Bryony Pawinska
Areas of Interest
Business, Health CareHonorary Award
Honorary Doctor of Science, 2010Biography
Bryony Pawinska is the incredibly talented Chief Executive of the highly prestigious College of Optometrists.
The College of Optometrists is the Professional, Scientific and Examining Body for Optometry in the UK, working for the public benefit. Bryony joined the College following a role in education, involving work with two strong business and education partnerships. She was the Director of an occupational standards setting body, setting many high occupational standards throughout the nation, and was the Chief Executive for the Institute of Career Guidance, the most powerful organisation representing career guidance professionals in the United Kingdom. She was a member of the Black Country Learning and Skills Council and a Trustee of the Guidance Council.
Bryony Pawinska began a very steep learning curve by joining the College of Optometrists, having never previously worked in the health sector. Through sheer drive and the determination to succeed, she is now considered one of the most successful business women in the nation; and was recently shortlisted for the Business Woman of the Year award in a highly prestigious award scheme: The Dods and Scottish Widows Women in Public Life Awards. The awards promote the role of women in business and recognise and celebrate the achievements made by them.
It is clear to see that Bryony Pawinska is a leading light within the healthcare education sector. She is a born leader who has revolutionised the leadership of the College transforming it into a modern, forward looking and professional membership organisation which is highly sought after by many of Anglia Ruskin University's own optometry graduates.
Citation
"Vice Chancellor, it is my pleasure to read the citation for Bryony Pawinska for the award of Honorary Doctor of Science.
Bryony Pawinska is the incredibly talented Chief Executive of the highly prestigious College of Optometrists.
The College of Optometrists is the Professional, Scientific and Examining Body for Optometry in the UK, working for the public benefit. Supporting its Members in all aspects of professional development, the College provides Pre-Registration training and assessment, continuous professional development opportunities, and advice and guidance on professional conduct and standards.
Bryony joined the College following a role in education, involving work with two strong business and education partnerships. She was the Director of an occupational standards setting body, setting many high occupational standards throughout the nation, and was the Chief Executive for the Institute of Career Guidance, the most powerful organisation representing career guidance professionals in the United Kingdom. She was a member of the Black Country Learning and Skills Council and a Trustee of the Guidance Council.
Bryony Pawinska began a very steep learning curve by joining the College of Optometrists, having never previously worked in the health sector. Through sheer drive and the determination to succeed, she is now considered one of the most successful business women in the nation; and was recently shortlisted for the Business Woman of the Year award in a highly prestigious award scheme: The Dods and Scottish Widows Women in Public Life Awards. The awards promote the role of women in business and recognise and celebrate the achievements made by them.
A role model to women, and optical students, all over the country, Bryony Pawinska shows that she has a real talent for business in everything that she does by always giving tasks her all and by not being afraid to take other people's ideas into account in her consensual approach to decision making. This enviable trait has made her one of the most popular and highly regarded personalities at the College. Bryony is also admired for her attitude to work and to life, in general, being seen as a friendly, cooperative person, who is always open minded and approachable.
Her presence at the College of Optometrists has made several differences to the way in which it is run and has allowed it to redefine the way in which the optometry graduates become strong, successful, fully confident optometrists - making a huge impact on students present and future alike. In the past two years Bryony has secured for the College in open competition the secretariat functions for both the World Council of Optometry, and the new European Academy of Optometry and Optics, of which she is Company Secretary.
Bryony Pawinska is exceptionally talented at her job, and approaches all of the challenges she faces with enthusiasm and a straight forward, determined mind set which ensures that all she does is of the highest possible quality. She takes great delight and a huge amount of pride in working for the College, and is always looking for new and exciting ways to move the College forward.
It is clear to see that Bryony Pawinska is a leading light within the healthcare education sector. She is a born leader who has revolutionised the leadership of the College transforming it into a modern, forward looking and professional membership organisation which is highly sought after by many of Anglia Ruskin University's own optometry graduates.
Vice Chancellor, it is my pleasure to present Bryony for the award of Doctor of Science, honoris causa."