Over 160 staff and their guests enjoyed an informal drinks reception and dinner at this year’s Staff Recognition Evening which took place on Monday 2 July in the Claverton Rooms. The evening provided an opportunity for the Vice-Chancellor to personally thank the University’s longer serving staff and retirees for their loyalty and achievements, as well as to present this year’s Staff Recognition Awards.
The event was hosted by Professor Dame Glynis Breakwell, President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sue Wonnacott, Department of Biology and Biochemistry and Chair of the Staff Recognition Awards Selection Committee, and Richard Brooks, Director of Human Resources.
Grateful thanks and congratulations to long-serving staff and retirees
After dinner, Richard Brooks, Director of Human Resources, and the Vice-Chancellor thanked those members of staff who have recently retired, or are shortly to retire, and those who have worked at the University for 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years, congratulating them all on their achievements and their loyal service.
The longest serving retiree present was Dr Martin Ansell who joined the University in December 1976 and retired at the end of 2017, after 41 years. Martin continues his research at the University and has been appointed Honorary Reader in Materials in the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering.
Don Perry was also present to collect an award to mark 35 years at the University as a Technician in the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology.
Presentation of this year’s Staff Recognition Awards
The evening provided a backdrop for the presentation of the annual Staff Recognition Awards to professional services/support staff. This year nominations were invited in three categories:
- The Staff Recognition Award for Enhancing the Student Experience
- The Staff Recognition Award for Excellent Customer Service
- The Staff Recognition Award for Supporting Colleagues
There was also an additional award for a nominee from any of the three categories considered to be truly outstanding: The Staff Recognition Award for Overall Excellence.
With over eighty excellent nominations, the Selection Committee’s task had been difficult, but two winners were selected in each of the three categories, and one for the Award for Overall Excellence. Professor Sue Wonnacott, who chaired the Staff Recognition Awards Selection Committee, introduced the winners who were congratulated by the Vice-Chancellor, who in turn introduced the winner of the Staff Recognition Award for Overall Excellence.