Rewarding Exceptional Performance
09 Jan 2026
Shine a spotlight on your team’s achievements
Our annual Rewarding Exceptional Performance (REP) Scheme opens on Monday, 12 January and closes on Friday, 13 February 2026.
In our Your Voice Matters survey, only 46% of colleagues said they felt regularly thanked for their contribution. Rewarding Exceptional Performance gives line managers a formal way to recognise individuals or teams who have achieved exceptional results, whether through a single initiative or by consistently excelling over six months.
In a year of extraordinary effort across the organisation, nominations should show how their impact has been remarkable and why their contribution deserves special recognition.
Ele Morrissey, Executive Director of People, said: ‘Our Rewarding Exceptional Performance scheme is a wonderful way to recognise colleagues who go above and beyond. I encourage all line managers to put forward team members who have made an outstanding impact over the past year.’
What do successful nominees receive?
- One-off achievements: A financial award, typically up to the value of one increment.
- Sustained excellence: Progression to the next point on the salary scale. Colleagues already at the top of their scale will receive a contribution point.
- Team nominations: A suitable payment may be awarded to team members in recognition of collective exceptional performance.
How to nominate
Nominations can be submitted via the following online forms:
- Individual nomination form
- Group nomination form
- Professional Services staff: Nominations are open until midnight on Friday, 13 February, with applications reviewed by local management panels.
- Academic and research staff: Submissions will be considered by School and Faculty Promotions Committees, who will share their local processes and timetables.
After submission
Nominating managers will be informed of the outcome once panels have completed their review.
Other ways to recognise colleagues
The REP Scheme is just one of several ways to celebrate contributions across the University:
- Purple Place recognition – send a personalised ‘thank you’ e card.
- The ‘Thank you’ scheme – show appreciation with a gift token.
- University awards – nominate colleagues for broader recognition across the institution.
Find out more