Purpose of the committee
The Committee is a committee of Senate and exercises delegated authority from Senate in relation to the oversight, assurance and approval of University awards and prizes.
Key Responsibilities
- To oversee all University-wide awards and prizes, in terms of their number and nature, note the winners, and report to Senate on an annual basis regarding the awards/prizes framework and winners.
- To ensure that awards and prizes are administered fairly, transparently, consistently and in compliance with University policy, legal requirements, and donor conditions, and to escalate any material risks or issues to Senate.
- To approve new University-level awards and prizes, and any significant changes to existing awards and prizes or their discontinuation, where appropriate.
- To oversee and promote the development of guidance, systems, templates and training for those administering awards and prizes, to ensure consistent best practice and develop a community of practice among prize administrators.
- To advise on approaches to promoting awards and prizes, with a view to encouraging broad and equitable participation to ensure consistent best practice.
Reporting Relationships
The Awards and Prizes Committee reports to Senate on an annual basis, in October, and may submit additional reports or recommendations to Senate where material issues, risks or decisions arise.
The Honorary Awards Committee will provide information on award winners within its remit for inclusion in the University’s consolidated annual awards and prizes report, without prejudice to its own reporting route to Senate and Council.
Procedural Rules
In the absence of any specific rules, the procedure is as set out in the Standing Orders of Senate.
Meeting frequency
The Committee meets at least twice a year.
Quorum
The quorum for meetings shall be one third of the membership.
Membership
Appointed Members
- Sophia Hatzisavvidou (Chair), Member of Senate, appointed by Senate via Senate Appointments Committee
- Deputy Chair, a member of the Committee, appointed by Committee members in the absence of the Chair
- Four members of academic staff representing each of the faculties and School – nominated by Deans and appointed by Senate via Senate Appointments Committee
- John Chew, Faculty of Engineering and Design
- Sarah Moore, Faculty of Humanities
- Stephen Pavelin, School of Management
- VACANCY, Faculty of Science
- One member of the Students’ Union (SU) – the SU Activities Officer or Sports Officer, nominated by the SU President
- Emily McManus, SU Sports Officer
Ex-Officio Members
- Lydia Lee, Director of Advancement
- Sheyeni Paul, Director of Doctoral College Operations
In attendance
- Laura Andrews, Governance Partner
- Relevant Professional Services staff and representatives of award and prize panels may be invited to attend as required
Other members may be co-opted or invited to attend for specific meetings at the discretion of the Committee.
All members serve terms of three years at a time. Members can serve two consecutive terms (a total of six years), but in exceptional circumstances may serve a maximum of three consecutive terms (a total of nine years). All terms are subject to renewal.
Meeting dates and paper deadlines
A full schedule of meeting dates for all committees can be accessed here
The following timescales normally apply:
- Paper submission deadline: Two weeks before the scheduled meeting date
- Circulation of agenda and papers: One week before the scheduled meeting date
Items for future meetings should be discussed with the Governance Partner as early as possible.
Version Information
These Terms of Reference are reviewed by the Committee annually or more frequently as needed.
- Owner: Awards and Prizes Committee
- Approver: Senate
- Date of last approval: 3 June 2026