Any staff member can nominate a professional services colleague
Nominations are now open for the Professional Services Recognition Scheme 2022. The scheme provides the chance for any member of University staff to show appreciation for the work their professional services colleague do by nominating them for an award.
Winners will be announced at the first in person award ceremony since 2019, which will take place at the Fitzwilliam Museum. Awards are given in seven categories, recognising qualities such as innovation, kindness, and teamwork.
This year a new category has been created in memory of Dr Jonathan Nicholls, who was Registrary at the University from 2007 to 2016 and tragically died earlier this year. As one piece in his memory illustrates, he was passionate about the role and value of professional services staff. The Jonathan Nicholls Rising Star Award will recognise those who show great promise and are likely to go far in their professional services careers.
Any member of university staff can make a nomination. Notable nominations made in recent years include one from a professor to a cleaner whose work keeping the lab spotless was fundamental to the success of ongoing, ground-breaking research. Other winners include a receptionist and HR administrator who helped their department make a clear commitment to inclusivity, and a library assistant whose work was vital to ensuring the success of remote learning. Staff members can be nominated for a wide variety of important contributions, and further guidance about each award category can be found on the Professional Services Recognition Scheme website.
Nominations are open until 26th September 2022 at 5.00pm. You can make a nomination using the online form available on the scheme webpage.
Last year 361 nominations were made and, following a competitive selection process, 161 teams and individuals were shortlisted, with the 24 winners announced at an online ceremony. It is hoped that even more nominations will be made this year, ahead of the awards ceremony in December. For the first time the event will be held at the Fitzwilliam Museum, with those on the shortlist invited to attend.