A UNIVERSITY of Chester lecturer’s commitment to a charity for young people has been recognised with a coveted award.

Lisa Conway, senior lecturer in business and management, has been chosen to receive a Young Enterprise Gold Award.

Young Enterprise is a national charity which helps young people to learn the vital skills needed to earn and look after their money, to develop an enterprising mindset, succeed in the changing world of work and make a valuable contribution to their communities and wider society.

Each year, the charity’s leaders seek to recognise the contribution of its volunteers, presenting Gold Awards to those who have supported the organisation significantly.

The lecturer is currently the chair of the Young Enterprise Local Volunteer Board for Cheshire and Warrington, and is due to retire from the position at the end of the academic year, after five years in the role.

As chair, she has steered the team of volunteers, from the public and private sector, to support the work of Young Enterprise, whether through engagement of new schools and colleges to participate in Young Enterprise programmes, or by bringing in new partners and stakeholders to volunteer and fund the vital enterprise, employability and financial education.

She said: “I am extremely honoured to receive this award. I’ve really enjoyed being part of the Cheshire and Warrington team, working alongside highly committed and skilled colleagues, and it’s been wonderful to see so many young people excel with the charity’s support.

“I’d also like to congratulate the very deserving Hems de Winter who is a fellow member of the Cheshire and Warrington board, and has also received an award for his inspiring work with schools, colleges and universities taking part in Young Enterprise activities.”

Anthony Brown, Young Enterprise North West regional manager, said: “We’re really grateful to Lisa - she’s been a wonderful asset to Young Enterprise. To create the greatest impact and improve local young people’s life chances, it requires a host of partners to jointly bring their expertise and passion together; Lisa’s drive and passion has helped raise further awareness of our organisation and connected us further, enabling us to support more young people across Cheshire and Warrington.”

For further information about Young Enterprise, please visit: www.young-enterprise.org.uk.