12.30pm Arrival at King’s Hall - venue opens to attendees, afternoon tea served
2.00pm Welcome
Professor Martin Jones, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive
2.10pm Presentation of Awards Part One
Professorial and Associate Professorial Conferments
Next Generation Environment:
University Innovation and Transformation Award Inclusion Award
Cultural, Health, Safety and Wellbeing Impact Award
HEA Fellowships Qualification Successes
Student Choice Staff Awards presented by Students’ Union
Next Generation Engagement: Research and Innovation Impact Award
Civic and Community Impact Award Enterprise and Business Engagement Impact Award
Next Generation Experience: Outstanding Contribution to Learning and Teaching Award
Next Generation Education: Academic Portfolio Innovation Award Outstanding Course of the Year Award
3.30pm Interval
3.45pm Presentation of Awards Part Two
Living Our Values Award
Long Service Award
Catalyst for Change: Outstanding Newcomer Award Outstanding Leader Award
People’s Choice Award Vice-Chancellor’s Outstanding Contribution Award
I am delighted to welcome you to the King’s Hall in Stoke-on-Trent. We are here today to recognise the amazing difference that staff make to the life of the University of Staffordshire. Through your dedication and success, you embody our place of possibility.
Now in its 17th year, our Celebrating Staff Success Awards event remains one of the most important dates in our calendar.
This is an opportunity to celebrate colleagues who have gone the extra mile for our students, local communities and the wider region. People who have helped to push us forward as we strive to deliver next-level education and experiences.
This year’s nominations were full of inspirational individuals and teams. Staff who demonstrate our key attributes as a university – to be kind, uplifting, dynamic, open and strong.
It wasn’t hard to find colleagues who fitted the bill. But it was hard to pick the winners as we had such a fantastic set of nominees. Altogether, we have included 14 categories.
The awards cover staff who have made a step change to our business engagement and enterprise activities, delivered an indelible impact through their research, and have been a catalyst for change within our wider communities.
They also recognise staff who have delivered an outstanding experience for students, those who have become role models for inclusion, and staff who have championed innovation in the curriculum and other aspects of our work.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your hard work and support. It has been a privilege to witness your valuable contributions and to see the impact on student achievement and services across our University.
Our staff remain our greatest asset. The work you have been doing – both within our university and surrounding communities – is central to our future success. I hope you enjoy this event.
Best wishes,
Professor Martin Jones, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive
University of Staffordshire
Professorial Conferments
Professors
The award of the title of Professor recognises staff members whose activities have brought prestige to the university through demonstrated quality and impact in their field. The criteria adopted by the university are intended to demand a level of achievement no less than that traditionally expected within British universities, although the nature of the achievement need not be confined to those activities traditionally recognised by a professorial title and reflects the vision and mission of University of Staffordshire.
These are the three criteria on which candidates are assessed:
• Research and Knowledge Transfer
• Teaching Excellence
• Academic Leadership and Professional Citizenship
Anna Francis Professor of Art and Society
With over 20 years’ experience of teaching and practising as an artist and researcher Anna aims to create space to discuss and reframe city resources by leading on national and international curatorial and participatory projects which lead to long term change for communities.
The research is practice-based, with outputs including exhibitions, editorials, practitioner workshops, and regeneration projects within Stoke-on-Trent. Outcomes include developing an abandoned garden into a public pocket park, and transforming a derelict pub into a creative community hub. The research has led to specific types of impact: fostering community development and cohesion, influencing local and national government policy, and developing new initiatives in social arts organisations. National recognition has been achieved through The Portland Inn Project being shortlisted for the RIBA Macewen Award, winning the Whitegold International Ceramics Prize 2020; and becoming an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation in 2023, plus featuring on Andi Oliver’s ‘Fabulous Feasts,’ on BBC2.
Al Ross Professor of Health Systems
Al Ross is a chartered ergonomist and psychologist and a prominent international academic in applied health systems research. He has previously worked as a human factors researcher and consultant across a range of settings including defence, nuclear, police and rail and has a wide portfolio of interdisciplinary research in higher education across patient safety, service quality and public health, publishing over 100 journal articles, books, book chapters and peer-reviewed conference papers. Al has ongoing formal international academic collaborations across over 20 countries, including many in the global south.
His recent funders include the National Institute for Health and Care Research and the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. Al is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and leads the MSc in Human Factors for Patient Safety and the Professional Doctorate in Healthcare Science at Staffordshire. He also holds honorary posts at the University of Glasgow and the University of Dundee.
Associate Professorial Conferments
Associate Professors
Associate Professors are defined by their growing distinction, standing and leadership in their subject, discipline and/or practice. Through their research and scholarship, external engagement and teaching, Associate Professors contribute to the advancement of the university’s reputation.
The criteria for the appointment of Associate Professor is the same as the criteria followed for full Professors, but the applicants for an Associate Professor will need to demonstrate significant achievement in two of the three conferment criteria.
Dr Amy Burton
Associate Professor of Qualitative Research
Dr Amy Burton is a University of Staffordshire graduate having completed our BSc Psychology and MSc Health Psychology. Following graduation Amy went on to complete her PhD at Aston University exploring experiences of older adults with Macular Degeneration before returning to University of Staffordshire in 2013 as a Senior Lecturer.
Amy has over 40 peer reviewed publications particularly focusing on the use of qualitative methods to explore health-related conditions and behaviours. In 2016 Amy was a consultant with the Manchester University Change Exchange contributing pedagogical and behaviour change expertise to inform a Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists training programme to improve maternity care in Uganda. Amy has been awarded funding from various charity and local government organisations for research into the experience of health conditions and behaviours as well as securing bursaries to support students to complete doctoral training and summer placements. Amy is currently applying qualitative and participatory methods to breastfeeding, menopause, hereditary angioedema, cleft palate and diabetes stigma.
Ian Davies
Associate Professor of Biomedical Science Practice
Ian is a biomedical scientist with a national reputation as a thought leader and expert in the practice-based education following 20 years’ clinical practice within the NHS. Twice listed within The Pathologist “Pathology Power List”, a list of 100 global pathology leaders, Ian was named as National Biomedical Scientist of the Year in the 2023 Advancing Health Awards for his strategic leadership of degree apprenticeship education and his national contribution to collaborative practice across professions. In 2018 he was awarded the NHS England Chief Scientific Officer’s award for “Excellence in Education Delivery” by HRH The Princess Royal for his innovative leadership of the degree apprenticeship agenda and was recognised again in the 2023 awards for the national impact that this programme has had on the NHS scientific workforce. His stewardship of this programme has made it the leading provision within England and from this success he has built a nationwide network of academics and practice educators to actively influence practice. From working with the centre of Government to support the COVID-19 testing response, developing innovative practitioner education and pushing forward the boundaries of future practice, his influence on the profession is impactful at a national level.
Janet Francis
Associate Professor of Life-long and Life-wide Learning
Following a brief career as a secondary school science teacher, Janet worked in the IT industry. After 12 years in various roles, she moved to University of Staffordshire as a senior lecturer. She was particularly interested in the university’s focus on practical scholarship and its links to local industry. Janet’s own industrial experience continues to help her illustrate academic concepts through real-life and link her classroom practice to career roles.
Her work underpins her firm belief that our experiences in non-formal and informal settings both complement and extend our formal learning. Throughout her time at University of Staffordshire, she has been a passionate exponent of experiential and life-long learning. This has resulted in her leading the development of programmes such as negotiated learning frameworks and degree apprenticeships which support these goals and provide alternative pathways through higher education.
Janet’s cross-disciplinary research links to the C3 and SCoLLP research centres and is focused on improving the learning experience. It includes developing innovative pedagogies for non-traditional learners, and understanding the perspectives of apprenticeship stakeholders including apprentices, employers, mentors, regulatory bodies and Government departments.
She is delighted to have been conferred as Associate Professor of Life-long and Life-wide Learning as the title reflects her journey and continuing mission to innovate and inspire learners of all ages in formal and other diverse settings.
Dr Sarah Rose Associate Professor of Child Psychology
Dr Sarah Rose is a chartered psychologist with a sustained record of wider engagement in the field of child psychology. She is s a science communicator who regularly shares her own research findings and provides expert commentary on contemporary issues in children’s education and wellbeing. Furthermore, Sarah has been commissioned by the DfE to evaluate a schools-based mental health initiative, and her work was recently cited in the House of Commons Education Committee summary report outlining recommendations to address the impact of screen time on education and wellbeing.
Sarah makes significant contributions to the British Psychological Society where she currently holds two elected positions: Co-chair of the West Midlands Branch and Treasurer of the Developmental Section. She has led the organisation at national conferences, new awards to recognise excellence at all career stages and the development of a National Student Ambassador Programme.
More locally, Sarah is recognised for academic leadership and contribution to teaching development and pedagogy. She has led the BSc Psychology and Child Development course since 2013 and leads assessment and feedback strategy within the Department of Psychology. The success of both of which have been recognised through consistently high NSS scores.
Dr Samantha Spence
Associate Professor of International Human Rights Law and Social Justice
Dr. Samantha Spence is the Course Director in HEPS for International Studies, Working with Children, Young People, and Families, and Postgraduate Law. With over 12 years of experience, she is a distinguished expert in international human rights, particularly focusing on violence against women and girls (VAWG) and harmful practices. Sam played a key role in developing the UN’s first-ever Resolution on Harmful Practices, adopted by the Human Rights Council in 2021, and has contributed to multiple UN reports on the issue through both written and oral submissions. Her work has also garnered significant recognition in India, where she has been invited to deliver keynote speeches at various universities, underscoring the global relevance of her expertise.
Her leadership includes, co-directing the International Network Against Accusations of Witchcraft and the University of Staffordshire VAWG Hub, serving as Deputy Chair of the UK National Working Group on Spiritual and Ritual Abuse and serving on various international advisory boards. Her work, both academic and practical, has significantly shaped global discourse and policy on VAWG.
Edward Tolhurst Associate Professor in Dementia, Ageing and Care
Edward is a researcher in the field of dementia, ageing and care. Through his qualitative and conceptual work, he sets out to provide a relational perspective that addresses the person with dementia, the carer, and their relationship. The sociocultural framing of these relations is also granted close consideration. Edward is a Research Ethics Coordinator within the School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences, and is also a member of an NHS Research Ethics Committee (Coventry and Warwickshire). In future research, Edward will seek to combine these two strands of his academic interests, through the exploration of how ethical regulations and concepts are interpreted/applied by researchers within their fieldwork.
Edward was the Coordinator of the European Sociological Association’s Research Network on Ageing in Europe from 2019 to 2021 (fixed-term). The Network is comprised of more than 100 academics and researchers from across Europe. Through this role, Edward facilitated networking and knowledge exchange in relation to ageing research. He remains involved with the Network as a member of its Advisory Group.
In terms of his teaching responsibilities, Edward is the Course Leader for postgraduate awards in Medical Education. He also supervises PhD students, and regularly reviews/examines doctoral work.
Amanda Wilford
Associate Professor in Simulation Based Education
Mandy, with colleagues, created the MSc Simulation Based Education that launched in September 2023. She led the work for the school to be the first in Europe to be endorsed by the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning ( INACSL ) and co-authored the 2021 Professional Integrity Standard. She is Deputy Chair of INACSL’s Education Committee and Deputy Chair of the West Midlands Simulation Network. Mandy was invited in March 2024 to join NHS England’s Oversight Group for the National Simulation Project and is faculty for this programme.
Prior to working at Staffordshire, Mandy led an international team of educators for a global simulation company. As part of this role she was invited to write the chapter on Europe in ‘Simulation Champions Fostering Courage, Caring and Compassion’ published in 2018 which was awarded the United States of America Academic book of the year in 2019. Mandy was appointed in 2003 as first Senior Nurse at Bristol Medical Simulation Centre – the first centre in Europe. Mandy is currently undertaking a Professional Doctorate in Education at The Open University. Her research focuses on simulation scenarios and how learning is supported from the learner and facilitator’s perspective.
Dr Agata Lulkowska
Associate Professor of Film and Creative Practice Research
Agata is an interdisciplinary creative practice researcher with a background in film, photography and multimedia arts. Founder of Rebellious Research Seminar Series for creative practice researchers, she is co-host of Taming Your Inner Artist Podcast, and Founder and Director of the Communities and Communication Conference and Festival. She is also the Co-Director of the C3 Research Centre, Group Lead of Practice as Research group lead, Executive Committee Member at BAFTSS (British Association of Film, Television and Screen Studies), a Vice-Chair of the MeCCSA Practice Network (Media, Communication and Cultural Studies Association), Editor of the International Journal of Creative Media Research and editorial board member of Media Practice and Education journal.
She is also a former Artistic Director and Head of Programming at the Discovering Latin America Film Festival. Shortlisted for AHRC Research in Film Awards 2021, Agata was the recipient of the International Award for Excellence for The Journal of Communication and Media Studies (June 2020). She is an experienced Research Ethics Coordinator, and a steering member of the Diversity and Decolonisation Group. Recent publications include a monograph Filmmaking in Academia. Her upcoming publications include: Fiction Filmmaking as Research, and book series on Creative Practice Research in the Arts, Intellect.
Next Generation Environment University Innovation and Transformation Award
This award recognises the individuals or teams that are making an impact on our future as a leading university, by spotting an opportunity and leading or working with others to transform our approach, always ensuring a relentless focus on the customer, and to improve their day to day experiences at the university. These teams or individuals will demonstrate their innovation and how this transforms the staff or student experience and could act as a catalyst for change more broadly across the university.
Individual Nominations
Liz Deakin Digital and Technical Services
Harjit Devgon Student and Academic Services
Catherine Fleming Estates and Commercial Services
George Hill
Academic Quality and Development
David James School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Ian Naylor School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Benjamin Williams School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Team Nominations
Apprenticeships Team Katy Chesters, Marek Hornak, Liz Myatt, Jo Phillips
Apprenticeship Team
Assistant HR&OD Business Partners
Beacon Loan Tracker
Digital Services - Solve Implementation Team
Esports Expansion Project Team
HR&OD Team
Level of Detail
Payroll Team
Mark Beeston, Nikki Brough, Jodie Cataldo, Katy Chesters, Charlotte Clewes, Rebecca Drury, Emily Evans, Maria-Louise Feenan, Di Light, Levi Marshall, Liz Myatt, Jo Phillips, Rachel Stanyer, Joe Tilstone
Scott Allcock, Olivia Lowis, Kieran McDonald
Helen Ascroft, Steph Bates, Kirstie Brookes, David Cooper, Natasha Finney, Rob Oakes, Sara Pye, Yannick Vidal
Helen Holt, Ian Waterhouse
Liz Crump, Phil Cooke, Catherine Flemming, Chris Leese, Joshua Wales-Ferguson, Ben Gillard, Alasdair MacDonald, Richard Mortimer
Scott Alcock, Iain Bracken, Matt Coombe-Boxall, Paula Cottrell, Kasia Debinska, Laura Ellerton, Hannah Gibbard, Anna Green, Ross Hancock, Alison Laithwaite, Olivia Lowis, Kieran McDonald, Naimah Muhammad, Helen Pugh, Fiona Robinson-Williams, Natalie Taylor, Jade Tonkinson, Sarah Woodwark
Luke Fawsitt, David James, Liam Kelsall, Chris Leese, Matt Lewis, Jamie Nichols, Amy Platts, Nathan Riley, Maria Scrivens, Victoria Searcey
Kasia Debinska, Ross Hancock, Fiona Robinson-Williams
Recruitment & Outreach Team SU:L
Bernard Chawey, Lauren Hebb, Reece Hyman
Recruitment Team (IOP) Emma Spencer, Sheryl Wheeler
ResLife
Student Connect
Student Support and Experience (Transition and Belonging)
Solve Implementation Team
Staffordshire University Student Village Board
The Institute of Policing
Sophie Bradley, Lisa Evans, Deb Healy, Megan Hadley, Benjamin Price, Natalie Robinson
Jo Burgess, Owen Carr, Ray Merrin, Rob Oakes, Neil Trubshaw, Susanne Turner
Kevin Barry, Joanna Blaiklock, Paula Cottrell, Mark Downie, Claire Frays, Deb Healy, Helen Holt, Keith Humphries, Ravinder Kaur, Christina Matthews, Sally McGill, Ray Merrin, Adrian Rowlands, Ian Quail, Ian Waterhouse
Saara Byrne, Samantha Carless, Sally Challoner, Andrew Clowes, Shona Forrester, Hayley Hallsworth, Helen Ibrahim, Danielle Johnson, Sophie Lei, Caroline Mattock, Reanon Rushton, Rebecca Slinger, Sarah Smeilus, Lisa Tien, Anna West
Graduate Team in Careers, University Innovation and Transformation Award Winners 2023
Next Generation Environment Inclusion Award
This award recognises the contribution made by an individual or a team to being ‘consciously inclusive’ in all that they deliver within the university. This can be demonstrated in many different ways: initiatives that increase inclusion for colleagues and students in the delivery of services or teaching and learning; acting as a role model or ally in championing and building inclusion; creating an inclusive culture by challenging inequalities, barriers or bias and redeveloping the way we think, act and work for the inclusion of all.
Individual Nominations
Sharon Coleclough School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Sabrina Malik SU:L
Tyrone Messiah Digital and Technical Services
Dr Rizwan Mustafa School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Katy Chesters, Emily Evans, Jack Holmes, Maria-Louise Feenan, Levi Marshall
Careers Graduate Team Vicky Cook, Holly O’Rourke
Forensics Dr Duncan Parker and David Flatman-Fairs
Student Services Combined Teams
The Nursing Apprenticeship Team
Student Wellbeing Team
Chaplaincy, Money and Guidance, Residence Life (ResLife), the Inclusion Team, and the Wellbeing Team and Student Experience
Emma Cloclough, Natalie Dodge, Sally Downie, Jayne Evans, Dawn Fowler, Shelley Howles, Catherine Hulse, Clare McGroarty, James Sullivan, Gemma Williams
Andie Alker, Lisa Benson, Heather Brown, Zoe Brown, Shelley Burton, Natalie Edwards, Lauren Jones, Christopher Lue-Quee, Johanna Mcminn
Next Generation Environment
Cultural, Health, Safety and Wellbeing Impact Award
This award recognises the individual or team leading the way in creating a safe and healthy work environment, impacting positively on our culture as an exemplar of what is possible through the Staffs Makes Staffs cultural development programme, at either an individual level, team level, school or service level. A healthy and safe culture manifests itself from a healthy approach to the way we work together, so through this award we look to celebrate the advancements that individuals or teams are making in creating a culture that benefits the health, safety and wellbeing of our staff.
Individual Nominations
Matthew Coombe-Boxall Human Resources and Organisational Development
Joseph Emery Estates and Commercial Services
Alison Scattergood Student and Academic Services
Natalie Taylor Human Resources and Organisational Development
Craig Weightman School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Team Nominations
HR&OD UKVI Team
SaAS Team
Scott Alcock, Iain Bracken, Paula Cottrell, Anna Green, Olivia Lowis, Kieran McDonald, Naimah Muhammed, Helen Pugh, Jade Tonkinson, Sarah Woodwark
Andie Alker, Sally Brown, Victoria Dale, Michelle Gibbon, Donna Hammersley, Deb Healy, Jane Hunt, Emily Kelly, Erin McAvoy, Chelsea Redfearn, Gemma Robinson, Tracy Walker, Rev Mick Williams
Student and Academic Services Entire Student and Academic Services team
Student Support and Experience: Money and Guidance
Lucie Carr, David Langley, Kate Rowe, Kim Tapson, Rachel Thompson, Tracy Walker
HR&OD Team Iain Bracken, Hannah Gibbard, Alison Laithwaite, Natalie Taylor
Higher Education Academy Fellowships
At University of Staffordshire, we pride ourselves on high standards of learning and teaching. This is evidenced through our commitment to ensure that all academic staff hold fellowship of AdvanceHE to demonstrate they meet the criteria of the Professional Standards Framework 2023 (PSF 2023) for teaching and learning in higher education. Through the experiential or the taught route, staff will be supported to evidence their ongoing practice and development, to achieve either Associate Fellow, Fellow or Senior Fellow status.
HEA Senior Fellowship
Dr Benhur Bakhtiari Bastaki
Anthony Bruner
Associate Professor Amy Burton
Dr Sharon Coleclough
Elizabeth Crisp
Nina Cupric
Dr Viraj Dawarka
Rebecca Ford
Professor Anna Francis
Simona Golshetti
Elizabeth Isaacson
Professor Peter Kevern
Dawn Lawrence
Dan Lewis
Charlotte Phillips
Professor Al Ross
Sarah Rushton
Sacha Smith
School of Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Academic Quality and Development
School of Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Academic Quality and Development
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
HEA Fellowship
Jason Barlow
Ian Brown
Karrie Connolly
Lee Crowther
Dr Viraj Dawarka
Kay Dawson
Dr Human Esmaeili
Yasmine Ezzeddine
Giles Gater
Tendai Goronga
Donna Graham
Rachael Grant-Smith
Nawaz Hanif
Mohammad Heydari
Sarah Irving
Dr Naveed Iqbal
Ali Jafari-Shyooyari
Lionel Jayaraj
Dr Mark Kenwright
Matt Lewis
David Murphy
Joseph Natalello
Linus Onwuemezie
Dr Chris Payne
Lucy Pointon
Andrea Reynolds
Benjamin Rimmer
Hannah Robinson
Daniel Tapley
Natasha Thomas
Christopher Topping
David Webb
Dr Andrew Wedgbury
Mahsa Zolfaghari
School of Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
School of Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Digital and Technical Services
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Academic Quality and Development
School of Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Digital and Technical Services
School of Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
School of Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Academic Quality and Development
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
School of Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Qualification Success
Academic Professional Apprenticeship
Steve Hollyman - School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
BA (Hons) Professional Management
Miriam Oxley - International Development
Certificate in Construction Project Management
Abigail Caiger - Estates and Commercial Services
Chartered Manager - Chartered Management Institute
Dr Joe Hazzam - School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
CMI Level 5 in Management and Leadership
Natalie Robinson - Student and Academic Services
CMI Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Direction and Leadership
Kieron Chadwick - School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Diploma in Professional Digital Marketing
Rebekah Whitfield-Lyne - Business Engagement
Doctor of Philosophy
Masum Billah - School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
MA Arts and Creative Technologies (by negotiated study)
Rachel Thompson - Student and Academic Services
Masters in Leadership in Policing
Lee Crowther - School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
MSc Professional Studies
Michelle Mckay - School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
PGCert in SpLDs (Dyslexia) and Assessment Practicing Certificate
Kerrie Shingler - Student and Academic Services
PhD Computer Science
Pantaleon Lutta Odongo - School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Qualification Success
PhD Nursing and Midwifery
Odunayo Kolawole Omolade - School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Postgraduate Certificate in Higher and Professional Education (PgCHPE)
Karrie Connolly - Digital and Technical Services
Production Chef Apprentice Level 2
Ashley Golsing - Estates and Commercial Services
Postgraduate Certificate in Higher and Professional Education
Lee Crowther - School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Emily Edwards - School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Jenny Hughes - School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Anika Jakhu - School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Rachel Mason - School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Sean Phillips - School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Keely Shires - School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
STUDENT-LED STAFF AWARDS
Every year, we celebrate the amazing activities that students and staff have done to make us all feel #ProudToBeStaffs.
We believe it’s important to recognise the contribution people make to ensure the student experience is the best it can be, and this year is no different.
In April we held our We are Staffs Awards Ceremony, recognising those students who had made such positive impacts within our university community, we are now thrilled to be able to also recognise university staff who have made a difference.
The following awards are an opportunity for students to highlight a member of university staff who has gone above and beyond to help and support them, and we’ve been blown away by all the stories we received.
Lecturer I’m Never Late For
Awarded to: The lecturer whose classes students wake up for and always look forward to. They make the course engaging and interesting.
Shortlisted:
Dr Justine Drakeford - School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Daniel Webster - School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Keith Wharton - School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Academic Mentor of the Year
Awarded to: An Academic Mentor who has shown great support for their students and has prioritised their academic development through approachability, consistency or innovation - or a mix of all three!
Shortlisted:
Dr Philippa Holloway - School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
James Vernon - School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Luke Emery - School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
The Best Student Experience Award
Awarded to: A member of staff who has had an exceptional impact on the student experience. This could be through organising events, working with students to resolve issues, or just all around making the student experience amazing.
Shortlisted:
Gareth Williams - School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Janet Lawton - School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Ben Woodrow-Hirst - School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Student Service of the Year
Recognition for a university or Union team which has delivered incredible service and support for students. This team has gone above and beyond to ensure a great experience, ensuring continuation of studies, and empowering students to smash through barriers that they face.
Shortlisted:
ResLife Team - Student and Academic Services
Wellbeing Team - Student and Academic Services
Media Centre Team - Digital and Technical Services
Student Voice Champion
Awarded to: A member of staff or team who has held the student voice at the forefront of everything they do, they strive to better the university experience for all students. They champion change and impact that is integral to the student voice.
Shortlisted:
Steve Hall - School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Daniel Webster - School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Chris Hawkins - School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Next Generation Engagement Research and Innovation Impact Award
The award celebrates teams or individuals who are delivering research with impact, recognising their outstanding contribution in developing our research profile and presence. We are looking for teams or individuals who can demonstrate their innovative research is benefiting our students and their studies, our communities and transforming lives together with enhancing the university’s overall research profile and reputation.
Individual Nominations
Dr Md Asaduzzaman School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Dr Human Esmaeili School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Dr Joe Hazzam School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Dr Kieran Hicks School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Dr David White School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Benjamin Williams School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Team Nominations
Gambling and Criminal Justice research team
Staffordshire Centre of Learning & Pedagogic Practice (SCoLPP) Innovators
SU:L Computing
Associate Professor Sarah Page, Sarah Plimley, Dr Jo Turner
Associate Professor Jo Basford, Gareth Barrett, Francesca Brown-Cornwall, Matt Coombe-Boxall, Alyson Jolley, Karl McCormack, Tyrone Messiah, Associate Professor Sarah Page, Associate Professor Sarah Rose, Amanda Tayler
Dr Al-Shaikhli Dhuha, Dr Zolfaghari Mahsa, Dr Shahpasand Maryam, Dr Heydari Mohammad, Dr Viraj Dawarka
Next Generation Engagement Civic and Community Impact Award
This award is to recognise those colleagues or teams who connect with others to act as a catalyst for change for our wider communities. Through their external collaborations they are supporting the university’s desire to connect with our city and region, to connect and engage with employers, to connect digitally and connecting globally through partnership. We are looking for teams or individuals who can demonstrate perhaps through an education network, research project, business engagement, enterprise or cultural exchange that we are transforming society.
Individual Nominations
Jennifer Amphlett Community and Commercial Engagement
Bradley Davis
Dave Edwards
Dr Philippa Holloway
Jamie Nicholas
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Team Nominations
Apprenticeship Business Development Team
Apprenticeship Team -
National Apprenticeship Week Events
Architecture (BArch) Course Team
CCE - Community and Commercial Engagement
Katy Chesters, Emily Evans, Maria-Louise Feenan, Levi Marshall
Katy Chesters, Emily Evans, Maria-Louise Feenan, Jack Holmes, Levi Marshall
Dr Islam Abohela and Dr James Robertson
Jenny Amphlett, Helen Bunn, Samantha Evans, Alex Morley Hewitt, Aaron Phillips, Martin Tideswell, Katie Turner, Deb Sanderson
Global Opportunities Team Steve Waterworth, Jon Disley, Wendy Pollard, Tia Luke-Quinn
Institute of Policing Entire Institute of Policing Team
Material and Make Hub (Technical Services)
National Apprenticeship Week – Apprenticeship Fair Organising Team
TEDx Delivery Team
Dave Aincham, Jo Allen, Warren Best, James Brindley, Karrie Connolly, Dave Dowler, Dave Finney, Josh Sibley, Sue Skinner, Ben Warburton
Katy Chesters, Emily Evans, Jack Holmes, Maria-Louise Feenan, Levi Marshall
Laura Allen, Mary-ann Astle, Sam Evans, Luke Fawsitt, Chris Leese, Hannah Lovatt, Nathan Riley, Deb Sanderson, Maria Scrivens, Ian Thurstan, Martin Tideswell, Klaudia Tomkowiak
Violence against Women and Girls Hub, Civic and Community Impact Award Winners 2023
Next Generation Engagement Enterprise and Business Engagement Impact Award
This award recognises teams or individuals that are focused upon delivering a step change in our business engagement and enterprise activities. Nominations may reflect the growth of enterprise, business engagement and knowledgerelated commercial development within their area, including bidding for external enterprise grants, increasing income generation from work-based learning including apprenticeships, CPD and microcredentials or growing income by delivering significant growth in commercialisation activities and opportunities such as student and graduate start-ups and spin-outs.
Individual Nominations
Bradley Davies School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Dr Alison Griffiths School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Diane Light Business Engagement
Cheryl Williams Academic Quality and Development
Jamie Tranter School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Team Nominations
EFREI Teaching Team
Games Team
Institute of Business and Innovation Marketing Academic Team
Dr Carolin Bauer, Dr Benhur Bakhtiari Bastaki, Des Keiher, Dr Mehak Memon, Robin Oldham, Ali Sadegh Zadeh
Bradley Davis, Professor Chris Headleand, Daryl Marples, Jamie Tranter
Paul Dobson, Dr Joe Hazzam, Craig Holdcroft, Phil O’Neill
OfS Wave 1 Degree
Apprenticeship Funding
Competition Project team
Mary Adams, Tina Allen, Helen Ascroft, Marie Barlow Mark Beeston, Masum Billah, Alexandra Birch, Alexander Blackett, Nikki Brough, Sally Brown, Jodie Cataldo, Katy Chesters, Charlotte Clewes, Ian Davies, Tim Davies, Rebecca Drury, Muhammad Fahad, Emily Evans, Adam Greenslade, Christopher Hanks, Jack Holmes, Marek Hornak, Nicholas Howe, Catherine Hulse, Fiona Knight, Kathryn Leflay, Diane Light, Kieran McDonald, Lisa Miceli, Nicholas Mills, Liz Myatt, Robin Oldham, Rebecca Penny, Babis Petrou, Jo Phillips, Debi Roberts, Matthew Rutter, Clare Saunders, Richard Shepherd, Keely Shires, Christopher Spencer, Rachel Stanyer, Joe Tilstone, Nigel Williams, Kelly Wilton
OfS Wave 1
Apprenticeships Project Team Marek Hornak, Diane Light
The Apprenticeship Team
Mark Beeston, Nikki Brough, Jodie Cataldo, Katy Chesters, Charlotte Clewes, Emma Davies, Rebecca Drury, Emily Evans, Maria-Louise Feenan, Jack Holmes, Fay Hutchinson, Diane Light, Levi Marshall, Liz Myatt, Jo Phillips, Joe Tilstone, Sharanya Urs
Next Generation Experience Outstanding Contribution to Learning and Teaching Award
This award recognises the academic team which has delivered an outstanding academic student experience for its students, at undergraduate level, or postgraduate level (taught or research), through a traditional route, apprenticeship, or an emerging new route such as microcredentials. The winner of such an award will have had a demonstrable impact though evidence such as retention, progression, satisfaction, achievement and employability and have some great case studies from the students on what made this an outstanding course.
Individual Nominations
Jason Barlow
Dr Benhur Bakhtiari Bastaki
Mike Beardwood
Sarah Brain
Associate Professor
Russell Campion
Philip Cooke
Bradley Davis
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Liz Deakin Digital and Technical Services
Martin Dunn Digital and Technical Services
Richard Gilmartin
George Hill
David James
Katherine James
Joshua Wales-Ferguson
Adam Martin
Jamie Nicholas
Chris Pile
Benjamin Rimmer
Carolina Salinas
Michelle Shuker
Jamie Tranter
Davin Ward
Zoe Yeomans
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Academic Quality and Development
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Team Nominations
Computing Course
Directors Dr Dave Dyke, Chris Howard, Robin Oldham
Cyber Virtualisation
Ed/ECS Course Leaders
Steve Cahill, William Hall, Chris Hawkins, Paul Wheeler
Alyson Jolley, Amanda Tayler
English Language (TESOL) Team Tia Luke-Quinn, Helen Newman, Paul Ramsay, Paul Toft
Esports Academic Teaching Team
Lecturers studying Academic Professional Apprenticeship
Paramedic Science Team
Smart Technology Technical Team
Philip Cooke, Thomas Evans, Dr Joshua Jarrett, Joshua Lindsey, Cameron Vanloo, Joshua Wales-Ferguson, Rhys Philip Cooke, Thomas Evans, Dr Joshua Jarrett, Joshua Lindsey, Cameron Vanloo, Joshua Wales-Ferguson, Rhys Williams, Ross Wilson
Josep Ortiz Beltran, Bridgett Bennett, Sarah Brain, Kieron Chadwick, Craig Holdcroft, Louise Hulme, Deana James, Ruth Leftwich, Lisa McCallister, Odunayo Kolewole Omolade, Katie Sparks, Lauren Thomson, Rhys Williams, Ross Wilson
Kirsty Apps, Sarah Bateman, Colin Bishop, Laura Birkett, Rebecca Colthup, Aron Cook, John Durham, Rachael Grant-Smith, Amy Halck, Ben Hallam, Rebecca Jenkins, Samual O'Brien, Sarah Postles, Tina Spittle, Amy Stanton, Nigel Williams
Raza Ali, Matthew Duddington, Martin Dunn, Andy Forrester, Jon Furmedge, Will Hall, Mark Hatton, Matt Mckay, Jake Parker, Niall Sloane, Pete Smith, Tom Vine, Dan Williamson
Technical Services (Broadcast) Luke Fawsitt, Christopher Leese, Richard Mortimer, Nathan Riley
Technical Services - Media & Comms Hub
Technical Services –Science
WEBO Team
Richard Amor Allan, Adam Buckeridge, Moesha Burt, Catherine Dineley, Luke Fawsitt, Daniel Haynes, Chris Leese, Nathan Riley, Alex Shenton, Ian Thurstan
Thomas Bird, Saxon Costello, Saima Hanif, Victoria McQuillan, Amy Osborne, Robin Parsons, Aimee Simmill, Leah Taylor, Jade Williams
Saara Byrne, Samantha Carless, Sally Challoner, Andrew Clowes, Shona Forrester, Hayley Hallsworth, Helen Ibrahim, Danielle Johnson, Sophie Lei, Caroline Mattock, Reanon Rushton, Rebecca Slinger, Sarah Smeilus, Lisa Tien, Anna West
Dr Sarah Rose, Outstanding Contribution to Learning and Teaching Award Winner 2023
Next Generation Education Academic Portfolio Innovation Award
This award recognises those individuals or teams who have been central to developing the academic portfolio, through the identification of an exciting new opportunity in the student recruitment market place, or the reshaping of an academic area to reflect the future needs of society, evidenced by traction in the student applications, acceptances and enrolments.
Individual Nominations
Mike Acosta
Rob Lambert
Nicholas Mills
Benjamin Rimmer
Team Nominations
Biomedical Scientist Apprenticeship Team
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Dr Grace Atobatele, Associate Professor Ian Davies, Trust Diya, Richard Halfpenny, Dr Ahmad Haidery, Hans Hinnes, Steven Jones, Baylee Jennings, Ruchi Gulati Marwah, Dave Skingsley, Jo Uncles, Andrew Whalley
Computing Department Dr Dave Dyke, Chris Howard, Dr Vahid Heydari Fami Tafreshi, Robin Oldham
Games
David Edwards, Professor Chris Headleand, Dr Kieran Hicks, David James, Davin Ward
Institute of Business and Innovation Undergraduate Team Mayowa Akinbote, Vicky Gilbert, Dr Joe Hazzam, Amanda Payne, Dr Ali Wasim
Paramedic Apprenticeships Team
Tim Davies, Gavin Johnson, Nigel Williams
Next Generation Education Outstanding Course of the Year Award
This award recognises the academic team which has delivered an outstanding academic student experience for its students, at undergraduate level, or postgraduate level (taught or research), through a traditional route, apprenticeship, or an emerging new route such as microcredentials. The winner of such an award will have had a demonstrable impact though evidence such as retention, progression, satisfaction, achievement and employability and have some great case studies from the students on what made this an outstanding course.
Team Nominations
Academic Professional Apprenticeship Team
Hons Visitor Attraction and Resort Management
Children’s Nursing Team
Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship MoD
Computer Games Design with Animation Course Team
Early Childhood Studies and Education Studies (BA Hons)
Games Design Academics
Digital and Technology Solutions Apprenticeship Team
Digital Apprenticeships Team
Healthcare Science Apprenticeship Team
Institute of Policing
Francesca Brown-Cornwall, Joyce Everall, Dr Duncan Hindmarch, Tina Richardson
Rebecca Boden, Dr Fiona Cust, Louise Hulme, Sophie Kempshall
Business Work-Based Education Officers, Tina Allen, Dr Karen Castle
Jason Barlow, Michael Beardwood, Daniel Bond, Jarrad Gittos, David James, Jamie Tranter
Dr Benhur Bakhtiari Bastaki, Dan Campbell, Associate Professor Russell Campion, Associate Professor Janet Francis, Mohammad Hasan, Phil James, Robin Oldham, Professor Mohamad Sedky
Phil James, Robin Oldham
Ian Davies, Richard Halfpenny
Saara Byrne, Samantha Carless, Sally Challoner, Andrew Clowes, Shona Forrester, Hayley Hallsworth, Helen Ibrahim, Danielle Johnson, Sophie Lei, Caroline Mattock, Reanon Rushton, Rebecca Slinger, Sarah Smeilus, Lisa Tien and Anna West
BA
Tonia Barratt, Fran Hitchen, Amanda Payne
Institute of Policing Entire Institute of Policing Team
MSc Nursing
Nursing Apprenticeship Team
ODMA Course Team
PGCE Secondary Team
Social Worker Apprenticeships Team
Social Work Degree Apprenticeship Team
Karen Adams, Helen Ashwood, Brian Bell, Natalie Dodge, Love Onuorah, James Sullivan
Jenni Beckett, Emma Colclough, Natalie Dodge, Sally Downie, Dawn Fowler, Shelley Howles, Cat Hulse, Jim Sullivan, Gemma Williams
Kieron Chadwick, Dilrukshi Dimungu Hewage, Kim Waesch, Dr Mohammed Wasim, Lynne Williams, Su Wright Lewis
Jayne Bartrop, Kate Dale, Dr Rebecca House, Rebecca Sherratt, Alicia Stephens
Rebecca Ford, Steph Jones, Megan Smith
Bridget Bennett, Sarah Brain, Stephanie Jones, Megan Smtih
Tech Partnership Dr Dave Dyke, Robin Oldham
Nursing Apprenticeship Team, Outstanding Course of the Year Award Winner 2023
Connected Colleagues
Once again, we have been trawling through your posts and shoutouts on Workvivo to look back on our highlights from the past year and reflect on some of our successes and favourite moments as we came together as a community. It is always a pleasure to see your annual highlights, and we’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for sharing your university experiences on Workvivo over the last 12 months.
In October, we marked the first anniversary of our Woodlands Day Nursery and Forest School, celebrating a whole year of delivering next generation early years education to the community of Stoke-on-Trent.
Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Martin Jones completed his 42-mile, four-hour cycle ride from Sheffield to our Stoke-on-Trent campus in aid of the University’s Horizon Fund, raising over £1,300 for The Horizon Fund.
The Student and Academic Services Team dressed up to support local charity Brighter Futures - a Stoke-on-Trentbased charity that help house rough sleepers and provide support to those who suffer with issues surrounding their mental health.
November saw our Campus and Security Team pull out the stops once again to raise money for Movember in the fight against male suicide, testicular and prostate cancer.
Unitemps visited our Staffordshire University London campus to promote the service and help our London students secure their future careers, and over 100 students, staff and members of the community came together to celebrate Diwali in style with dancing, henna, food, and crafts.
The festive season had a feel-good start in December, as members of the HSW Service User and Carer Team came together to carry out important and interesting group discussions, and to celebrate the season with some Christmas carols.
Students, staff and our local community joined us at Stoke Minster for our annual University Christmas Carol Service, delivered by University Chaplain, Revd. Mick Williams.
Members of our Library and Learning Services spent a day networking and knowledge sharing in Birmingham at the UKSG forum - a major event in the Scholarly Communications calendar, rounding off the year with the hot topic of 2023 - AI.
The new year sprang into action with the ‘Have a cuppa and a breather’ staff wellbeing event – a great initiative from the SaAS team that encouraged staff to take 10 minutes away from their desks to network with colleagues with a cake and make the world a much nicer place.
Colleagues also marched away the January blues by participating in a walk around our on-site nature reserve, to mark Time to Talk Day, the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. It was the perfect opportunity to get some fresh air, talk to friends, and find out more about our nature reserve and the important role it plays.
International Women’s Day was in March, and we marked it with a special episode of Level of Detail, featuring a line-up of extraordinary women from the Games Institute. They discussed being girls who game, working in the games industry, and one of the gaming world’s most iconic female characters, Lara Croft.
In April, 13 colleagues qualified as mental health first aiders, volunteering to wear their purple lanyards with pride. The University Chaplaincy, students, staff and friends from the community celebrated Eid in The Catalyst, with fantastic food, music and friendship.
May saw colleagues come together across our campuses to row, run, and spin a total of 1,544.79 miles for the Move in May event, organised by the Development Office to raise important funds for the Horizon Fund.
A selection of exceptional staff also brought our second TEDx event to life. Hosting a TEDx event at University of Staffordshire not only brings innovative ideas and inspiring speakers to our campus but also fosters a spirit of collaboration, learning, and growth at the event, within our community, and beyond.
June kicked off with our staff football team playing Keele University staff in a friendly match, with a fantastic result of Staffs 7 - 4 Keele. The Staff Summer Celebration took place and was our opportunity to socialise and celebrate on campus with international street food, a summer themed quiz, music, and great company!
We were also thrilled to take part in Stoke-on-Trent Pride, not just as sponsors, but by hosting a stand with our Students’ Union. Stoke-on-Trent Pride is one of the city’s most colourful and inclusive festivals, celebrating diversity and equality.
The whole university came together in July to deliver Summer Awards Ceremonies 2024, at our our London and Stoke-on-Trent campuses.
By the end of the graduation period, over 2,400 students crossed the stage to become graduates. More than 6,300 guests attended to cheer them along and celebrate their achievements, and over 200 staff came together to make this possible.
This summer, our Recruitment and Outreach Team at the London campus, in partnership with the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) based at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, held a successful East Summer School. Over three days, academics led this widening participation programme, empowering and inspiring young people aged 12 to 17 from Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets, and Waltham Forest.
With the new academic year beginning in September, staff from every area of the university were once again going above and beyond to deliver support and fun activities for our new and returning students, and it will soon be time for us to come together once again at the Autumn Awards ceremonies next month.
December will bring the University Christmas Carol Service onto campus for the first time on Tuesday 4 December, and the Winter Fair on Wednesday 4 December will once again provide an opportunity to network and support our students into the festive season. So save the dates and keep an eye out for further details on Workvivo to get involved in those, and other exciting activities throughout the year.
And remember, keep sharing your updates and images on Workvivo for a chance to be included here in next year’s brochure.
Living Our Values Award
This award recognises those individuals who excel in the contributions they make within the university. Often hidden from view but working tirelessly to do the best they can in their role, living the values and making a positive impact on the university’s position, locally and globally. Staffordshire is part of their DNA. We’re looking for individuals who reflect our core values and are: Curious and Daring in their day-to-day life at University; Ambitious and Inspirational members of our community; Brilliant and Friendly with everyone they engage with; and above all, Proud to Be Staffs.
Scott Allcock
Helen Ascroft
Mary-ann Astle
Rebecca Barton
Nadia Begum
Judith Blackband
Georgie Bowers
Shelley Burton
Alan Buckingham
Associate Professor Russel Campion
Sharon Clewes
Matt Coombe-Boxall
Paula Cottrell
Stephen Cunningham
Tim Davies
Kasia Debinska
Harjit Devgon
Tim Deville
Jamie Ditchfield
Sally Downie
Dawn Fowler
Hannah Gibbard
Tendai Goronga
Sarah Greenwood
Jane Hancock
Ross Hancock
Deb Healy
Jodie Heap
Human Resources and Organisational Development
Student and Academic Services
Marketing, Communications and PR
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Student and Academic Services
Academic Quality and Development
Student and Academic Services
Digital and Technical Services
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Digital and Technical Services
Human Resources and Organisational Development
Human Resources and Organisational Development
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Human Resources and Organisational Development
Student and Academic Services
Marketing, Communications and PR
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Human Resources and Organisational Development
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Digital, Technologies and Arts
Student and Academic Services
Human Resources and Organisational Development
Student and Academic Services
Student and Academic Services
George Hill Digital and Technical Services
Lauren Jones Student and Academic Services
Emily Kelly Student and Academic Services
Chris Leese Digital and Technical Services
Jessica Longmore
Dr Lynn Machin
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Levi Marshall Business Engagement
Louis Martin
Karl McCormack
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Liz Myatt Business Engagement
Yussuf Nisar
Staffordshire University London
Karen Payne Student and Academic Services
Azhar Raja
Joel Rawlin
Chelsey Redfern
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Student and Academic Services
Justin Rich Digital and Technical Services
Oliver Rippon
Associate Professor Sarah Rose
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Jennifer Round School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Deb Sanderson
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Candice Shaw Student and Academic Services
Jessica Shaw Student and Academic Services
Derek Sheward
Natalie Taylor
Martin Tideswell
Stephen Tonks
Digital and Technical Services
Human Resources and Organisational Development
Community and Commercial Engagement
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Amy Whitehurst Digital and Technical Services
Victoria Whitfield Student and Academic Services
Cheryl Williams Academic Quality and Development
Daniel Williamson Digital and Technical Services
Linda Wilson
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Beth Winder Student and Academic Services
Amy Witton Student and Academic Services
Sarah Woolley
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Long Service Award
Long Service Award
40 Years
Alison Pope Student and Academic Services
Long Service Award
30 Years
Sally Brown Student and Academic Services
Gillian Horwell Student Recruitment, Admissions and Partnerships
Andrea Jones Academic Quality and Development
Alasdair Macdonald Digital and Technical Services
Karen Simpson Student and Academic Services
David Skingsley School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Long Service Award
20 Years
Ian Brown School of Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Elaine Lambert Student Recruitment, Admissions and Partnerships
Richard Mortimer Digital and Technical Services
Rebecca Patten Student Recruitment, Admissions and Partnerships
Louise Reynolds School of Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Tina Richardson School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Edmund Saikul Digital and Technical Services
Catalyst for Change Outstanding Newcomer Award
This award is to recognise our new talented people who recently joined our university (within their first year). They already stand out as ‘one to watch’, with the potential to be influential in the future of University of Staffordshire, as they clearly demonstrate their ability to be a ‘catalyst for change’ through their values and behaviours, delivering positive impact.
Mike Acosta
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Muhammad Aqib Data and Business Intelligence
Lydia Breeze Student and Academic Services
Zoe Brown Student and Academic Services
Alex Boulton Digital and Technical Services
Bradley Davies School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Julie Douglas School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Mark Edwards School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Emily Evans Business Engagement
Josh Fieldhouse Student and Academic Services
Megan Finney Digital and Technical Services
Professor Catherine Flick
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Andrew Forrester Digital and Technical Services
Rebecca Horobin Student and Academic Services
Joshua Lindsey Staffordshire University London
Olivia Lowis
Dr Daryl Marples
Dr Mehak Memon
Human Resources and Organisational Development
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Babongile Ndiweni International Development
Matthew Olasubkanmi Staffordshire University London
Dr Chris Payne
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Gopikrishnan Subbiah Digital and Technical Services
Dr Ateeq Ur-Rehman
Gemma Williams
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Catalyst for Change Outstanding Leader Award
The Outstanding Leader Award is an opportunity for any colleague to nominate a leader, from any level of the organisation, who inspires them with their exceptional leadership reflected in their commitment and drive to support the core strategies of the university.
Mike Acosta
Karen Adams
Helen Ascroft
Rebecca Barton
Michael Beardwood
Associate Professor Jo Basford
Alexandra Birch
Joanna Blaiklock
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Student and Academic Services
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Student and Academic Services
Dan Bond School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Zoe Broad School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Sally Brown
Clare Briscoe
Associate Professor Russell Campion
Kim Chadwick-Reaney
Student and Academic Services
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Student Recruitment, Admissions and Partnerships
Katy Chester Business Engagement
Paula Cottrell
Kate Dale
Natalie Dodge
Nicola Edwards
Beth Finley
Amy Halck
Professor Chris Headleand
Deb Healy
Rachel Heeley
Dr Nick Howe
Human Resources and Organisational Development
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Student and Academic Services
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Dr Vahid Heydari Fami Tafreshi SU:L
David James
Marie Leeland
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Matthew Lewis Digital and Technical Services
Philip Lockett
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Christina Matthews Student and Academic Services
Kieran McDonald Human Resources and Organisational Development
Michelle Mckay
Richard Mortimer
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Digital and Technical Services
Liz Myatt Business Engagement
Miriam Oxley International Development
Sarah Postles
Dr Jim Pugh
Debi Roberts
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Heidi Robinson Digital and Technical Services
Fiona Robinson-Williams Human Resources and Organisational Development
Milena Rodriguez Guevara Staffordshire University London
Jennie Round School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Carolina Salinas Academic Quality and Development
Deborah Sanderson Community and Commercial Engagement
Alison Scattergood Student and Academic Services
Jessica Shaw
Amanda Sherratt
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Gemma Smith International Development
Rachel Thompson Student and Academic Services
Adrian Tooth School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Tracy Walker Student and Academic Services
Cheryl Williams Academic Quality and Development
Sarah Woodwark Human Resources and Organisational Development
People’s Choice Award
This award gives members of staff the opportunity to nominate a colleague or colleagues who go the extra mile to deliver excellence to our students or partners, or who can always be counted on to support their colleagues, and who makes a difference to the university.
Emma Berndt
Dan Bond
Thomas Bray
Sam Carless
Deb Cave
Janet Clewlow
Kathryn Cottis
Bradley Davis
Sharon Dawson
Sally Downie
Barbara Edwards
Matthew Evans
Amy Fegan-Shakespeare
Sarah Greenwood
Jane Hancock
Julia Hawthorn
Dr Joe Hazzam
Dr Kieran Hicks
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Student and Academic Services
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Estates and Commercial Services
Student Recruitment, Admissions and Partnerships
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
School of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Digital and Technical Services
Student Recruitment, Admissions and Partnerships
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Student and Academic Services
Business Engagement
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Digital and Technical Services
Fran Hitchen
School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Karl Kellner Marketing, Communications and PR
Emma Longshaw Student and Academic Services
Tia Luke-Quinn Student Recruitment, Admissions and Partnerships
Levi Marshall Business Engagement
Kieran McDonald Human Resources and Organisational Development
Karl McCormack School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Natasha Robert School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Fiona Robinson-Williams Human Resources and Organisational Development
Jennifer Rutter School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Victoria Searcey Marketing, Communications and PR
Kath Shenton Student and Academic Services
Sam Stevenson Estates and Commercial Services
Martin Tideswell Community and Commercial Engagement
Ian Thurston Digital and Technical Services
Su Wright-Lewis School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Linda Wilson School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation and Business
Danielle Yewdell Student and Academic Services
Dr Mahsa Zolfaghari SU:L
Vice-Chancellor’s Outstanding Contribution Award
The Vice-Chancellor’s Outstanding Contribution Award is a prestigious award category that recognises the extra responsibility and commitment that goes hand-in-hand with higher education.
Presented by Vice-Chancellor Professor Martin Jones, this award celebrates as individual or team that lives and breathes University of Staffordshire values, and has made a fundamental, positive and permanent impression to our ever-growing community of students, staff and external partners.
Roll of Honour
University ranked No 1 for games in the UK
The university has ranked 1st in the UK and 5th in Europe by GAMEducation which recognises schools with the highest employability, and the top student portfolios in video games education.
Fourteen graduates have also earned the accolade of Graduate of the Year or Post-Graduate of the Year by TIGA, the trade associate representing the UK’s video games industry.
This has been an exceptional year for games which is celebrating 20 Years of Games and which was recognised in The Rookies annual rankings as 7th in the world for Games Design and Development.
Work begins on new Student Village
The start of the ambitious two-year construction project was marked with an official groundbreaking ceremony in July.
Due for completion in 2026, the new Student Village on the University’s Leek Road site will blend contemporary and sustainable architecture with its location close to the university’s nature reserve and the River Trent.
Around 700 new student rooms will be built in cluster blocks and town houses alongside a village ‘hub’ facility. The hub will provide new social and study areas and events and wellbeing spaces, plus a roof-top terrace. An additional 300 rooms are being refurbished as part of the project in the existing Clarice Cliff Court accommodation.
University climbs up the League Tables
University of Staffordshire has welcomed its improvement in three major league tables – one of which recognises its commitment to social diversity.
The university climbed five places to 58 in the Guardian University Guide 2025, published in September, which also sees six of its subject areas ranked in the Top 10. The university ranked 3rd for Criminology; 4th for Children’s Nursing; 5th for Education and Fashion and Textiles and 7th for Media and Midwifery.
In The Mail University Guide 2025, the university also climbed five places to =66 and ranked 5th in the UK for its support of first-generation students. In the Complete University Guide published earlier this year, the university climbed 11 places.
Heist silver for Level of Detail vodcast
The university claimed a silver at the Heist Awards which recognises excellence and innovation in education marketing. The vodcast, now in its third series, is a unique collaboration between Marketing and Communications, Games department and Technical Services teams.
Judges commented: “Innovative, unique, engaging - and a perfect example of how academics can be a fantastic asset. This was a very ambitious project, but a really fun approach to content marketing that ultimately achieved amazing stats.”
Best Educational Institution at biomedical science awards
The university won the Best Educational Institution award at the inaugural Institute of Biomedical Science Awards held in London in June.
This award recognises University of Staffordshire’s sectorleading approach to educating the scientific workforce of tomorrow and supporting the development, innovation and leadership of NHS scientists.
Last year Ian Davies, Associate Professor of Biomedical Science Practice at University of Staffordshire was named National Biomedical Scientist of the Year 2023.
25 years of Gradex
GradEX launched in 1999 at the former Beaconside campus in Stafford and has evolved significantly in recent years by involving students from study disciplines across the university including those based at our London campus.
In June, more than 500 students from a diverse range of subject areas showcased their final year projects to potential employers. GradEX has also expanded its reach through an online portal which has been available to view throughout the summer.
Roll of Honour
Explorer embarks on new adventurer as Chancellor
Major Levison Wood FRSA FRGS FRSGS, VR was officially installed as the fourth Chancellor in the university’s history at a ceremony held at the University’s Catalyst building to mark Staffordshire Day.
Levison began his career as a Regular Officer in the British Parachute Regiment where he served in Afghanistan. However, his spirit for adventure has also seen him carve out a career as a best-selling author, explorer and photographer and, it was in recognition of this, that he was made an Honorary Doctor of Staffordshire University in 2017.
Major Wood takes over the ceremonial appointment from the Lord Stafford DL FRags who proudly served the university as Chancellor since 2014. Lord Morris of Handsworth and Lord Ashley of Stoke have previously served as Chancellors of the University.
Crowned Nurse Education Provider of the Year (pre-registration)
The university won the prestigious category at the Student Nursing Times Awards 2024 in recognition of its BSc (Hons) Nursing Practice (Child) course.
The judges recognised the university’s commitment to both the programme and students through teaching, research and extracurricular activity such as charity work.
They commented: “The relationships our winner has with its students demonstrates the nurturing environment it develops, enabling a positive learning environment and deepening understanding. Our winner’s presentation showed that its programme cares about its students. Well done!”
Students and staff at University of Staffordshire were also shortlisted for Student Nurse of the Year: Children, Student Innovation in Practice and Nursing Associate Programme of the Year.
University secures funding to grow degree apprenticeships
In January the university secured more than £974,000 from a £12 million Government funding pot to enable the next phase of apprenticeship development.
The university is one of the largest providers of degree apprenticeships in the country and in February it scooped a
national award for its police apprenticeships at the Annual Apprenticeships Conference.
It was announced overall winner in Protective Services Apprenticeships Provider of the Year category for its work with Staffordshire Police, Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police on the delivery of the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA).
TEF ranking recognises very high quality of provision
The university ranked Silver in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) recognising that its provision is ‘very high quality’.
The TEF panel recognised “the university’s approach to embedding teaching, feedback and assessment practices that are highly effective and tailored to supporting students’ learning, progression and attainment” as outstanding.
The TEF 2023 ratings is a national scheme run by the Office for Students (OfS) that aims to incentivise excellence in teaching, learning and student outcomes.
The university has been judged Silver overall as well as Silver in the Student Experience and Student Outcomes categories, recognising that “typically the experience students have at Staffordshire University and the outcomes it leads to are very high quality.”
A rise of 36 places in sustainability league table
The People & Planet ranks UK universities for environmental and ethical performance. Our University was categorised as a 2:1 class university, placing it 54th out of 150 institutions, in recognition of its commitment to sustainability.
The 2023-24 league table assessed institutions on 14 sustainability categories, including environmental strategy and policy, waste and recycling, managing carbon and carbon reduction.
University of Staffordshire scored 100 per cent in environmental policy, acknowledgement of its publicly available policy and clear sustainability strategy, as well as notably high scores of 80% for staff and student engagement and carbon reduction.
