19 April 2010

Joanne won the title in recognition of the outstanding results she has achieved through putting her management training into practice. She received her trophy in front of an audience of 500 people from Ralph Bauer, ILM Chairman, and Jake Humphrey, the BBC Sports presenter. Joanne also picked up a second award, one of the coveted City and Guilds Lion Awards in recognition of her achievements.

Joanne had already won the prestigious ILM Learner of the Year for England regional title earlier in the year and was up against stiff opposition from other managers from a variety of professions and industries to take the overall title. Joanne had been nominated for the award by Fiona Stuart-Wilson of UMD Professional, with whom she had studied successfully for the ILM Level 7 Diploma in Executive Management last year.

Speaking after receiving her award, Joanne said ‘I am absolutely delighted to have won the title of ILM Learner of the Year 2010 and to have been awarded a City and Guilds Lion Award.  I hope that my success will encourage other practice managers to invest in formal management development, and reap the same sort of rewards for their teams and their practices that I have done.’

Fiona Stuart-Wilson of UMD Professional, said: “Joanne’s ability and determination  to put theory into practice have not only resulted in the recognition that this award brings,  but also act as an inspiration to other managesr.  Winning this title is testament to the fact that Joanne’s achievements are judged to be of a very high quality not just within dentistry, but right across the management spectrum.

‘Praising Joanne’s outstanding achievements, Penny de Valk, Chief Executive of ILM, said: Joanne’s success demonstrates the real value that investment in staff development can have on the fortunes of a company.

“The UK is facing a leadership and management skills gap, if we are to continue to compete on a global scale closing this gap is one of the most important challenges facing UK plc. 

“Investment in our managers is vital, Joanne’s ability to put her learning into practice exemplifies the types of managers the UK needs, and we are pleased to recognise her achievements with this award.”