Gemma’s efforts to keep M&S moving recognised in awards

A STAFF member at M&S is one of a dozen people nominated for a national award.

Gemma Normansell, facilities manager at M&S Castle Donington, has been shortlisted for the Frontline Hero – Distribution Centre Colleague in the 2021 Retail Week Awards.

The nomination is recognition for the integral role she played at the start of the pandemic to ensure social distancing guidelines and additional hygiene measures were in place to protect the 3,000 staff at the site.

Gemma, right, said: “It’s amazing to have been shortlisted for this award and I feel very proud of the work we were able to deliver to support our colleagues, and customers, at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“During what was such a difficult time for so many across the country, it was great to be able to play our part and continue to support our customers and our local communities.”

From introducing Covid marshalls to ensure adherence to regulations through to to working with the catering team to deliver a “grab and go” service for staff, Gemma’s work ensured an undisrupted distribution service to customers across the country.

Robert Davies, head of M&S Castle Donington, said: “Thanks to Gemma’s tireless efforts with our teams across the Castle Donington site we were able to remain open and despatch a record-breaking 2.3 million parcels in one week.

“She has helped our team to continue to support the national effort and provide customers with the products they need direct to their homes.”

The safety and wellbeing of all colleagues has been the highest priority throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and the Castle Donington site adapted quickly with robust hygiene and social distancing measures in place from the outset – from door closing devices to increased cleaning schedules and perspex screens between workstations.

One of 12 nominees, Gemma will find out if she has won on June 3.