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Nominator summary: The Community Justice Learning Team successfully embedded a fully online BA (Hons) in Community Justice, supporting over 700 trainee probation officers balancing full-time work and study. With 89% retention and over 90% pass rates, the team’s dedication to inclusive, engaging, and accessible teaching is evident in every aspect of the student journey. The Community Justice Learning Team’s influence extends beyond the University, with national partnerships and training for workplace mentors across England and Wales. Their commitment to equity, innovation, and excellence is transforming probation officer training and setting a benchmark for online education in the sector.

Nominator summary: Over the past year Dr Lisa Sugiura has made an outstanding contribution to public understanding of her specialist research field of Incels (involuntary celibates) through her extensive media engagement. Her expertise has fed into policy via written and oral evidence to UK parliamentary committees on online harms and, as chair-turned-vice-chair of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Strategic Independent Advisory Group, she integrates research on male-supremacist subcultures into policing strategy. Lisa has done an outstanding job of educating not only her students and others in the university but across society at large through her many appearances on TV, radio and in other media formats. 

Nominator summary: The Safe Zone Project - a cross-faculty initiative involving colleagues from the Faculties of Creative and Cultural Industries and Humanities and Social Sciences - has made a significant impact through the development and delivery of the Safe Zone LGBTQI+ training programme. The Safe Zone Project provides allyship training for staff and student representatives to gain the knowledge and skills required to offer a more supportive and inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ staff and students. More than 200 people have undertaken the training, 8 more trainers have been trained in ‘train the trainer’ sessions and there have been two occasions of ‘sharing good practice’ outside of the University. 

Nominator summary: Neil Weston has played a central role in designing and delivering a comprehensive transnational education (TNE) strategy, and in developing and expanding the Faculty of Science and Health’s TNE course portfolio. He was instrumental in establishing the strategic partnership with Edith Cowan University in Australia, now a flagship collaboration for the University. He is currently leading the development of a new international partnership with Brock University in Canada and with MAHSA in Malaysia, further extending our global reach. His strategic vision, collaborative approach, and proactive leadership have positioned the Faculty - and the wider University - as a forward-thinking, internationally connected institution.

Nominator summary: By digitising and transforming recruitment processes the Recruitment Team has led a transformational change project. The Recruitment team’s strategic and proactive approach has delivered significant cost savings of £1.98million, improved efficiency, and positioned the University as a leading employer in a competitive talent market. Beyond operational improvements, these changes have transformed the candidate experience. Streamlining processes and reducing delays have led to faster, clearer communication, ensuring a professional and efficient recruitment journey. As a result, the University’s reputation as an employer of choice has been reinforced.

Nominator summary: The Digital Content & Experience Team rose to a significant and unplanned challenge: to rapidly design and deliver a new web presence for the London campus. With limited time and resources, they embraced their agile principles to deliver a high-quality, fully compliant website in just a matter of months. Their work enabled the �������� London to unlock new content and marketing opportunities while providing a vastly improved technology foundation. They worked collaboratively with colleagues in London to deliver a fantastic new site, on improved technology, that now offers a demonstrably better experience for both staff and prospective students.

Nominator summary: Rob Isherwood has been working with Restart a Heart UK to encourage individuals, schools, organisations, and communities to participate in life-saving CPR training and become equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively to emergencies. Under Rob’s leadership, Restart a Heart Day at the university exemplifies the intersection of innovation, education, and partnership. His efforts have demonstrated how universities can play a central role in equipping communities with lifesaving skills, while fostering partnerships with healthcare industries and businesses to make a lasting impact.

Nominator summary: Sarah Charman’s track record in police research is of global significance. Her work on understanding police culture, reasons why people join or leave the police and individuals' sense of justice whilst working within the police has changed the way police forces approach recruitment, training, tutoring and retention.This year Sarah has been instrumental in securing the �������� as a Policing Academic Centre of Excellence. She is Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Law, Crime and Justice and is part of the BBC Expert Women programme. Through her 25 year research career she has become one of the most respected expert voices in policing in the UK.

Nominator summary: The Student Life team, established in January 2024, has revolutionized student support at the ��������. Their impact is evident in dramatic improvements in student retention, with survey data showing a significant decrease in students' likelihood to withdraw after receiving support. The team has implemented innovative initiatives including the "UoP Student Life" Instagram account, "Feel Good Fridays" webinar series, Movember events focusing on male mental health, and the Welfare Knock campaign. They've also played a crucial role in developing key policies such as the Sexual Misconduct Policy and Suicide Prevention Policy. The Student Life team has set a new standard for student support, demonstrating exceptional commitment to enhancing student experience and outcomes.

Summary: Nicola Crowson has been a dedicated voice and volunteer for Sarcoma UK for the past six years. Her contributions span across a wide range of activities, including the Sarcoma Patient Involvement Network, fundraising, public education, advocacy, and sharing her personal story to raise awareness. She has been a committed member of the Sarcoma Patient Involvement Group. She ran the London Marathon in support of Sarcoma UK and was invited to 11 Downing Street by the then Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt. As part of the Sarcoma UK “Don’t Delay” campaign, Nicola shared her story nationally, participating in a social media campaign to raise awareness of rare cancers. Nicola has also played an important role in Sarcoma UK’s ‘State of the Nation Review’ and has since spoken at the House of Commons as part of the official launch of this landmark review.