Senior Lecture at University of Wales Institute Cardiff

Finalist: Public Sector Organisations

UWIC is a relatively new university which focuses on vocational higher education courses. Wendy works in the Cardiff School of Art and design within UWIC.

Wendy is a senior lecturer in graphic communication and design for interactive media at UWIC. She is an inspirational colleague and teacher who constantly reflects on and uses all aspects of her life to assist her understanding of how people learn and communicate the joy of education.

Her holistic approach is particularly evident in her latest work ‘Reactive Colours’, which she founded and now directs, is a world leading computer-based learning environment for autistic children. Her work has received major funding and awards and has been published and presented internationally.

Wendy leads by example and demonstrates an absolute dedication to, and engagement with, the task at hand. For example the ‘Reactive Colours’ project started life as a project to help Wendy’s young son with his reading. Once its potential was realized as an aid for autistic children, Wendy dedicated herself to its success by extending her knowledge and skills, immersing herself in the autistic community, and engaging with a variety of stakeholders.

Her passion and leadership have ensured collaboration from an extraordinary variety of participants including experts from special needs education, information communication technology, psychology and online communities. However it is the relationship she has formed with autistic children, through their teachers and families which has had the most significant impact.

Every aspect of Wendy’s life demonstrates her commitment and vision. Her teaching and research are based on a generous sharing of knowledge, and a democratic approach to leadership.