Internal News

Latest long service awards

We’re celebrating the latest group of recipients of the council’s long service awards.

Long service award letters and thank you certificates have been sent to colleagues for reaching the fantastic milestones of 25 years and 40 years continuous service with Torfaen Council.

Our long service award scheme recognises this dedicated service and recipients receive a gift card of £250 which can be redeemed at hundreds of UK retailers.

The recipients are listed below with the lovely messages of appreciation from their colleagues:

Dominique Redman, Team Leader Democratic and Member Services

• Congratulations on reaching 25 years’ service. You’re the model employee Dom, dedicated, conscientious but most of all great fun and just the right amount of bonkers. Here’s to another 25!!! - Tom Roberts
• Congratulations on 25 years! That’s a lot of council meetings, and minutes written! You’ve been an invaluable support to members, a dedicated and loyal teammate but more importantly an irreplaceable friend! - Rebecca Fahey-Jones
• Dom is not only a helpful, supportive and well-respected colleague but has become a great friend and I look forward to working with her for many more years to come. - Rachel Beale

Susan Kempton, Senior Support Officer Administrator at Crownbridge School

• Congratulations on reaching this important milestone! We are proud to have you as part of our team.  Your commitment to collaboration and willingness to put Crownbridge goals first is truly admirable. Bethan Moore
• Congratulations Sue on you on long service, your knowledge, work ethic, support and integrity are exceptional.  She is a valuable member of our team and someone I can call a friend. Karina Davis

Sarah Rees, Business Management Officer Business Management - SRS

• Sarah is a much-loved member of the team. She brightens every day providing laughs, music and cake! Well done Sarah and thanks for being absolutely lush! - Nicola Harris
• Long service award eh Sarah! Not many of us left from our Civic days - great times! but we always said we were here for the long run! Congrats Hun! X - Jon Price
• Congratulations well deserved. Sarah is one of the kindest people I have met it’s a pleasure to call you not only a colleague but a valuable friend. - Karen Gingell

Hilary Roberts, ALNCo Officer Blaenavon Heritage VC Primary School

• Hilary is hugely respected with a wealth of knowledge and experience. We describe Hilary as "sunshine and rainbows". She is always positive, looks for the good in every situation and will try anything and everything to give children the best opportunities. Anna Britten and Alison Coombs

Richard Johnson, Social Worker TYPSS/16+ Team

• Richard is an empathetic, creative and compassionate social worker. He is excellent at engaging with complex young people, all with a dash of Johnson humour. Congratulations Richard! - Kate Phillips
• Richard is a kind and caring social worker who is always young person focused and willing to support to the best of his ability. Richard’s approachable manner means that he is able to engage young people and is committed to helping them achieve their goals. Congratulations Richard! - Elizabeth Jones
• Congratulations on lasting 25 years Rich! I think I have known you for almost 20 of those…thanks for making me feel old! - Jacalyn Richards

Sally Prosser, Catering Assistant Ysgol Gymraeg Gwynllyw

• Sally is a hardworking and loyal member of the kitchen team. She is a very popular, reliable, and supportive employee who we can all depend on. - Catherine Davies
• Sally, your humour, confidence and positivity make you a well-liked part of our team. Known as “Our Google” because of your vast knowledge. Well done on 25 years’ service. - Sonia Clarke
• The most witty, generous and laid-back person I know. There is never a dull moment when you are around. Congratulations on your 25 years’ service. - Sarah Rouf

Julie Lapping, Cook Llanyrafon Primary School

• Julie is a hardworking loyal member of staff. Her kitchen is extremely organised and runs like a well-oiled machine, and her staff are trained to an excellent standard. - Catherine Davies
• Julie is passionate, kind, caring, and strives to provide high quality food for our children. They absolutely adore her, and this is testament to Julies dedication to her role. - Bethan Keane
• Julie is an amazing cook who is always there for advice and assistance. The children adore her. She is committed and goes above and beyond for her staff and children. - Jade Woolven

Helene Docherty, Early Years Family Support Project Worker Early Years Family Support

• Congratulations on this award Helene! It’s great to work with you and to see how passionate you are about the work you do and the support you give to families. - Gillian Grenfell
• Congratulations Helene on this achievement! It was a pleasure to start with you back in 2000, 25 years! Many thanks for your continued commitment to families and children across Torfaen. - Charlotte Dickens
• Congratulations Helene. It has been a pleasure to work with you over the past 25 years. - Lena Evans

Sandra Shepherd, Midday Supervisor Griffithstown Primary School

• Sandra, more commonly known as Elaine, is committed to the pupils of Griffithstown Primary. Much loved by the pupils and staff and an asset to the school. Congratulations on your 25 year long term service award. - Nick Blackburn
• Elaine is a valued member of the team here at Griffithstown. The children adore her. Congratulations on your award Elaine. - Cerian Pugh

Elizabeth Collins, Employee Service Manager Employee Services

• Congratulations Liz, you are one of the most conscientious people I have ever worked with. You drive forward change and take everyone on a journey delivering to the highest standard. - Tina Hulme
• 25 years – wow! Are you old enough!! I couldn’t wish for a more supportive Manager. I’ve met someone as passionate as myself about what we do, and I feel that’s why we work so well together! Congratulations Liz. - Claire L Thomas
• Congratulations Liz it has been an absolute pleasure working alongside you over the years, from the Celebration of Achievement Awards to what you have done with IFOR, Fisher Price eat your heart out! - Angela Rogers

Deborah Baker Higher, Level Teaching Assistant Maendy Junior and Infants School

• Deb has been an invaluable member of our school for 25 years, making a lasting impact through dedication, kindness, and unwavering commitment to pupils, staff, and the wider community, thank you. - Emma Payne
• Deb, thank you for being such a positive influence in our community. Your nurturing and kind nature have touched the lives of so many children and families. - Ceri Corfield
• Deb, It has been a pleasure working alongside you for 25 years! Your commitment and hard work, both with children and their families, have made a real difference. - Claire Everson

Andrea Cook,  Assistant Team Manager Disabled Children’s Team

• Andrea’s commitment, determination and expertise in securing funding contributions from our partners in health, has been invaluable to Torfaen CBC and the children and families we support. - Claire Worlock
• A pillar of strength and wisdom, she’s passionately dedicated to achieving the best for others – resilient, determined, and always there when you need her most! - Tori Preece
• Andrea is a strong advocate for others, she knowledgeable, passionate and can always be relied upon to support her colleagues and those with whom she works. She has a caring, compassionate approach and a “can do” attitude that she also engenders in others. - Jo Newman

Karensa Arnold, Teacher Penygarn Community Primary School

• Karensa is a knowledgeable, enthusiastic and well-respected teacher and colleague. Karensa’s dedication to her students makes her an asset to our school. Congratulations and thank you for your support. - Lindsay Smith
• Karensa is happy, kind, welcoming and caring to all her students – and to the very many staff she has supported over the years. A big congratulations and hug to you! - Clare Williams
• Karensa is a friendly and bubbly member of the Penygarn family. She is committed to doing the very best for everyone around her- Well done Karensa on your 25 years’ service. - Tara Wills

Mandy Beale, Cook Blaenavon Heritage BV Primary School

• Your dedication and hard work have made a lasting impact. We greatly appreciate your commitment and excellent standards that you achieve in your kitchen. Thank you for being an invaluable employee. - Catherine Davies
• Well, my Cadburys cook has made it to 25 years. You are a credit to our team and a joy to work with. There are too many words to express how I feel about you. - Jo Brown
• Simply the best. I know we put your patience to the test. But you always put your staff and children first, to which we all say THANKYOU. - Cheryl Lewis

Bethan Scowcroft,  Senior Auditor Audit

• Thank you for your commitment and support in delivering a professional internal audit service and also thank you for 25 years of friendship, support and a lot of laughter! - Caroline Moses-Jones
• Where has the last 25 years gone? Seems like only yesterday Bethan started with us! A good, reliable member of the TEAM, looking forward to another 25 years. - Peter Williams

Rita Barber, Accountant Service Accounting

• It’s a pleasure working with Rita. She’s dedicated, helpful, reliable, committed - a huge asset in our little team and as a friend. I don’t know what I would do without her. - Jo Lewis
• I’ve known Rita virtually since she started with Torfaen – in that time she’s demonstrated what an asset she is to the Council with her hard-working ethic, dedication and being someone who is always willing to help and support others. - Dave Weaver
• Rita, congratulations on your 25 years of service. It is always a pleasure working alongside you and thank you from the Management Team for your valued contribution to the services provided by Financial Services. - Wendy Edwards

Pamela Watts, Council Tax Reduction Fraud Investigation Officer Benefits Team

• Pam is an excellent officer and such a friendly and outgoing member of the team, many congratulations on this milestone, well done! - Tianna Thomas
• Pam is a pleasure to work alongside, friendly, fun and hardworking. It wouldn’t be the same without her! Congratulations on celebrating your 25 years! - Karen Jones
• Energetic and positive, always approachable and willing to lend a hand, Pam is an asset to the team and a pleasure to work alongside. Well done, Pam! - Carol Howells

Richard Commons, Technical Architect Network - SRS

• Richy’s contribution to the team and the service has been second to none. He is strong in character, sharp in mind and a black belt in networks – Thank you. - Joe Harris
• Congratulations Richard on reaching this exceptional milestone. Your knowledge and professionalism have made a profound contribution to the colleagues and citizens you support. Thank you for your dedication over these years. - Mike Doverman
• Congratulations Richy on reaching the wonderful milestone of 25 years’ service. Your dedication and positive attitude have significantly contributed to our achievements, and you are a valued member of the SRS Networks Team. - Paul Higgs.

Belinda James, Senior Midday Supervisor Nant Celyn Primary School

• Belinda’s kindness, care, and dedication shone daily, making her a true ambassador of our school community. The children and staff of Nant Celyn were very lucky to have her supporting them. - Dean Davies
• A dedicated, trusted presence who has guided generations with care, wisdom and kindness – leaving behind a lasting legacy as she steps into a well-earned retirement. - Samantha Evans
• Belinda has been such a valued part of Nant Celyn for 15 wonderful years, bringing warmth, care and a steady presence to every lunchtime. We wish her all the joy she deserves in her well-earned retirement. - Keri Smith

Jessica Gabriel, Planning and Commissioning Manager Education

• Llongyfarchiadau! You are a fantastic colleague – forward-looking and collaborative. Alongside this you are learning Welsh and have been instrumental in driving improvements in Education. Professional curiosity at its finest! - Andrew Powles
• Congratulations Jess on reaching the 25-year landmark, and thanks for all your support and professionalism over the years. The next 25 should be a veritable doddle! - John Tushingham
• It is a pleasure to work with you. You are an invaluable member of the team bringing expertise, professionalism and a great sense of humour. Congrats on 25 years! - Andy Rothwell

Emma Davies, School Support Officer Level 3 Llanyrafon Primary School

• Emma is a dedicated and loyal employee of Torfaen who is always willing to go the extra mile. Emma has fully embraced life in school and the challenges that it brings. - Eve Rowlands
• Welcome to the Club Em, an amazing colleague who turned into a friend! Your support over the years has been invaluable. Keep up the hard work! - Amanda Evans
• I have worked closely with Emma over the past 20 years and found her to be an exceptional officer. Emma is someone who quietly just gets things done. Congratulations! - Teresa Gibbons

Charlotte Dickens, Early Years Manager Early Years

• I feel really lucky to work with you, what you have achieved for the youngest children in Torfaen is amazing. Thank you for all that you do. - Andy Rothwell
• Well now, hasn’t if flown! 25 years of loyal and dedicated service. Thanks for everything you’ve done and for all your support over the years. - John Tushingham
• Congratulations on 25 years of service! Your commitment to children and families within Torfaen is hugely valued. Thank you for your proactive leadership and ongoing hard work. Onwards and upwards! - Andrew Powles

Sarah Pontin, TUPE’d Principle Integration Officer SRS

• Massive congratulations Sarah on 25 years! Your dedication is inspiring, and I know the whole team is grateful for your kindness and support. It’s a pleasure working alongside you every day. - Steve Hopes
• Congratulations Sarah on reaching this exceptional milestone. Your knowledge and professionalism have made a profound contribution to the colleagues and citizens you support. Thank you for your unwavering dedication. - Mike Doverman
• Congratulations Sarah. You are a knowledgeable, professional, kind and supportive manager who always does the best for the team. Thank you for all of your support over the years. - Bob Bickel

Sally Williams, TUPE’d Communication Lead SRS

• Having only worked with Sally for a short while, I’ve found her to be knowledgeable, highly skilled and very enthusiastic. It’s an absolute pleasure to work with you Sal - long may it continue! - Paula Jones
• Sally has truly been an asset to the SRS over the past few years. Despite facing her own challenges, she always makes time for everyone. Thank you for your valuable input - we genuinely love, enjoy, and look forward to working alongside you. - Donna Newham and Nicola Cheshire
• Sally’s contributions span far beyond her job title. From onboarding new starters with warmth and professionalism, to leading initiatives like customer service training and internal communications. Congratulations on 25 years’ service. - Kath Beavan-Seymour

Mike Amos, TUPE’d Partnership Manager SRS

• 25 years and more of dedication to local Government working across Blaenau Gwent, Gwent CC, Newport and SRS. What a fabulous career and a great colleague to work with. - Sarah Stephens
• Congratulations Mike on reaching this exceptional milestone. Your knowledge and professionalism have made a profound contribution to the colleagues and citizens you support. Thank you for your dedication over these years. - Mike Doverman
• Mike has made a positive contribution to NCC whilst previously working for the Council and now working with colleagues at the Council in his Partnership Manager role at SRS. - Mark Bleazard

Allwyn Taylor, TUPE’d Technical Architect (Networks)) SRS

• Allwyn has been critical to the success of our operation for years. He is methodical, detailed and very persistent – working with change and PSBA he’s probably had to be! - Joe Harris
• Allwyn was there when I began in local government, helped shape my early IT journey, and gave me the support that built the foundation of my career. I’ll always be grateful - Steve Hopes
• Nice one Allwyn! Long service means you’ve officially earned the right to complain about everything and still be respected. Fair play for sticking it out! - Andrew Crimp

Hayley Jones, TUPE’d Partnership Manager SRS

• 25 years and more of dedication to local Government and commitment to Monmouthshire and SRS. Thank you, Hayley, for your passion and collaborative spirit. Here’s to another 25! - Sarah Stephens
• I’ve had far more than 25 years of support from wonder woman Hayley Jones, one of the funniest and most competent colleagues I’ve had the pleasure to work with. - Sian Hayward
• Congratulations Hayley! An incredible 25 years! Hayley works tirelessly developing the excellent working relationships with the SRS, partners and played a key role in countless initiatives shaping our organisation’s success. - Kathryn Beavan-Seymour

Dean Evans, Transportation

• Congratulations Dean, your hard work and service to residents of Torfaen have made a real difference. It’s been a pleasure to work with you. - Damien Weeks
• Dean’s sharp skills and no-nonsense approach make him a go-to in the ITU. Add in his warmth and quick wit, and he’s been a joy to work with over the years. - Ellen Morgan
• Congratulations Dean, really pleased that your dedication towards helping communities within Torfaen, is being recognised. Working with you is a pleasure and nothing is ever too much trouble. - Michelle Mitchell

Matthew Hewkins, TUPE’d Senior Technical Analyst (Networks) SRS

• Mark is a hardworking, selfless team player with vast knowledge. He listens, supports others, and consistently goes above and beyond - an inspiring example of dedication and excellence over the years. - Andrew Cruwys
• A colleague with a loveable personality and a great friend. Our time in service together just full of laughter and memories. Love our chats about work, football and chips. - Richard Commons
• A gent who always seems to have it all covered. Hardworking, dependable, I have every confidence in him. A true asset, with a fantastic sense of humour. - Joe Harris

Andrea Pullin, Early Years Support Officer Flying Start

• Congratulations to Andrea on her impressive long service. It has been a pleasure to know and work with Andrea, dedicating her career to the Early Years and is hugely valued. - Hayley Morgan
• Congratulations Andrea, my wonderful colleague and friend. This award is so richly deserved for your dedication and commitment to early years education. - Dawn Evans
• Over the past 40 years Andrea has worked tirelessly to support the early years sector and has positively impacted the lives of many. A fabulous member of the team. Congratulations! - Michalla Metcalfe