Our team reviewed DEC Activity Logs and Annual Review Forms completed by DEC Centres and Adopters in 2024/25 to create a shortlist in four different categories.

We are proud to announce our winners and those shortlisted below:

New DEC Teacher – Winner

Alastair has impressed the COYO team with his ability to drive the implementation of DEC across his school and the initiative he has shown in adapting the DECprogramme to meet the needs of the school curriculum.

Alastair has demonstrated excellent communication skills when working with his industry partner, his colleagues, and the COYO team. He has been central to the growth of DEC across Help International School in the last 12 months teachers like Alastair make the job of the COYO team a real pleasure.

Shortlisted in this category:

DEC Teacher – Winner

Simon’s commitment to the DEC programme across two DEC centres in Jersey has been one of the leading reasons for the huge success of DEC on the island.

Si has led the establishment and delivery of DECLevel 2 and Level 3 over several years, whilst always working closely with the COYO team and his industry adopters. Si epitomises everything that COYO aspire for when developing and supporting our network of teachers.

Si is fiercely passionate about the built environment and the opportunity that DEC can offer his learners. Si is someone that demands the best for his learners and is someone that is valued highly by everyone at COYO.

Shortlisted in this category:

DEC Partnership – Winner

Mott MacDonald and Sir George Monoux College exemplify what a true collaboration between a DEC centre and an industry adopter is.

The two partners have a clear and constant line of communication, which has resulted in regular and impactful activities that enhance the learning and teaching of the DEC programme. This has resulted in SGMC being the shining light across all London and South East England DECcentres, and Mott MacDonald becoming COYO’s biggest advocate of the ‘Adopt a School’ programme in the UK.

Shortlisted in this category:

DEC Champion – Winner

Dionne exemplifies a DEC Champion.

As the driving force behind Turner and Townsend’s support for our Centre of Excellence in the MENA region, Uptown International School, she has stood beside us at every stage, from coordinating  engagement at the school to securing volunteers from the wider industry to support our primary school events at the Expo City earlier this year.

Her practical leadership on Sustainability and the Carbon Cost Manager has been invaluable. Dionne has a rare ability to bring people together, who want the very best for their young people. Her judgement, clarity and steady leadership have strengthened the DEC programme and made international collaboration possible.

Shortlisted in this category:

Well done to all the individuals and organisations who were shortlisted, and a special thank you to everyone involved in the DEC programme from everyone at the COYO team.