A WOMAN from Peebles is celebrating after receiving “global recognition” by winning an award.

Joyce Matthews, who runs her own global facilitation business, won the award for her work developing school leaders with North Ayrshire Council.

The “prestigious” competition is organised annually by the International Association of Facilitators (IAF) to “recognise the power of facilitation worldwide”.

“To be able to challenge the status quo and change the way leadership development has always been done, is empowering for everyone involved,” said Mrs Matthews.

“I’m honoured to receive global recognition for the work I do.”

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The Facilitation Impact Awards honour organisations and the people in them that have used facilitation to achieve a measurable and positive impact.

Despite a global pandemic, the processes Mrs Matthews put in place with North Ayrshire’s leadership development workstream meant that the organisation saved thousands of pounds while building a self-sustaining leadership model which reduces the need for external consultants and presenters.

A high percentage of teachers who trained as facilitators have now been promoted, demonstrating the improvement of skills and competence of the leaders who have participated in the programme.

Andrew McClelland, head of education service, said: “Our work on leadership development and professional learning is sector-leading due to the focus on continual improvement for our own people, by our own people.

“We have made significant progress in the last 24 months and are proud to share this work widely.”

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All winners, selected by a global panel of facilitation experts, demonstrated the range of projects the skills of a professional facilitator can be used for.

Sixteen organisations spanning Belgium, Canada, China, India, Iran, Ireland, the Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United States were recognised for using facilitation to make change and progress happen for their organisations.

Mrs Matthews and the team at North Ayrshire were the only UK recipients of an award.

“The remarkably diverse range of projects receiving awards demonstrates our belief that good group process facilitation can be used in any context to help people change the world around them and have an impact,” said Vinay Kumar, chair of the IAF.

“The facilitators who have gained recognition for their expertise have combined innovative planning with expert delivery in widely-varied fields to help their clients meet complex challenges and achieve organisational objectives.”