New Year Honours for SERC’s Claire Henderson

South Eastern Regional College (SERC) is celebrating the recognition of employee Claire Henderson Head of Quality Excellence & Development, who has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours list. 

Claire, who attended Strabane Grammar School and who currently lives in Lisburn, was awarded the MBE for her services to further education, in a career that spans twenty-two years.

Claire said the news of the MBE came as a surprise: “It was completely unexpected; I was humbled to receive such an honour but very pleased. I found out about the award quite late as there was an issue with my letter. I had to keep the news to myself for a while but was finally able to share the news with my friends and family at the end of the year when the New Year Honours List was revealed, which was great, and they were all so happy for me”  

Reflecting on the work which has brought her to this point, Claire added,  

“My career in education started twenty-two years ago as a lecturer in sports studies, and since has taken me in various directions. I’m currently Head of Quality Excellence & Development, and for the last four and a half years I’ve been managing other units in the college, International, Careers, Work Placements and Competitions.

“I’m very proud of the work I’ve done and the projects I’ve been part of while working at SERC. It was great to help with the growth of our careers team, which has helped us provide much more support to our own students and the local community. Working with the International Team at SERC I’ve been able to help create opportunities for the college’s students and staff to gain international experience.  

“A big highlight for me is being part of the SERC Upskilling Uganda project, which I have led for the last five years. The project supported the building of a vocational training school in Northern Uganda, which aims to open in February. It’s a privilege to be able to have a positive impact on the education of our students and have a positive impact on communities.”

Claire concluded

“I am thankful to receive the award and I am really humbled. Coming at the end of such a challenging year in education, it was a really nice boost and it doesn’t just reflect my contribution, but also all the great work that our team at SERC does in inspiring people and preparing the next generation of professionals.”