United Colleges Group is delighted that Nadia El Atrash, Interim Head of HR, has been shortlisted for a prestigious Investors in People Award, for Outstanding Leadership in HR, Wellbeing & HSE.
Investors in People unite a diverse community of organisations, committed to putting people first, improving workplaces, driving success for employees, customers, and businesses alike. Their annual awards recognise outstanding individuals and organisations at the heart of this important work.
Commenting on being shortlisted for this award, Nadia said: “Being shortlisted for this award is both an honour and a humbling experience. It reflects not only my own efforts, but also the support of an amazing HR team and the strong management structure I’m fortunate to be part of and continuously learn from. I feel both excited for what lies ahead and inspired to keep pushing forward for an organisation, and its people, that I’m incredibly proud to be a part of.”
Since Nadia joined United Colleges Group in 2021, she has transformed the HR strategy to truly bring staff to the forefront. Her people-first approach – ensuring diversity is celebrated, wellbeing is prioritised, and skills are nurtured – has had a profound impact across UCG’s multiple London campuses. Particularly powerful is the ‘Grow Your Own’ campaign that sees aspiring staff given an interim opportunity with a development programme to grow into new roles over a 12-month period. Nadia has also led UCG’s many inclusive celebrations at the college and has organised numerous staff wellbeing days. This year, Nadia is set to roll-out the college’s Inclusive Talent Strategy to further embed diversity into every stage of the employee lifecycle, fostering a culture where everyone can succeed.
Stephen Davis, CEO & Group Principal at United Colleges Group said: “It is fantastic national recognition for Nadia and her team for the work that they do which can at times go unnoticed. They are more than just an HR team and Nadia is more than just an outstanding HR leader. Together they represent the very best of United Colleges Group and the values we believe in. Nadia, as a leader, is a whole-college galvanising voice. Our Corporation and our Senior team see this every day as she approaches her work with staff and students with exceptional care and support.”
United Colleges Group was in 2024 officially recognised with the Investors in People Standard Mark, in a testament to UCG’s unwavering commitment to employee development and organisational excellence.
Nadia is a finalist alongside Mary Meyer at Yorwaste Ltd, Natasa Iacovides at Hermes Airports Ltd and Rejamna P. Jubelag at South Cotabato Integrated Port Services, Inc.
The Investors in People Awards will take place in London on 12th November.
“My experience at College of Northwest London, has been exciting, it has been thrilling and it has been full of opportunities, and we have the tutors that help us whenever we’re in need. We go on educational trips to get a feel for what university life is like. We have the careers advisors that help us on our path, our university path.”
“At City of Westminster College, my experience has been the best of all the other colleges I’ve attended. The reason I like CWC is because the teachers make my journey easier with assessment and exams. I’m a Level Two Science student and I enjoy my lessons because most of them are practical, which are helpful for me. I love studying at CWC because you meet people from other countries – all over the world and from all different communities.”
“The facilities here are brilliant. You have range of courses you can study. My teachers in the Performing Arts department have got history in the industry, which is very useful. You get to ask them for advice and actual knowledge from the industry, and take that into your own work within the college also afterwards. ”
“My favourite thing about studying here has definitely got to be the teachers. They’re really helpful, kind and in the industry, so it’s good.”
“The technical knowledge and hands-on experience gained during my apprenticeship at College of North West London have been invaluable, particularly in understanding site processes, health and safety requirements and the understanding of electrical systems.”
“My experience studying at City of Westminster College has been amazing. It’s been so welcoming; I enjoy it very much because of the staff members we have here. They’re very approachable and I could come to them with any question, and it will be answered straight away. And if I come early for a class, I can use the Learning Resources Centre, I can use the computers, the books, just to continue all my studies outside the classroom time.”
“The training process was seamless. I had good instructors who were very flexible, supporting people of all learning levels. On the last day after our exams, a security company came and did a presentation. We had the opportunity to have an interview afterwards. I told them about my experiences, and they said I would be a good fit. I formally applied for a role and started with the company soon after. Getting into security has opened doors for me. I hope I will continue to take steps up the career ladder.”
“Coming to study at the City of Westminster College was the best decision that I had ever made. The teachers are very accommodating – they help you learn things in a way that might be easier for you to learn. They are very supportive and I think that’s one of the best things about learning here.”
“I was so grateful to have won Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards 2026, I could not have done it without the support my company Size Group and the College of North West London.”
