Being named in The Sunday Times Top 10 Best Places to Work is a significant achievement for any organisation, but for James Staniforth and the team at Shrewsbury College, the recognition is really about celebrating the people behind the success.

The accolade follows an Outstanding Ofsted judgement and marks another milestone in the college's journey since the merger of Shrewsbury's colleges a decade ago. Rather than seeking recognition for itself, the college entered the awards to shine a spotlight on the dedication and commitment of its staff.

"We'd won a couple of awards around staff wellbeing, and the staff were saying they really like working here," said James. "They're brilliant, they go the extra mile and they're so committed to the students. We were thinking, is there some way in which we can get recognition for what they do?"

The answer came in the form of the Best Places to Work awards, where more than 450 employees took part in an independent survey. The college achieved an outstanding engagement score, comfortably exceeding the benchmark required for inclusion. One of the highest scoring responses came from staff agreeing with the statement: 'I do something that makes a difference'.

For James, that result reflects the culture the college has worked hard to build.

"Our core value has been student-centred," he explained. "It's about purpose. If you want to be really wealthy, you're not going to go and work in further education. There has to be a reward beyond that."

The sense of purpose that comes with transforming lives through education is what motivates many of the college's employees.

"Seeing the difference we make to young people's lives through education is incredibly humbling," said James.

Following the merger, creating a single culture became a major priority. James admits there were multiple cultures across the different campuses, but a conscious focus on values, behaviours and communication has helped create a shared identity and vision.

"You build culture over a period of time," he said. "It's lots of micro interactions. It's the way people behave every day, the way leaders behave and the way values are reinforced."

That culture extends from recruitment through to development, with the college placing as much emphasis on values and attitude as technical skills.

"When people come for interview, we interview people as much on values and attitudes as we do around their technical skills," James explained.

The positive culture is also helping attract talented staff. The college recently recruited for around 20 teaching positions and saw an exceptionally strong field of applicants.

"I think it is that ripple impact of people knowing somebody who's worked here or somebody who's come for an interview and thought, 'I'd really like to work there'," said James. "There is a positive culture. People are really friendly."

The benefits are felt by students too. In recent years, student numbers have grown significantly, allowing the college to continue investing in facilities, resources and support services while maintaining a strong focus on the student experience.

"Our staff are great because they will always think about what's in the best interests of students," said James. "Having staff that are supported in the ways that we try to do does mean students get a better experience."

Looking ahead, the college's new strategic plan places staff development alongside student success as one of its core priorities. Continuing to recruit, retain and develop talented people will remain central to its future ambitions.

Reflecting on the college's success, James recalls a comment made by Ofsted inspectors following their visit.

"The overriding impression that we all have from being here is that other colleges talk about being student-centred and your college lives it every day," they told him. "Nothing could have made me prouder of what we do."

For James, the award is recognition of something far more important than rankings or accolades. With an Outstanding Ofsted rating, national recognition as one of the UK's best places to work, and a culture that continues to attract talented staff and inspire students, Shrewsbury College is helping to shape the future of education in Shropshire while changing lives every day.