UWTSD’s Llinos Jones shortlisted for the annual Womenspire Awards

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is delighted that Llinos Jones, Engagement Officer at Canolfan S4C Yr Egin has been shortlisted in the Learner category at this year’s Womenspire Awards.

Llinos Jones.

Organised by Chwarae Teg, Wales’ leading gender equality charity, the Womenspire Awards celebrate the achievements of women from all backgrounds and stages in life or work across Wales. 

Nominee, Llinos Jones, joined the team at Yr Egin – UWTSD’s digital and Creative Centre located on the University’s Carmarthen campis - earlier this year and is responsible for its engagement project, working with different communities across Carmarthenshire. The project is supported financially through the LEADER fund – a fund administered by Carmarthenshire County Council on behalf of Grŵp Cefn Gwlad.  This post is part-funded through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Union.

Llinos’ nomination comes after she successfully participated in Chwarae Teg’s Career Development Programme to help develop her confidence.  It was during her time of the programme that Llinos was successful in securing a new full time role at Yr Egin.

“I would like to say a big thank you to Chwarae Teg for giving me the opportunity to develop both professionally and personally,” says Llinos.  “Taking part in the Career Development programme has given me the confidence to learn and develop with a smile on my face - even when facing life's challenges.

“Being nominated for this award is a great honour - I didn't expect to be nominated at al - let alone be shortlisted,” adds Llinos.  “I’m just a normal woman, who took the opportunity to learn in the company of amazing women who inspired me throughout my development.  It’s been a very exciting journey, and I would strongly recommend women to take part in this programme, whatever your age and background.  It really has been one of the best things I've ever done - having the opportunity to learn, and getting to know myself again.  I would particularly like to thank Helen Davies and Cheryl Royall from Chwarae Teg for their teaching, their wise words and their strong leadership.  I’d also like to thank all of the women who were on the same programme as me for their support, and the whole team at Chwarae Teg for all the work they do to ensure that women get treated equally.  After all, every women deserves ‘chwarae teg’ or fair play.”

Womenspire recognises women for every aspect of life, from personal achievements to outstanding contribution.

The Awards help to showcases the remarkable accomplishments of women across Wales and aim to inspire future generations and sees women awarded across a range of categories including that of Learner, which is sponsored by Academi Wales.

Due to Covid-19, the Womenspire Awards, which are now in their fifth year, will take place online for the first time. On Tuesday 29 September 2020, from 7.00pm they will stream over ITV’s Face Book Live and Twitter. Registration is free and now open at https://bit.ly/RegisterWomenspire20.

Cerys Furlong from Chwarae Teg, said: “Womenspire is an awards ceremony like no other. It truly celebrates and showcases the talents, passions and accomplishments of Welsh women. All too often the achievements of women go unnoticed. We at Chwarae Teg want to change that.

“Llinos is a real role model and truly deserving of her place as a finalist. She was a real star within our own career development programme, through which she gained the confidence and skills to progress at work. By the time it came to the graduation celebration evening she was even happy to stand up and speak to fellow participants, inspiring all the women in the room.

“I know her commitment to learning will continue too as she already has plans for more qualifications and is looking to step into a Board Member role.”

As part of her role at Yr Egin, Llinos engages with communities, institutions and organisations across Carmarthenshire encouraging people of all ages to take part in creative and digital activities, inspiring them to get involved with the centre.

Canolfan S4C Yr Egin.

Carys Ifan, Director of Yr Egin is delighted that Llinos has been nominated for a Womanspire award and is pleased that her talent has been recognised.

“I would like to congratulate Llinos on her nomination for this award,” says Carys.  “Since joining the team at Yr Egin, Llinos' creativity and friendliness have captivated us all.  Llinos has an amazing talent for supporting and encouraging others to develop, whatever their age or life experience, so it’s great to see that through the Chwarae Teg scheme, she’s also had the opportunity to develop her skills.

“It was no surprise to me that Llinos was shortlisted - she has so much to contribute and we look forward to seeing the Yr Egin engagement project go from strength to strength under her direction. Everyone at Yr Egin is very proud of her and wishes her well for the ceremony in September.”

For further information about Yr Egin or to discuss the centre’s engagement opportunities, please contact Llinos directly by emailing llinos.jones@uwtsd.ac.uk

Further Information

For further information, please contact Sian-Elin Davies, Principal Communications and PR Officer on 01267 676908 / 07449 998476 sian-elin.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk