A real leader from Penarth is making a difference in Wales

Ansley Workman from Penarth was named as one of Wales’ top leaders at a prestigious ceremony at Cardiff’s Hilton Hotel.

Ansley, chief executive of Penarth-based First Choice Housing Association, was recognised for her outstanding leadership in the Voluntary Not for Profit category for the Leading Wales Awards 2010.

The Leading Wales Awards recognise great leadership at all levels across the public, private and voluntary sectors in Wales, celebrating individuals whose excellent leadership skills have made a strong impact and resulted in positive change within their organisations. This year the awards have sought people, whose leadership has made a real difference in Wales.

Following the awards ceremony, Ansley said: “To be just nominated for this kind of award by your staff let alone win is a great honour. The team play an integral part in making First Choice successful at providing people with learning disabilities an option for living more independently. I think a happy workforce is the secret to a thriving organisation.”

Ansley has been recognised for her ability to transform and motivate the whole staff team at First Choice as well as her continuous commitment to improving access to independent living for people with learning disabilities. Ansley leads by example and is an inspirational role model to her team having worked her way up the ranks in the organisation to become chief executive.

Ceri Knight, policy, performance and communications officer said “Ansley’s leadership skills have transformed First Choice into a forward facing, proactive organisation with a highly motivated and committed staff team. She has worked tirelessly to improve access to independent living for people with learning disabilities and has gained support and respect within the sector across all levels. Her recent appointment as the south Wales vice chairperson of Learning Disability Wales is a testament to her commitment and leadership talent.”

Barbara Chidgey, spokesperson for the Leading Wales Awards, said: “Ansley is a tremendous example of the impact of great leadership skills on an organisation”

“We are delighted to be able to celebrate the wealth of talent that exists in Wales and the sixth year for the awards has seen them develop further. The calibre of entries never fails to impress the judges, who again had an extremely tough task in selecting the winners.

“Our aim is to champion good leadership and influence leadership skills development by identifying, recognising and celebrating individuals, who through their leadership contribute to the prosperity of Wales. This year’s nominees, finalists and award winners are tremendous individual examples of how leadership makes a real difference to our communities, businesses and to our lives.”


For more information, visit www.leadingwalesawards.com

Barbara Chidgey, Chair and spokesperson of the Awards, can be contacted on 07989 385114 or via barbarachidgey@learningpathways.info .

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Notes to editors

• The Leading Wales Awards seek to identify people whose leadership is making a real difference

• Whether they are a volunteer, core worker, manager or executive, the awards seek to recognise leaders, at any level, whose leadership is making a difference in Wales and resulting in positive outcomes for their project, business or community.

• The Leading Wales Awards is made up of a consortium of private and public sector organisations:

o Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
o Cardiff Business School
o CBI Wales
o Chartered Management Institute
o Common Purpose
o Harding Evans Solicitors
o Hilton
o Learning Pathways Cymru
o Wales Council for Voluntary Action

• Real Radio Wales is broadcast partner for 2010