UAS Employee Recognition Scheme

The event recognised the outstanding work achieved by members of the UAS over the past year. Awards were presented by the Registrary, Dr Jonathan Nicholls, and given to individuals and teams in four categories based on the UAS values.

This year’s winners and citations were:

Value 1 - We deliver an effective and high-quality service

Individual: Alison Wheeler-Heyn, Registrary’s Office

Alison has served as the Registrary’s PA for over fifteen years and is valued for her enthusiasm, sense of humour and commitment to the role. Her nomination reinforces what those who have worked or liaised with Alison already know. She has an amazing ability to remain calm when dealing with challenging situations and always maintains her professionalism.

In addition to running the ever changing diary of the Registrary, Alison also co-ordinates many of the wide ranging activities that Dr Nicholls is involved in beyond his role. Most notably this year, Alison was pivotal in the organisation of the recruitment of the new Vice-Chancellor; a herculean and sensitive task, which involved a cast of thousands. The complexity of the arrangements was extraordinary, changing often on what felt like an hourly basis. Alison’s special blend of professionalism and friendliness were key in the formation of first impressions of the University and she has been nominated as a thank you and to recognise her invaluable contribution to this successful process.

Team: European Team, Research Office

Given the additional pressures put on the European Team following the EU Referendum, they have performed remarkably and approved a record number of applications for European Research Council funding this year.

The work of this team is more important than ever and they have been noted for their commitment to collaboration and helping people across the University. The positive impact of this is that researchers have been reassured and encouraged to continue applying for EU funding in a time of uncertainty. This team has been a fundamental part of the University’s response to Brexit.

Value 2 - We collaborate and work in partnership

Individual: James Powley, University Sports Service

James was nominated for his significant contribution to the Squash Centre at Cambridge. When he joined the Sports Service in early 2015, his challenge was to create a vibrant centre for students, staff and the community. James has succeeded in doing this and has integrated players from a club culture into the University. By working collaboratively to balance the very different needs of student and community clubs as well as casual users, James has helped the centre establish ten club teams, leagues and the potential to generate more membership.

Through his drive and commitment, the Sports Service has achieved the Sport England year five targets for squash participation after just 18 months. James has also brought several events to the Centre including the East Regional Junior Squash Championships and the East Regional Racket ball Championships, raising the profile of the sport and the University.

James has been outstanding in justifying the investment made by donors and Sport England by creating an inclusive and superb facility for the University and community.

Team: UniForum Core Programme Team 

All of the University’s administrative staff were involved in the completion of the UniForum survey earlier this year and this team was responsible for making it happen. The enormity of this task should not be underestimated. The programme required the close co-operation of every department across the University to collect very detailed staff activity for the first time.

This programme is of the highest importance to the UAS and University more generally.  It will help the University to learn much more about how resources are used, how they can be used better and where it should focus its improvements. The challenge to convince and coordinate colleagues across the University was immense and the skills and professionalism by which these team members achieved this was outstanding.

Value 3 – We are open, responsive and innovative

Individual: Fiona Sutton, HR Division

Fiona was nominated for her outstanding contribution to the creation of the University’s Mindfulness Project and for her great collaboration between the UAS and an Academic Division. The Mindfulness Project offers free mindfulness classes to all students at Cambridge and Fiona’s innovation in designing a system to enable all students to register centrally for this is at the forefront of its success. Fiona’s nomination describes her wonderful rapport, clear and supportive communication as well as outstanding responsiveness and readiness to deal with the task in hand.

Teams: West Cambridge and New Museums Site Facilities Teams (shared awards)

The two Facilities Teams have both worked tirelessly this year with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure a successful relocation of UAS staff from town centre offices to Greenwich House. The smooth running of the sites they manage has made it easy for all users, including staff, student and visitors to the University to leave with a positive view of their experience. 

Through their openness and responsiveness to changing circumstances and challenges, the teams have provided exceptional support to departments on their sites and their innovation has led to many hundreds of pieces of office furniture being recycled across the estate, reducing University costs of purchase and disposal.

Value 4 – We respect others and value diversity

Individual: Laura Andreou, HR Division

This nomination has been made to recognise the professionalism and sensitivity shown by Laura, as HR Adviser to the School of Biological Sciences. In this particular case, Laura showed extreme sensitivity and professionalism whilst supporting colleagues in a series of challenging situations. Laura has been noted as being a huge source of support and help.

Through her professionalism and sensitive handling of case work, Laura has shown that a positive outcome can be achieved in the most difficult circumstances.

Team: Compliance Team

The work of the Compliance Team is vital to enable Cambridge to recruit the best and brightest whilst complying with the ever changing UK visa and immigration rules to maintain its status as a highly trusted sponsor. The team is unfailingly knowledgeable on immigration issues involving recruitment; they respond promptly and proactively to often complex queries whilst maintaining professionalism and good humour.

The outstanding service provided by the individuals in this team, without doubt, enables Cambridge to recruit the talented researchers from overseas who add so much to the University community. This year the team took extra work - navigating the University through the complications and concerns arising from the referendum - and have done so with a positive outlook and approach.