Fay Winterburn, Head of Employability and Skills at Warwickshire Skills Hub, has been short-listed in the Outstanding Individual Contribution category of the prestigious 2026 Local Government Chronicle Awards.

The awards citation for Fay, who is based at the Warwickshire Skills Hub office at Eliot Park innovation Centre, Nuneaton, reads:

"Fay Winterburn exemplifies compassionate, resilient leadership at Warwickshire County Council during a period of major change in employability and skills. Amid shifting funding, policy reform, devolution and rapid team growth, she has successfully guided a growing service while keeping people at the centre of delivery. Fay has championed equity in employment, including inclusive apprenticeships and fair-chance hiring, supporting hundreds of disabled residents into sustained work. She has also transformed business engagement, unlocking levy funding, tailoring skills provision and securing over £15 million in external funding. Her innovation has strengthened Warwickshire’s workforce, services and outcomes for residents."

Fay said: "I am extremely flattered and humbled to be nominated for this award. I am very proud of all that I, with the immense support of so many people at Warwickshire County Council, have achieved. This short-listing is an accolade not just for me but for the achievements of all the amazing team that delivers employability and skills support with such skill, commitment and sheer hard work across our great county."

The full short-list for the Outstanding Individual Contribution category is:

The winner will be announced and the award presented at the ceremony at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London on June 10th 2026.