Employees celebrate at inaugural Stagecoach Excellence Awards

With a team of over 23,000 employees, Stagecoach, the UK’s largest bus and coach operator, has celebrated its colleagues' achievements with its own internal Excellence Awards, hosted at the London Transport Museum on Tuesday 20 February. 

Stagecoach employees nominated their colleagues via their intranet site called ‘Blink’ and celebrated ten categories ranging from ‘Customer Champion’ to ‘Unsung Hero’. 

Over 800 nominations were received recognising individuals from across the organisation and country, and after careful review from the operator's Executive team, the phenomenal list of nominations were whittled down to the awards finalists.  

The winners received their awards amongst peers on Tuesday night (February 20), with a total of eight Operating Companies celebrating a winner. Alongside this, two winners came from the Perth Service Centre, and one winner from Stagecoach Support Functions. 

Announced as a surprise at the end of the night, the “Pride of Stagecoach” category was awarded to East Scotland Supervisor Neil Graham, with Yorkshire driver Lisa Grayson being awarded the “Highly Commended” accolade in the same category.  

Based in Stagecoach West, driver Neil Bridges’ independent route inspections in his own time and providing solutions at work earned him the “Going the Extra Mile” award.  

In the “Green Champion” category, winner Alud Spiller was recognised for his enthusiasm and passion for sustainability while supporting the environmental efforts of Stagecoach. Based in South Wales, driver and Union Representative, Alud, identified a potential solution for fabric waste, repurposing garments from Stagecoach’s old uniform, sorting and un-branding the garments to give to the Salvation Army for reuse.  

As a recognised core member of the Yorkshire team, driver Dave Peach won the “Unsung Hero” award, those who nominated Dave stated that “working with him makes everything easier”. 

Samantha Cameron, Customer Engagement Assistant in Perth, went home with the award for ‘Brand Champion’. Visiting other Stagecoach depots while on holiday to learn about the business, build relationships, and improve processes, Sam “promotes Stagecoach everywhere she goes and every chance she gets” states her winning nomination.  

Stephen Porter, a London driver, suggested a pushchair seatbelt for buses to aide safety of young customers, an idea which was taken forward by Transport for London. This pioneering suggestion helped earn Stephen the “Safety Advocate” award. 

The award for ‘Customer Champion’ highlighted the charitable and enthusiastic work of Cumbria & North Lancashire driver, Alan Main. As a Fleet Elite Driver, a recognition earned as part of a prestigious global performance measurement programme, Alan applies his exceptional skills and positive attitude to every interaction. Alongside this, in his spare time, Alan writes books of his travel experiences and donates thousands of pounds earned from their sale to his community.  

Winner in the ‘Best Newcomer’ category, Ryan Crick, Stagecoach Fitter/Mechanic, cinched the award for bringing a positive attitude to his team based in Stagecoach East. Seamlessly integrating into the team, Ryan has been commended on the collaborative work environment he has fostered with his vibrant enthusiasm. 

Graeme Wright, Operations Manager at Perth Service Centre, won the “Inspirational Leader” award. Noted by those who nominated him as “an incredible leader, compassionate, engaging and motivational” who “goes the extra mile and always makes time for his team, whether that be to provide emotional support or development.” 

Alison McCluskie, Operations Director for Stagecoach West Scotland, was celebrated for 37 years of service and earned the “Lifetime Achievement” award. Leading by example, Alison plays a critical role in improving duties and rotas to support a better work life balance. 

The “Outstanding Innovation” award went to Group Product Lead Duncan Hield. As the lead on 'Going Digital' and 'Getting Connected' projects, Duncan’s commitment to providing Stagecoach customers with flexible and sustainable transport, has supported the investment in a range of updates and new capabilities, including 11 digital improvements, which have yielded fantastic results.

Claire Miles, Stagecoach Chief Executive Officer, said: “We were delighted to celebrate so many wonderful colleagues at our Excellence Awards last night. With over 800 nominations, the judging panel found picking winners extremely difficult.

"I really enjoyed meeting all of our finalists during the night and got to thank them for the incredible efforts they make to our business, going above and beyond to deliver exceptional services to our customers.

"It has been a delight to mark the successes of our colleagues and I look forward to celebrating many more of them in the months and years ahead.”