Designed to recognise colleagues whose dedication makes a lasting difference to learners and the wider college community, the Support Staff of the Year award celebrates those who go above and beyond in their roles every single day. This year’s winner is Gulshan Bi, a Careers Adviser at Bradford College whose impact is felt by hundreds of students through her compassion, expertise and unwavering commitment to supporting their next steps.
Offering exceptional support
At the heart of Gulshan’s work is a genuine belief in every student’s potential. She provides life‑changing careers guidance to learners across the college, many of whom face significant barriers or lack confidence in their abilities. By taking time to truly understand each learner’s circumstances, aspirations and concerns, Gulshan ensures every conversation is thoughtful, tailored and empowering.
Students studying NCFE Travel and Tourism, Uniformed and Public Services, Sport and many other programmes consistently leave her sessions feeling reassured, motivated and clearer about their next steps.
Her work supporting UCAS applications is particularly outstanding. During the peak period between November and January alone, Gulshan delivered 430 careers interactions, including 406 one‑to‑one UCAS sessions focused on personal statements and application guidance.
As Nick Scaife, Head of Student Services at Bradford College, notes: “Achieving this while working part‑time is remarkable, and reflects not only Gulshan’s efficiency, but her deep commitment to helping students progress with confidence.”
Inclusive, person‑centred guidance
Gulshan’s inclusive practice is where her impact is most powerful. She works extensively with students who have additional learning needs, EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans), or who come from areas of significant deprivation. Many are first‑generation university applicants navigating progression decisions with uncertainty or anxiety.
With patience, compassion and encouragement, Gulshan creates a safe and respectful space where students feel heard and supported – sometimes for the first time in their educational journey. Her bespoke interventions help learners make informed, achievable choices that align with their aspirations, often opening doors that previously felt closed.
Beyond individual guidance sessions, Gulshan organises university visits, UCAS events and careers fairs that break down barriers to higher education and help students reimagine what is possible. Many leave these events with renewed ambition and a stronger sense of self‑belief, viewing university and other progression routes as realistic and attainable options.
Nick Scaife adds: “Her calm, compassionate approach enables students to feel confident in their next steps, and her professionalism ensures the guidance she provides is always accurate and empowering.”
Going above and beyond
After more than 15 years at Bradford College, Gulshan has built strong, trusted relationships with universities and outreach teams across the country. These partnerships enable her to secure high‑quality, personalised opportunities that genuinely benefit learners.
As Nick Scaife explains: “She’s proactive in identifying progression routes beyond traditional pathways, including apprenticeships, employment, and further training opportunities. Gulshan’s up-to-date knowledge of labour market trends and higher education developments ensures her advice is current, relevant, and aligned with evolving industry needs.”
This expertise allows Gulshan to translate complex information into clear, practical next steps, helping students plan realistically while remaining ambitious.
Gulshan’s impact also extends well beyond her student‑facing work. As a colleague, she is approachable, dependable and generous with her time. She contributes positively to team discussions, shares best practice and plays an active role in strengthening the college’s careers service.
Most recently, she was selected to mentor two trainee careers advisers, recognising her expertise and commitment to developing others.
Continuously improving practice
In a rapidly evolving CEIAG (Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance) landscape, Gulshan is committed to keeping her knowledge accurate and current. She actively engages with UCAS updates, professional networks and sector‑specific events, ensuring her guidance reflects changing entry requirements and emerging opportunities.
Her proactive work building direct relationships with universities has been particularly important during the expansion of T Levels, helping safeguard progression routes for learners and prevent misinformation.
A truly deserving winner
Gulshan’s dedication is quiet but powerful, and she embodies Bradford College’s values of trustworthiness, inclusivity and excellence. Her influence is felt long after students leave her office, and through her work, she restores confidence, builds aspiration, and changes students’ trajectories.
Speaking on her win, Gushan said: "After nearly two decades at Bradford College, I am honoured to be recognised as NCFE Support Staff of the Year. As a Careers Adviser, I have had the privilege of supporting students as they make important decisions about their futures and helping to transform lives through education, guidance and opportunity.
"Seeing students grow in confidence and achieve their goals has always been the most rewarding part of my role. I am grateful for this recognition and proud to be part of a college community that is committed to helping students to succeed."
Gulshan Bi is a truly deserving Support Staff of the Year winner, and an invaluable member of the Bradford College community.
Congratulations Gulshan! To read more inspirational stories from this year’s award winners, visit our Aspiration Awards 2026 page.
