Derwen College has won a prestigious regional award for pairing compassionate care with smart technology.

The Shropshire further education college for young adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) received the Digital, Data and Technology Award from Partners in Care – an organisation which represents adult social care providers across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Cheshire. Derwen College was also named runner-up for the Dignity in Care Organisation of the Year Award.

The awards were announced at Partners in Care’s annual general meeting at Shrewsbury Town Football Club on 22 September. Director of Care, People and Resources Natalie Bellis and Head of Care Von Bolton attended on behalf of Derwen College.

The award recognised acoustic monitoring systems introduced in student residences at the college’s Gobowen campus, near Oswestry. Working alongside Nourish, the college’s electronic care-record system, it alerts staff when a student may need support, reducing the need for potentially disruptive routine checks overnight.

Introduced in 2024 and tailored to each student, the system can identify sounds that may indicate distress, restlessness, seizure activity or a call for help. Staff can respond quickly when needed, while settled students benefit from better sleep and greater privacy.

The runner-up place for Dignity in Care Organisation of the Year recognised the college’s commitment to helping students feel safe, respected and heard. Students are supported to make choices about their care and develop the independence, friendships and confidence they need for adulthood.

Natalie Bellis, Director of Care, People and Resources at Derwen College, said: “We are incredibly proud to have won the Digital, Data and Technology Award and to have been named runner-up for Dignity in Care Organisation of the Year. Both achievements reflect our teams’ commitment to providing safe, responsive care centred on each student.

“At Derwen College, technology will never replace compassionate care; however, it does help us provide it in a more thoughtful way. Acoustic monitoring means staff can respond when a student needs support, while giving them greater privacy, better rest and more independence. Having this work recognised, alongside our wider commitment to dignity and student choice, means so much to everyone at Derwen College.”

To find out more about Derwen College’s award-winning provision or to book onto one of the College’s upcoming open events visit derwen.ac.uk.