nominated for campaigning to push for change with eBook access for academic libraries, advocating for legislative change.
Gary Holden, Kirklees College
Nominated for his deep commitment in supporting tailored and personalised planning for special education needs or disabilities (SEND) and high-needs students, prioritising accessibility and inclusion through implementing tools and developing the teaching excellence framework.
Luke Searle, University of Southampton
Nominated for being a role model in simplifying technical concepts and providing practical solutions in the accessible maths community, distilling complex ideas into actionable advice.
Rosie Jones, Teesside University
Nominated for her unwavering support of academic libraries and advocating for the pivotal role librarians play in supporting initiatives across curriculum, though promoting skills and knowledge that help drive change.
Tiberiu Dancovici, Coleg y Cymoedd
Nominated for being an invaluable member of the Wales AI working group helping facilitate, chair and for creating the Over A Brew podcast for FE to talk about technology in learning and teaching.
Community pioneers
Andy Tattersall, University of Sheffield
Nominated for investigating and communicating his knowledge of social media and research communications with the library technology community by sharing best practice and championing open research.
Bryony Evett Hackfort, Coleg Sir Gar | Coleg Ceredigion
Nominated for supporting the AI in FE community through sharing advice on developing AI policy, improving AI literacy for staff and students and encouraging responsible AI use through talking part in working groups and creating invaluable resources.
Dominic Pates, City St George's University of London
Nominated for his passion and dedication opening new lines of thought with ALT-C radio and The Thursday Night Show (TTNS) to enable the community to reflect on learning technology through music.
Dr Jacqueline Bartram, University of Hull
Nominated for her passion and in talent helping express and explore ideas through visual mediums, advocating through the Association of Learning Developers (ALDinHE) community to transform content and demystify complex messages.
Dr Louise Drumm, Edinburgh Napier University
Nominated for her transformative leadership in embedding AI into the curriculum at Edinburgh Napier University and has been instrumental in running workshops and courses that empower educators to embed AI into their teaching.
Nurun Nahar, Greater Manchester Business School University of Bolton
Nominated for creating an inclusive and impactful platform founding the innovative TIRIgogy CPD series she has redefined professional development in teaching-intensive roles and connects educators globally.
Raghda Zahran, Newcastle University
Nominated for her consistent effort in driving change and collaboration for Learning Analytics, helping transform how data is used to improve the student experience, through hosting events, and sharing best practice.
Community tech gurus
Elly Cope, University of Leeds
Nominated for using her technical knowledge and skills to find creative solutions for library and data systems, sharing learnings to upskill and develop the wider sector.
Stephen Taylor, Regent's University London
Nominated for helping inspire educators to change practice to be more accessible by translating his technical knowledge into tailored straightforward advice.
2024 community champions
Community advocates
Hannah Crago, University of Essex
Nominated for advocating for the digital research community and driving forward the open access agenda.
Constance Henry, Gower College Swansea
Nominated for bringing energy and enthusiasm while sharing her knowledge and experience in the Digital Diamonds community.
Kirsty Ingleson, Kirklees College
Nominated for helping foster an AI culture that educators can harness AI's power via the AI collaboration group.
Dr Estelle King, Nottingham Trent University
Nominated for chairing HESPA's statutory returns special interest group acting as a beacon for the community.
Paul Napleton, University of East Anglia
Nominated for driving crucial conversations in the Salesforce community around student engagement, AP, change management and data utilisation.
Community tech gurus
Dr John Bustard, Ulster University
Nominated for his work at the MarTech Laboratory and the #6SCommunity makes transformative impact, adopting a real-world approach to learning.
John Fairgrieve, Cardiff, and Vale College
Nominated for developing an empathy VR module and helping train Welsh teaching staff and students on neurodiversity to better support autistic students within the Wales extended reality community.
Phil Whitehead, DN Colleges Group
Nominated for sharing expert knowledge to enhance digital skills via the Teachblend YouTube channel and more.
Community unsung heroes
Carolyn Fearn, Sheffield Hallam University
Nominated for rebuilding and refocusing activity for the Learning Analytics community. She was the driving force for the community's relaunch, supporting members with queries and sharing her extensive knowledge.
Gary Steele, Glasgow Caledonian University
Nominated for being a SHEDL (Scottish Higher Education Digital Library) representative who has diligently worked though complex negotiations to achieve a new content licensing agreement.
Libby Wilkins, The Oaks Specialist College
Nominated for helping young adults use assistive technology and excel in their lives beyond college.
Puiyin Wong, Lancaster University - community unsung hero
Nominated for organising and sustaining the renowned #TELresearchers and #HEresearchers groups while also supporting ALT.
Community pioneers
Dr Isobel Bowditch, University College London
Nominated for developing resources to tackle AI's impact on assessment.
Jacinta Jolly, NPTC Group
Nominated for being a tremendous asset to the FE library LRC community of practice with her willingness to step up as the new chair. She has helped keep momentum with activities and events.
Piers Wilkinson, Diversity and Ability - community pioneer
Nominated for being able to draw upon extensive policy experience and work with education providers and students to support the assistive technology network.
Community advocates
Hannah Crago, University of Essex
Nominated for advocating for the digital research community and driving forward the open access agenda.
Constance Henry, Gower College Swansea
Nominated for bringing energy and enthusiasm while sharing her knowledge and experience in the Digital Diamonds community.
Kirsty Ingleson, Kirklees College
Nominated for helping foster an AI culture that educators can harness AI's power via the AI collaboration group.
Dr Estelle King, Nottingham Trent University
Nominated for chairing HESPA's statutory returns special interest group acting as a beacon for the community.
Paul Napleton, University of East Anglia
Nominated for driving crucial conversations in the Salesforce community around student engagement, AP, change management and data utilisation.
Community tech gurus
Dr John Bustard, Ulster University
Nominated for his work at the MarTech Laboratory and the #6SCommunity makes transformative impact, adopting a real-world approach to learning.
John Fairgrieve, Cardiff, and Vale College
Nominated for developing an empathy VR module and helping train Welsh teaching staff and students on neurodiversity to better support autistic students within the Wales extended reality community.
Phil Whitehead, DN Colleges Group
Nominated for sharing expert knowledge to enhance digital skills via the Teachblend YouTube channel and more.
Community unsung heroes
Carolyn Fearn, Sheffield Hallam University
Nominated for rebuilding and refocusing activity for the Learning Analytics community. She was the driving force for the community's relaunch, supporting members with queries and sharing her extensive knowledge.
Gary Steele, Glasgow Caledonian University
Nominated for being a SHEDL (Scottish Higher Education Digital Library) representative who has diligently worked though complex negotiations to achieve a new content licensing agreement.
Libby Wilkins, The Oaks Specialist College
Nominated for helping young adults use assistive technology and excel in their lives beyond college.
Puiyin Wong, Lancaster University - community unsung hero
Nominated for organising and sustaining the renowned #TELresearchers and #HEresearchers groups while also supporting ALT.
Community pioneers
Dr Isobel Bowditch, University College London
Nominated for developing resources to tackle AI's impact on assessment.
Jacinta Jolly, NPTC Group
Nominated for being a tremendous asset to the FE library LRC community of practice with her willingness to step up as the new chair. She has helped keep momentum with activities and events.
Piers Wilkinson, Diversity and Ability - community pioneer
Nominated for being able to draw upon extensive policy experience and work with education providers and students to support the assistive technology network.
2023 community champions
Alison Harvey, Cardiff University
Nominated for her transformation work helping to develop computer vision tools and work as co-chair of the global IIIF Archives Group.
“I'm passionate about demystifying all things digital, and building bridges to help cultural organisations with minimal resources support learning, teaching, research, and creativity.”
Chris Banks, Imperial College London
Nominated for moving effortlessly from strategic to practical thinking and support negotiations for the needs of the sector. Also, for chairing the content expert group and tackling issues to save money.
Chris Price, Swansea University
Nominated for helping link members, Swansea University, and suppliers by answering queries and ensuring members, staff and learners have the best possible learning experience.
Erika Neck, The College, Merthyr Tydfil
Nominated for inspiring FE LRC community peers through engaging and inspiring presentations and sessions.
“Sometimes as a librarian I feel our services and skill set are often overlooked via a misunderstanding of what our role entails, so this reward brings about much recognition and validation of our work and its importance to the community.”
Dr Flavio Azevedo, University of Cambridge
Nominated for being the driving force behind Framework for Open and Reproducible Research Training (FORRT). This interdisciplinary community aims to integrate open scholarship principles into higher education and to advance research transparency.
Geena Vabulas, Karten Network/Policy Connect
Nominated for working with infectious enthusiasm for changing lives with assistive technology by using research to push boundaries of what is possible for disabled people in the Assistive Tech community.
Jo Fletcher-Saxon, Ashton Sixth Form College
Nominated for empowering practitioner research in FE with the FEresearchpodcast and the Learning and Skills Research Network, as well as supporting peers and amplifying their work.
Joy McLean, West College Scotland
Nominated for playing a vital part in the FE library LRC leadership team, delivering workshops and sharing knowledge on how a library can use freely available digital tools.
“Being recognised as a community champion is amazing! It brings recognition of the importance and value of the community amongst not only its own members but within the wider education sector.”
Kelly Edwards, Harlow College
Nominated for leading digital and quality teams to improve practice for teachers and students from conception to full implementation. Also for supporting colleges across the country to review their strategies and develop new approaches for the use of tech.
Lisa Charkiewicz, South Essex College of Further and Higher Education
Nominated for being part of the FE LRC leadership team. Lisa is committed to the community by sharing knowledge, encouraging peer-to-peer support and participation.
“I can only hope the community expands, opening opportunities for Learning Resources colleagues to be recognised for their continuous development and amazing work. Being in a community with others alike is reassuring, encouraging and helpful.”
Niamh Tumelty, University of Cambridge
Nominated for being a constant source of invaluable support, helping the Digital Research community grow while shaping policy.
Rachel Öner, Öner Consultancy
Nominated for being an advocate for the NATECLA community and helping it excel by setting up online events, a working group, easing concerns, and providing unwavering support.
“Being nominated means so much. NATECLA is a unique organisation run by volunteers and supported by its members. Without this community, the organisation would simply not exist.”
Seima Mahmood, Bradford College
Nominated for constantly researching, testing, and inspiring other teachers. Seima created the Global Learning Project to enhance digital skills with participants from Bradford College, Wales, and Poland.
Susan Robbins, University of Sussex
Nominated for being an unsung hero by bringing people together to share best practice for the University of Sussex professional development events and termly symposia.
Valerie McCutcheon, University of Glasgow
Nominated for being a community pioneer and leading developments in open research by being quick to share community outputs and bring people together for (ARMA) Open Research Group Special Interest Group and the Open Research Scotland community - and many others.
“It is a genuine belief that working together we can reach solutions more efficiently.”
Alison Harvey, Cardiff University
Nominated for her transformation work helping to develop computer vision tools and work as co-chair of the global IIIF Archives Group.
“I'm passionate about demystifying all things digital, and building bridges to help cultural organisations with minimal resources support learning, teaching, research, and creativity.”
Chris Banks, Imperial College London
Nominated for moving effortlessly from strategic to practical thinking and support negotiations for the needs of the sector. Also, for chairing the content expert group and tackling issues to save money.
Chris Price, Swansea University
Nominated for helping link members, Swansea University, and suppliers by answering queries and ensuring members, staff and learners have the best possible learning experience.
Erika Neck, The College, Merthyr Tydfil
Nominated for inspiring FE LRC community peers through engaging and inspiring presentations and sessions.
“Sometimes as a librarian I feel our services and skill set are often overlooked via a misunderstanding of what our role entails, so this reward brings about much recognition and validation of our work and its importance to the community.”
Dr Flavio Azevedo, University of Cambridge
Nominated for being the driving force behind Framework for Open and Reproducible Research Training (FORRT). This interdisciplinary community aims to integrate open scholarship principles into higher education and to advance research transparency.
Geena Vabulas, Karten Network/Policy Connect
Nominated for working with infectious enthusiasm for changing lives with assistive technology by using research to push boundaries of what is possible for disabled people in the Assistive Tech community.
Jo Fletcher-Saxon, Ashton Sixth Form College
Nominated for empowering practitioner research in FE with the FEresearchpodcast and the Learning and Skills Research Network, as well as supporting peers and amplifying their work.
Joy McLean, West College Scotland
Nominated for playing a vital part in the FE library LRC leadership team, delivering workshops and sharing knowledge on how a library can use freely available digital tools.
“Being recognised as a community champion is amazing! It brings recognition of the importance and value of the community amongst not only its own members but within the wider education sector.”
Kelly Edwards, Harlow College
Nominated for leading digital and quality teams to improve practice for teachers and students from conception to full implementation. Also for supporting colleges across the country to review their strategies and develop new approaches for the use of tech.
Lisa Charkiewicz, South Essex College of Further and Higher Education
Nominated for being part of the FE LRC leadership team. Lisa is committed to the community by sharing knowledge, encouraging peer-to-peer support and participation.
“I can only hope the community expands, opening opportunities for Learning Resources colleagues to be recognised for their continuous development and amazing work. Being in a community with others alike is reassuring, encouraging and helpful.”
Niamh Tumelty, University of Cambridge
Nominated for being a constant source of invaluable support, helping the Digital Research community grow while shaping policy.
Rachel Öner, Öner Consultancy
Nominated for being an advocate for the NATECLA community and helping it excel by setting up online events, a working group, easing concerns, and providing unwavering support.
“Being nominated means so much. NATECLA is a unique organisation run by volunteers and supported by its members. Without this community, the organisation would simply not exist.”
Seima Mahmood, Bradford College
Nominated for constantly researching, testing, and inspiring other teachers. Seima created the Global Learning Project to enhance digital skills with participants from Bradford College, Wales, and Poland.
Susan Robbins, University of Sussex
Nominated for being an unsung hero by bringing people together to share best practice for the University of Sussex professional development events and termly symposia.
Valerie McCutcheon, University of Glasgow
Nominated for being a community pioneer and leading developments in open research by being quick to share community outputs and bring people together for (ARMA) Open Research Group Special Interest Group and the Open Research Scotland community - and many others.
“It is a genuine belief that working together we can reach solutions more efficiently.”
Supporting communities
The community champions programme is helping to highlight fantastic communities across education and research. Find out about the additional support we can provide to your community group.