Aspiration Awards 2025: CACHE Outstanding Achievement - Sara Louise Gilpin

The CACHE Outstanding Achievement Award celebrates an individual who has made a significant and lasting impact in the field of care and education. This year’s winner, 45-year-old Sara Louise Gilpin, exemplifies excellence, compassion, and innovation in health and social care education. As a lead educator on the NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care Services (Northern Ireland) at Southern Regional College, Sara’s influence reaches far beyond the classroom. 

A lifelong passion for care and education 

Sara’s journey into healthcare began early. At just 10 years old, she was already volunteering in local organisations and church groups, driven by a deep-rooted desire to help others.  

She qualified as a Children’s Nurse in 2003 from Queen’s University Belfast and went on to build a diverse and impactful clinical career. Her experience spans infectious diseases, emergency medicine, and specialist care for children with cerebral palsy. She was also one of the first research nurses for Children and Young People in Northern Ireland. 

In 2010, Sara transitioned into education after earning her PGCE Nurse Tutor qualification, bringing her clinical expertise into the classroom. Since joining Southern Regional College in 2015, she has become a cornerstone of the Faculty of Health and Science, teaching and inspiring learners across a wide range of programmes. 

“I absolutely love adult education,” shares Sara. “Supporting learners who have maybe been away from education for a while or have focused on other things and are now prioritising their own careers and academic achievements is incredibly rewarding.”  

Transforming learning and leading innovation 

In 2017, Sara became the course director for the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership in Health and Social Care, where she transformed the course structure, developed engaging resources, and provided exceptional support to her students. Her dedication has not gone unnoticed – many learners credit their success to her unwavering guidance and encouragement. 

“My students report that the best thing about my classes is how much I value each of their previous experiences, share current and relevant examples from clinical practice, and teach using practical examples that they can instantly implement in their own practice," explains Sara. 

Sara then led the development of a new healthcare practice course in partnership with the Open University – a first for Northern Ireland. This innovative programme allows students to complete the equivalent of the first year of a nursing degree, opening doors for those who may not have previously considered a healthcare career.  

“Sara’s commitment to student support, pastoral care, and career planning is exemplary, constantly going over and above her job role for her students,” shares Anna Martin, Curriculum Area Manager at Southern Regional College. 

A role model of lifelong learning 

Sara’s dedication to her own development is just as inspiring. She has recently completed an MSc in Public Health and Health Promotion, a second PGCE, and is currently studying British Sign Language Level 4 – all while working full-time and raising four children. 

“Her commitment to inclusivity and accessibility is evident in every aspect of her work,” explains Anna. “Sara creates a welcoming and supportive learning environment, ensuring that every student feels seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.” 

Reflecting on the impact of her teaching, Sara shares a moment that captures the heart of her work: “The highlight of teaching these students is sharing with them the pride in their achievements when they graduate from their course after feeling at the start, that it was an impossible task that they would never accomplish.” 

Making a difference beyond the classroom 

Sara’s impact extends far beyond education. She is a School Governor, a Service User representative on the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme (Regional Quality Forum), and a volunteer for the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS). She is also a respected voice in healthcare policy, contributing to service improvement initiatives and public discourse through blogs, magazine columns, and media appearances. 

In 2024, Sara received an Award of Merit from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) for her pivotal role in introducing the RCN Nursing Cadet Scheme to Northern Ireland.  

Her voluntary efforts have enabled young people to gain valuable healthcare experience, and she is now planning the graduation of the second cohort while working to secure sustainable funding for future participants. 

Championing the future of healthcare 

Sara’s influence continues to grow, and she will soon attend Stormont as part of the Chief Nursing Officer for Northern Ireland’s initiative to widen participation in healthcare careers. Her advocacy for reducing inequalities, amplifying underrepresented voices, and promoting person-centred care is unwavering. 

“Sara’s tireless efforts to reduce inequalities and amplify the voices of the underrepresented make her a role model to students and colleagues alike,” says Anna Martin. “She is outstanding in every sense of the word.” 

Sara Louise Gilpin’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose. Her contributions to health and social care education are profound, and her legacy will continue to shape the future of the sector for years to come. 

Congratulations, Sara! To read more inspirational stories from this year’s award winners, visit our Aspiration Awards 2025 page. 

The CACHE Outstanding Achievement award is a special category for 2025 to mark 80 years since the launch of industry qualifications that have gone on to transform the sector and celebrates learners, educators and frontline workers in education, early years and social care who have gone above and beyond to help others, found new and innovative ways of working, or shown incredible dedication to their profession.   

Pictured: Our CACHE Outstanding Achievement winner, Sara Louise Gilpin, and Mark Adrian, Senior Customer Relationship Executive at NCFE