Meet the team members shortlisted in HPC Excellence Awards 2021

October 12, 2021

Two of our team members and our Health and Safety department have been shortlisted under the People and Behaviour and Project Delivery theme at this year’s HPC Excellence Awards.

Gina McGuckin, Finance Officer for Payroll, has been shortlisted in the Outstanding Individual Performance category, which recognises individuals for their exceptional performance, commitment and approach to the Hinkley Point C project. Karis Holleron, Front Office Manager, has been shortlisted for the Outstanding Leader Award, recognising a particular manager or supervisor working on the project who inspires and supports their staff.

The Health and Safety department has been recognised in the Environment and Sustainability Award category, which recognises organisations that have shown a commitment to reducing their impact on the environment through initiatives that minimise carbon emissions, support biodiversity and contribute to the culture of sustainability at Hinkley Point C.

We speak to all those shortlisted on their role at HOST and what it means to them to be shortlisted.

Karis Holleron, Front Office Manager, based on Hinkley Campus

What do you most enjoy about your role?

The variation of the role, there are no two days the same! I have a passion for customer service, and I enjoy interacting with our guests and ensuring that they feel welcomed and well looked after. I have a fantastic team around me which is a definite bonus too.
What’s one work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of?

I’m very proud of what I have accomplished during my time at HOST. Three years ago, when we first opened the doors to the Hinkley Campus, I was a receptionist and since then I have progressed to Assistant Front Office Manager and now Front Office Manager. I’ve been in this role since January 2020, and it has been an amazing opportunity - I have enjoyed every minute of my time with HOST so far.
What one of HOST’s core values and behaviours drives you the most?

I would say that my biggest driver is ambition. I really enjoy being challenged and having the opportunity to solve problems and push myself. I strive to achieve the best results possible whether that be achieving full occupancy, maximising our revenue, guest satisfaction or leading my team to achieve their own goals.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

My favourite thing to do is play netball, I compete in the regional league. I am quite a competitive person, so it definitely allows me to channel that into a game. I love being part of the team not just for the game but for the social-side and the people around me.
What does it mean to be shortlisted in the HPC Excellence Awards?

I’m proud of my role at HOST so to be shortlisted for the Outstanding Leader Award that recognises my role and impact I have on the team around me is very exciting.

Gina McGuckin, Finance Officer for Payroll, based on Hinkley Campus and Sedgemoor Campus

What do you most enjoy about your role?

I really love the routine and the fact that I get to work on both Hinkley and Sedgemoor Campus.
What’s one work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of?

I’m really proud of getting the new payroll system in place. I worked really hard to ensure a seamless transition to the new system which is a lot more cost efficient and helps simplify the process.
What one of HOST’s core values and behaviours drives you the most?

Outstanding service, as everyone at HOST delivers to the best of their ability at all times. It’s the little things that matter, like holding doors open for people. I would say that my biggest driver is ambition. I really enjoy being challenged and having the opportunity to solve problems and push myself. I strive to achieve the best results possible whether that be achieving full occupancy, maximising our revenue, guest satisfaction or leading my team to achieve their own goals.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

I enjoy walking and spending time with my family. I also enjoy watching my son play football but don’t tell anyone, as I also like moaning about it!
What does it mean to be shortlisted in the HPC Excellence Awards?

To be recognised for my individual performance means a lot to me, I'm very committed to the role I play in the successful running of the campuses and would like to thank the team around me who have helped me on my journey.

Oliver Brewer, Health and Safety Coordinator & Tom Lind, Health and Safety Manager, based on Hinkley Campus and Sedgemoor Campus

Oliver Brewer, Health & Safety Coordinator

What do you most enjoy about your role?

Tackling new challenges and developing my health and safety knowledge on a daily basis. Also, engaging with team members to make safety the priority on the campuses.
What’s one work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of?

Achieving the company’s first ever score of three in the ESPI performance matrix.
What one of HOST’s core values and behaviours drives you the most?

Ambition, as I always strive to be ambitious in any task, I have set by going above and beyond what is expected.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

I am a huge sports fan and follow most sports you can think of. I enjoy going to watch both the professional sports games, but also the local teams to show support.
What does it mean to be shortlisted in the HPC Excellence Awards?

It’s great to be recognised for the project leading work HOST have done in creating its environment and sustainability innovations and initiatives. For me personally, it’s an amazing feeling knowing the hard work I have put into improving the campuses, has been seen and recognised.

Tom Lind, Health and Safety Manager

What do you most enjoy about your role?

The ability to engage with team members and make a real difference to their lives and the wider project.
What’s one work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of?

How the team have responded to the pandemic.
What one of HOST’s core values and behaviours drives you the most?

I am driven by Collaboration. The voices of many can be heard the loudest.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

I enjoy reading and watching films, going to the gym and running.
What does it mean to be shortlisted in the HPC Excellence Awards?

It is a phenomenal achievement for me personally and for HOST. It is a fantastic opportunity for the business and its sub-contractors, that contribute to reducing our environmental impact, to be recognised for their efforts. We are the catalyst to their work, and my colleague Oli deserves special recognition for his tireless environmental work.

Shortlisted nominees will now be considered by the judging panel, who will select the finalists. All finalists will then be invited to the GALA Awards Ceremony taking place on November 25th, 2021.

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