Our annual Department Contribution Awards are an opportunity to recognise the ideas, hard work and collaboration that strengthens our community and helps make our department a great place to work and study.
All staff are eligible to be nominated, and all staff are invited to make nominations.
The awards celebrate the many ways colleagues contribute to our shared aims with care, imagination and commitment, with categories for research, teaching and student experience, sustainability, and inspiring contribution.
Details of each category and judging process are set out below.
Nominations for 2025 are open until Friday 28 November. Submit your nomination using the online form.
1. Department Award for Research / Research Support
This category recognises excellent contributions to research and scholarship across all roles — through research achievements, innovative technical or administrative systems, or exceptional support that enables research to flourish.
- £250 individual winner | £100 runner-up
- £100 per person Team winners | £50 per person Team runners-up
2. Department Award for Teaching / Student Support
This award celebrates excellence and innovation in teaching and student support, recognising individuals whose work makes a significant contribution to teaching and learning and the wider student experience.
- £250 individual winner | £100 runner-up
- £100 per person Team winners | £50 per person Team runners-up
3. Department Award for Sustainability
This award recognises individuals or teams who demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability — through initiatives that reduce emissions, improve efficiency, or embed sustainable practices in their work. Whether leading a project or consistently championing environmental responsibility, nominees should show clear and lasting impact.
- £250 individual winner | £100 runner-up
- £100 per person Team winners | £50 per person Team runners-up
4. Inspiring Contribution Award 2025
This award honours individuals who have made an inspiring contribution to department life or the wider community. This may include leadership in equality, diversity and inclusion, positive cultural impact, community engagement, or exceptional teamwork. Nominees should embody the spirit of inspiration — encouraging others to think differently, do better, or contribute more positively. The award may also recognise those who have made a lasting difference through steady, behind-the-scenes dedication over many years.
- £250 per winner (up to two winners)
Best Practice Guidelines
In terms of best practice, we will implement the following procedures to ensure that the nomination and award process remains fair, balanced, and transparent:
- The composition of the judging panel is important. It will include representatives from different staff groups, job levels, and families to promote a balanced discussion.
- Panel members will be briefed on confidentiality and must not share any details of nominations outside the judging process.
- If a panel member is nominated, they will withdraw from the room while their nomination is reviewed and discussed, ensuring impartiality.
- When announcing the awards, the nomination citation will be read to highlight the reasons for each recipient’s recognition.
Additional notes
- The judging panel may move nominees between categories if this better reflects their contribution or balances the number of entries. This may result in additional prizes being awarded.
- These awards are entirely separate from the annual pay review process.
- Nominations can be submitted anonymously if preferred.
- A member of staff may submit multiple nominations.
- Each nomination should include sufficient detail to allow fair consideration.
- Winners will be announced at the end of year party
