This special award in memory of our colleague Alex Jackson will be presented to an individual within the DSE who has made an outstanding contribution to any aspect of access to higher education, or has positively impacted a students’ time with the University. 

Nominations are not required for this category. The judging panel will select a deserving recipient from the nominations submitted across all other award categories.

an individual who is new to their role and has already made a positive impact. This colleague will have been in post for less than 18 months and have;

• exemplified the DSE values – integrity; single team; flexible and open to change; own what we do
• delivered an outstanding piece of work or consistently delivered an excellent performance that has made a positive impact on their area of work;
• shown a willingness to assist beyond normal expectations. 

a line manager, team leader, project manager or Head of Service. This inspirational colleague will;

• motivate, inspire and empower individuals and/or teams to achieve their goals;
• support individuals and/or teams to fulfill their potential;
• promote a positive work culture. 

an individual and/or team whose contribution to DSE may take place behind the scenes, but is invaluable even though it may go unnoticed. This award changes that by recognising dedicated people, who;

• are committed to providing help and support to their colleagues;
• demonstrate enthusiasm and a can-do attitude;
• are always working diligently behind the scenes to support DSE activities and objectives.

• putting in a consistently excellent core performance;
• showing commitment in pursuit of supporting DSE activities and objectives.

a DSE team who truly embodies the spirit of team work. As a team they will;

• demonstrate collaboration and partnership skills in how they work with colleagues in other areas of the university or with external contacts;
• show commitment as a team in pursuit of supporting DSE activities and objectives.

an individual and/or team who have utilised creativity in the pursuit of service enhancement. This category recognises colleagues who;

• have utilised innovation and creativity to develop brand new or significantly improve existing processes, methods, systems, products or services;
• have added value to their area of work through their innovation and creativity.

an individual and/or team from within the university community, but outside of the DSE, who;

• are always willing to help and support DSE colleagues;
• have delivered an outstanding piece of work or consistently deliver an excellent performance that enables us to deliver DSE activities and objectives.