Lifetime Achievement Award: Maureen Williams

British Parking Awards 2024

Maureen Williams is the enforcement manager at London Borough of Camden. Her long and varied journey in parking started at the ground level in November 1991, patrolling the streets of Camden as a parking control officer. Over the following decades she has developed, and transformed into one of the most experienced and capable enforcement managers in London.

Williams has been a key contributor to the evolution and effective delivery of the parking service in Camden. She has developed a strong and highly capable team, and is held in high regard by both her colleagues at NSL and the client team at Camden Council. Williams has led her team through changes such as transitions from being an in-house to an outsourced service, changes to working environment, in procedures and through the uncertainty and anxiety of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

She currently manages NSL’s Regis Road base, which is the largest in Camden with over 70 colleagues under her wing.

As an NSL base manager she has undertaken development courses offered by Marston Holdings, including Managing People Positively and Leading Teams, which has helped Williams to enhance and hone her skills, whilst enhancing her knowledge of the technical and process-related elements of her role, such as performance and absence management, along with IT and Health and Safety elements that were essential to her remit.

Over time Williams has adapted her leadership style to a more strategic approach, encompassing not only her own team but also with developing her relationship with the client. Having previously worked as a member of the Camden Council parking team, she was able to proactively harness her knowledge and understanding of the client’s operation, using this to identify opportunities to further her own development and that of her team, focussing this for the benefit of both her employer and her clients.

In addition to developing her own skillset, Williams has taken a keen interest in developing her own team, taking time to identify talent, and proactively providing opportunities for her subordinates to broaden their experience and capability. She prides herself in offering additional or extended duties to enthusiastic colleagues, providing them with a platform to not only learn new skills, but to highlight their capabilities, which might not otherwise be demonstrated.

Testimonials

Andrea Jones, strategic operations director, Marston Holdings: “I first started working with Maureen in 2011 when I became the parking operations manager for the London Borough of Camden. There are a lot of adjectives to describe her; however her knowledge of the borough and dedication to both her client and her team stand her out from the crowd. When I think of Maureen I always see her smiling no matter what the situation, a characteristic we all strive towards but rarely achieve.”

Sileshi Woyessa, asset officer at Camden Council: “Maureen is one of the greatest assets in the UK parking sector. She is a seasoned professional who has lived through and adapted herself to the ever-changing technological and legislative landscapes of the parking industry, embracing, managing, implementing, and radiating change throughout her long career. Maureen’s long service, unwavering dedication and distinguished leadership in parking enforcement makes her a true inspiration for young professionals, principally for young women of all backgrounds, who would shape the future of our industry.

“I have known Maureen for nine years since I was employed by NSL as a civil enforcement officer at Camden in 2015. She had been my manager during my time in NSL, I was promoted to Supervisor under Maureen’s leadership and worked with her until joined Camden Council in May 2023 as asset officer in Parking Operations. As a Camden officer, I have continued to have a trusting and supportive working relationship with Maureen and her team.

“Maureen has an extensive knowledge of the legislation governing parking enforcement, the operational guidance for local authorities, and parking enforcement practices. Her in-depth understanding of the parking industry has enabled her to advise, guide and support her subordinates with passion and near perfect precision. Her people-oriented approach has always made her supportive and her advice and guidance have been duly educative.

“Maureen has led a large, diverse workforce, she has shown a remarkable ability of managing people and of changing personal needs and behaviours when required. She has always been very supportive and thoughtful of her staff without compromising operational needs and business requirements.

“I have witnessed that her focussed approach, decision making, and visionary leadership skills have resulted in operational resilience and business continuity during the pandemic and other disruptive situations. Maureen has the ability to inculcate her insights in the minds of her subordinates about the contractual obligations of NSL and the interests of the council in equal measures.

“It seems to me that, her combined service of over 30 years, with both the council and NSL, has helped her to understand the significance of achieving Key Performance Indicators at all times and also working in the interests of the council. Such a hybrid approach is of great importance for any manager and Maureen has those attributes in abundance. She makes the most of those qualities in her diligent attempt to achieve common objectives of Camden and NSL."

Martin Dadswell, Marston Holdings client account manager, Camden: “With Maureen, I never feel concerned about the day-to-day operation of the contract, as she has developed and leads a dedicated team, who deliver the daily tasks instinctively and I always have confidence that the service is being delivered to a high standard at all times. She takes responsibility for herself and her team, taking pride in being self-sufficient and having the confidence to take decisions and manage almost every situation, without feeling the need to have to run everything by me first. This enables me to focus on the wider demands of my role, without having to become embroiled in overseeing the daily routines on a regular basis.

Israel Ifedayo, enforcement supervisor at NSL Camden, said: “Maureen has consistently demonstrated and exemplifies punctuality and organisation, ensuring our base runs smoothly and remains on track. Her ability to get client requests completed on schedule has been one of the reasons for NSL having a long-term relationship with Camden Council. Maureen’s dedication to her role is unwavering, taking her job very seriously and setting high standards that inspire the entire teams. Maureen’s exceptional work ethic and leadership create a professional and motivated work environment. It has been a privilege to work with such a capable and inspiring manager.”

Francis Manu, enforcement supervisor at NSL Camden, said: “I have known and worked with Maureen Williams for the past seven years and during this time, I can testify that working under my manager’s guidance has been a transformative experience. Her unwavering support, mentorship, and dedication have empowered me to grow both personally and professionally, making her an invaluable asset to our team. My manager has fostered a relationship built on trust, open communication, and mutual respect. Her approachability and genuine interest in my well-being have created a supportive and collaborative work environment that I truly appreciate.”

Olusegun Bankole, enforcement supervisor at NSL Camden, said: “I have known Maureen for almost 15 years. I was appointed a supervisor from Westminster to Camden contract, where I reported to her as my Base Manager. It did not take me long to know the type of person she is. She is organised, very hard working, she was never late to work or absent. She is a courageous, fearless, open-minded and above all kind-hearted. She is ready to support staff with reasonable demands and make amendments and compromises when and where necessary. To her credit, she seeks opinions when needed and carries the supervisors along with her in decision making. One unique thing about her though, is that when she does not have much on her plate, she will start cleaning up the base, even the lockers rooms and I will be teasing her that, when will she ever be tired and that she is always happy and excited working. She just cannot stop working. She has worked in almost the departments in parking in Camden. She has vast knowledge of all aspects of the job and great tenacity in doing them. She is also a great cook. She will from time to time cook and bring food that she shares with us. I call her mother of the contract.”

Anthony Byrue, enforcement supervisor at NSL Camden, said “I have known and worked with Maureen Williams for more than 15 years and during this time, it has been an inspiring experience. Her leadership style is both supportive and motivating, always encouraging growth and creativity within the Camden contract. Her guidance has been invaluable in my professional development, leading to my promotion to supervisor last year, and I truly appreciate her dedication to fostering a positive work environment. She is a very approachable individual who is always willing to help others at any time.”

Winner’s words

Maureen Williams: “I’ve been in parking for 33 years and it gives me pleasure to be recognised at this level. It recognises my competence and that I manage a good team of people. A big thank you to everyone who recognised my contribution to parking by nominating me.”

Jury comment

Maureen Williams is a highly regarded, efficient, dependable and trusted member of the parking community in Camden. She shows no sign of slowing down and continues to uphold the principles and values that have shaped and defined her career to date.

The British Parking Awards

Created and presented by Parking Review magazine, the British Parking Awards are an independent competition. The awards recognise the leading examples of car park management, enforcement, design and team work.

The British Parking Awards 2024 ceremony took place at the Royal Lancaster London on 13 September.

Read and download the 2025 WINNERS EDITION of PARKING REVIEW by clicking HERE

To find out more about the competition and next year’s event check out the official website.
www.britishparkingawards.uk