Staff Recognition Awards 2025

On Tuesday 1 July 2025, we came together as a university community to celebrate the incredible achievements, dedication, and spirit of our colleagues at the Staff Recognition Awards 2025. This annual event is a chance to shine a spotlight on those who go above and beyond, whether through exceptional leadership, support, or decades of service.

We are proud to share this year’s winners and highly commended colleagues across all categories, as well as honour those marking significant career milestones through our Long Service Awards.

Manager/Leader of the Year

Winner: Laura Clapp, Deputy Director of PPSC, Planning, Portfolio and Delivery

A leader who stepped up during a period of significant organisational pressure, Laura took on departmental leadership in the absence of her director. She maintained momentum across major projects and planning milestones, while continuing to deliver in her own demanding role. Laura introduced a new governance structure, supported key transitions, and led the launch of a major planning cycle with strategic clarity. Known for her approachability and diplomacy, she consistently uplifts her team and leads with integrity.

Highly Commended

• Jacqueline Stockley, Programme Manager (DClinPsy)

Supporting Research

Winners: Caron Staley, Research Manager & Emily Taylor, Research Manager

Caron Staley has transformed research culture across the Faculty of H&SS through initiatives like the Research Culture Review and the Research Enablers network. Her leadership has fostered collaboration and clarity across the research community.

Emily Taylor has been instrumental in securing and managing major research grants in Psychology. Her strategic insight and stakeholder engagement have made her an indispensable part of the research ecosystem.

Highly Commended

• Caz Johncock, Department Coordinator

Supporting Colleagues

Winner: Martin Downes, Information Services Manager

Martin played a pivotal role in enabling a new CRM system for student communications, improving engagement with over 20,000 students. His technical expertise and cross-departmental support have had a lasting impact on communications and institutional projects.

Highly Commended

• Steph Calley, Head of Data Governance

Team Winner: The Media Team

• Tony Roddam, Vicky Just, Ali Jones, Will McManus, Becky Tanswell, Vittoria D'Alessio

From supporting documentary bids to volunteering photography services and mentoring colleagues, this team exemplifies creativity, generosity, and collaboration.

Community and Inclusion

Winner: Jessica Hayball, Training Officer

Jessica led a transformative training programme on pastoral support for staff, improving both student experience and staff wellbeing. Her work has gained national recognition and helped shift the University’s culture toward greater compassion and confidence.

Team Winner: Security Accommodation Team

• Alan Olpin, Mark Tunwell, Hari Sabic, Robert Clark, Matt Pinnell, Lesley Hegarty, Jim Suter, Steve Hurst, Justine Padfield, Gareth Eyles, Martin Smith

This dedicated team provides 24/7 support in high-pressure situations, offering safeguarding, crisis response, and pastoral care with professionalism and humanity.

Enhancing the Student Experience

Winner: Liz Simmons, Student Success & Inclusion Manager

Liz has led sector-leading scholarship programmes and launched new initiatives to support under-represented students. Her work reflects a deep commitment to widening participation and student success.

Highly Commended

• Jacob Bullus, Dignity & Respect Investigator

Team Winner: Faculty of H&SS Student Engagement Team

• Annika Theilgaard, Katie Gilham-Terrell, Amy Childe

Their student-led initiatives have transformed the student experience, from wellbeing projects to employability schemes and global engagement.

Innovative Use of Digital Tools

Winner: Faculty of Science Placements Team

• Louise Oliver, Jonny Hodgson, Kathryn Hood, Gina Pollock, Tim Prichard, Sally Bessell, Mark Lewis, Katherine Bright, Dawn Hallett

This team revolutionised student placements through digital innovation - using dashboards, automated workflows, and podcasts to enhance support and outcomes.

Overall Team Award

Winner: Disability Advice and Support Team

• Steven Lawrence, Susan Fielding, Sam Hall, James Lock, Rebecca Collis, James Rayner, Rebecca Gough, Jethro Bennett, Emma Nash, Caroline Maggs

This exceptional team has gone above and beyond to support students and colleagues with empathy, responsiveness, and unwavering commitment. Their work often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is deeply felt across the University.

Long Service Awards 2025

We are also proud to honour colleagues who have dedicated many years of service to the University. Their loyalty, expertise, and contributions have shaped our institution and community.

40 Years

• Fran Burstall, Dept of Mathematical Sciences
• James Davenport, Dept of Computer Science
• Mark Mitchell, Campus Infrastructure
• Nigel Rees, Campus Services
• Stephen Pennock, Dept of Electronic & Electrical Eng

35 Years

• Donna Matthews, Marketing
• Jos Darling, Dept of Mechanical Engineering
• Julie Samways, Campus Infrastructure
• Martin Maclaren, Digital, Data & Technology Group
• Semali Perera, Dept of Chemical Engineering
• Stephen Nicholson, Campus Infrastructure

30 Years

• Fiona Pettengale, Research and Innovation Services
• Hannah South, Library
• Laura Hiscox, Science Faculty Office
• Scott Thomas, Dept of Politics, Languages & International Studies
• Suzanne Barkley, Engineering & Design Tech Services

25 Years

• Alison Walker, Dept of Physics
• Carolina Salter, Dept of Chemical Engineering
• Charareh Pourzand, Science Faculty Office
• Chris Bowen, Engineering & Design Faculty Office
• Daniel Wolverson, Dept of Physics
• Emma Brewer, Academic Registry
• Geraldine Humpage, Students' Union
• Jane Evans, Finance & Procurement
• Justin Wilson, Finance & Procurement
• Karen Hunter, Campus Infrastructure
• Kathryn Hood, Science Faculty Office
• Kay Elliott, School of Management
• Micci Woosey-Griffin, Finance & Procurement
• Michael Whittlesey, Dept of Chemistry
• Paul Frith, Engineering & Design Tech Services
• Paul Whitley, Dept of Life Sciences
• Philip Salmon, Dept of Physics
• Polly Hawker, Students' Union
• Raymond Waite, Campus Services
• Robert Watson, Dept of Electronic & Electrical Eng
• Roger Ngwompo, Dept of Mechanical Engineering
• Wendy Brooke, Campus Services
• William Wadsworth, Dept of Physics -Yvonne Groves, School of Management

20 Years

• Alexander Clarke, Dept of Natural Sciences
• Amanda Mackenzie, Dept of Life Sciences
• Amy Young, Students' Union
• Andrew Veale, Campus Services
• Angela Webley, School of Management
• Anna Harding, Academic Registry
• Becky Gallagher, School of Management
• Charlotte Backholer, School of Management
• Claire Bannister, Student Recruitment & Admissions
• Claire Pitt, Research and Innovation Services
• Danae Stanton Fraser, Dept of Psychology
• Elies Dekoninck, Dept of Mechanical Engineering
• Elizabeth Morris, Science Faculty Office
• Felicity Nurdin, Library
• Helen Buick, Academic Registry
• Jemma Plummer, Sports Development & Recreation
• John Lowe, Core Research Facilities
• Joseph Nacino, Sports Development & Recreation
• Katherine Earle, H&SS Faculty Office
• Kevin Houston, Campus Services
• Kym Weeks, Human Resources
• Machaela Parkin, School of Management
• Mark Skimming, Sports Development & Recreation
• Martin Fullekrug, Dept of Electronic & Electrical Eng
• Martin Quintin, Campus Services
• Mathew Penrose, Dept of Mathematical Sciences
• Miles Peyton, Sports Development & Recreation
• Peter Bradley, Library
• Rob Mitchell, Dept of Architecture & Civil Engineering
• Robert Gregory, Dept of Architecture & Civil Engineering
• Shasi Nandeibam, Dept of Economics
• Sheik Meeran, School of Management
• Simon Shaw, Dept of Mathematical Sciences
• Sophie Hamer, Sports Development & Recreation
• Stephanie Kasprowski, Finance & Procurement
• Thanos Mergoupis, Dept of Economics
• Trevor Grimshaw, Dept of Education
• Victoria Evans, Digital, Data & Technology Group
• Victoria Houston, Careers Service
• Zhijin Wang, Dept of Mechanical Engineering

15 Years

• Aaron James, Sports Development & Recreation
• Alessandro Narduzzo, Dept of Physics
• Alison Tincknell-Smith, Dept for Health
• Ana Bullock, Doctoral College
• Andrew Shea, Dept of Architecture & Civil Engineering
• Antal Jarai, Dept of Mathematical Sciences
• Baris Yalabik, School of Management
• Caroline Hickman, Dept of Social & Policy Sciences
• Caroline Ransford, H&SS Faculty Office
• Caroline Wheatley, Campus Services
• Cassie Wilson, Vice Chancellor's Office
• Catherine Adams, H&SS Faculty Office
• Catherine Bailey, Student Support and Safeguarding
• Ceri Dibble, Doctoral College
• Chris Ashwin, Dept of Psychology
• Christopher Coles, Sports Development & Recreation
• Christopher Martin, Dept of Economics
• Clare Pell, Sports Development & Recreation
• Darren Chitty, Campus Infrastructure
• David Howells, Student Recruitment & Admissions
• David Stacey, Library
• Elizabeth Haynes, Department of Planning, Performance and Strategic Change
• Emma Scrase, H&SS Faculty Office
• Euan Spence, Dept of Mathematical Sciences
• Ewan Basterfield, Science Technical Services
• Fay Iles, Human Resources
• Gan Shermer, Dept of Chemistry
• Graham Howse, Campus Infrastructure
• Graham Waton, Student Recruitment & Admissions
• Harriet Hings, Sports Development & Recreation
• Ian Pinchen, Campus Services
• Jason Wolf, Dept of Life Sciences
• John Troyer, Dept of Social & Policy Sciences
• Jonathan Dawes, Dept of Mathematical Sciences
• Julia Kashdan-Brown, Dept of Architecture & Civil Engineering
• Karen Spillard, Skills Centre
• Lindsay MacLennan, Security
• Michael Willis, School of Management
• Naomi Hawthorn, Digital, Data & Technology Group
• Nicholas Priest, Dept of Life Sciences
• Pawel Predki, Campus Services
• Pedro Estrela, Dept of Electronic & Electrical Eng
• Peter Mosley, Dept of Physics
• Richard Burke, Dept of Mechanical Engineering
• Richard Dyer, Security
• Rosemary Hiscock, Dept for Health
• Sara Collins, Campus Services
• Sara Dale, Dept of Physics
• Scott Cahill, Dept of Architecture & Civil Engineering
• Shaun Williams, Dept for Health
• Siva Sivaraya, Engineering & Design Tech Services
• Sophie Bodman, Campus Services
• Susanna Martin, Dept of Psychology
• Xiuping Su, Dept of Mathematical Sciences
• Zeynep Yalabik, School of Management

To all our winners, nominees, and long-serving colleagues - thank you. Your passion, resilience, and commitment make our University a better place every day. Whether you’ve led a major initiative, supported a colleague in need, or dedicated decades to our community, your contributions are deeply valued.

Let’s continue to celebrate one another and build a culture where everyone can thrive.