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WELCOME TO THE BUAFTAS 2016

I am delighted to welcome you to the ninth annual Birmingham
University Awards for Tremendous Achievement (BUAFTAs) gala
evening, where the outstanding achievements of our Professional
Services staff are recognised and celebrated.
I am delighted to welcome you to the ninth
annual Birmingham University Awards for
Tremendous Achievement (BUAFTAs) gala
evening, where the outstanding achievements
of our Professional Services staff are
recognised and celebrated.
Our Professional Services staff are a great
asset to the University and the BUAFTAs are an
excellent reminder of the hard work undertaken
to support our breadth of activities. Our
teamwork and dedication allow the University
to continue to thrive and be successful.

Menu
Starter
Pickled beetroot and St Maure Ash goats cheese
Green apple puree, watercress salad and balsamic dressing
Main
Supreme of chicken
Baby onion, button mushrooms, buttered spinach and
fondant potato. Tarragon red wine sauce
Roast red pepper polenta (V)
Moroccan spiced vegetables, green beans
and balsamic dressing
Dessert
Rich chocolate Tart
Mulled fruit compote and mascarpone

I am delighted that this year there were more

than 750 BUAFTA nominations submitted
across all areas of the University, and the quality
of those nominations was better than ever. This
clearly recognises the outstanding impact our
staff make in their roles individually, in teams and
across our wider community. Congratulations
to all those nominated and especially to those
shortlisted this evening. Within this programme
you will find more information about all of
tonights stars and their achievements.

Of course we would be unable to celebrate

such accomplishments without the hard work
of the people who have made tonights gala
possible. I would like to thank our judges for
selecting tonights stars, our sponsors for their
continued support, our committee and
champions for organising and promoting the
awards, and to everyone who took the time
to recognise outstanding achievement by
nominating a colleague or team to let them know
that they make a real difference. Your support
is valued.
This year we are pleased to be raising money
for Childhood Cancer Research at the University
of Birmingham with our charity raffle. 100% of
proceeds go to the work of Dr Frank Mussai,
UoB academic and clinician at the Birmingham
Childrens Hospital, who is testing a new drug
that could save lives. I urge you to do so to
support this worthy cause.

I WISH YOU ALL A WONDERFUL EVENING AND WOULD LIKE TO

AGAIN CONGRATULATE ALL OUR 2016 BUAFTA STARS.
Best wishes,

Lee Sanders

BUAFTAs 2016

We have seen more than 750 nominations this year, highlighting the
fantastic support and recognition of the awards across the University
with so many of our staff and students inspired to nominate.
Throughout tonights BUAFTA celebrations we will be highlighting
both the University and the city of Birmingham. We hope you enjoy
the evening.

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Started in 2008, they are now in their ninth year and are a muchanticipated part of the Universitys calendar

HEIGHTS ARE A
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The Birmingham University Awards For

Tremendous Achievement celebrate the
exceptional work of Professional Services
staff across the University.

Our host

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Rachel New
Rachel New co-hosts the Breakfast Show on Heart FM,
and is an emerging writer.

@BUAFTAs
facebook.com/BUAFTAs

The Birmingham Professional

The BUAFTAs are a highlight of the Birmingham Professional calendar, as they celebrate
achievement across the full breadth of Professional Services.
The Birmingham Professional affirms our commitment to Professional Services staff. It is for
everyone who works in Professional Services, irrespective of grade, where they are located in
the University, or role. This includes support staff, academic-related staff, senior managers,
technical staff, administrative staff, catering, estates, cleaning and grounds staff, nursery staff
and security officers across all levels of the University.
The Birmingham Professional aims to help you to understand the context in which you work,
to grow and develop in your current role, to connect with your peers, and to make the most
of the opportunities that are available to you. It does this by bringing together a range of
activities, including networking events, workshops, communities of practice and development
opportunities. You can find out more using our Resource Hub accessed via the Intranet.

In 2014 Rachel graduated from University of Birmingham with a distinction in her

Creative Writing MA and is currently studying for a PhD in Creative Writing. Rachel
has been resident writer at the Birmingham Literature Festive in 2013 and 2014,
where she undertook the challenges Ten Day Sentence which saw her write a
novella in 10 days, and One Page Wonders, 100 short stories produced to order
in the public glare of the Library of Birmingham.

This years charity

Raffle

This years raffle is supporting Childhood Cancer Research at the University of

Birmingham. When you buy a ticket you offer hope to children suffering with cancer
for whom chemotherapy hasnt worked. 100% of proceeds go to the work of Dr
Frank Mussai, UoB academic and clinician at the Birmingham Childrens Hospital,
who is testing a new drug that could save lives.

To support this years charity you can buy

tickets to win one of our fantastic raffle prizes:

Fighting Childhood Cancer

More than 1500 children are diagnosed with cancer in the UK every year.
This equates to more than 30 young people each week, and means that
around 1 in 500 children will suffer from some form of cancer before they
reach 14 years of age. Urgent action is required.

Ambers Story
Amber was just a year old when she was diagnosed with acute myeloid
leukaemia (AML), one of the most devastating forms of blood cancer. After
initially responding well to chemotherapy, her condition rapidly worsened.
Just five months after Amber had been diagnosed, her parents were told
that doctors had run out of treatment options. Tragically, Amber passed
away on 5th March 2011. One cannot begin to imagine her parents grief
at losing their child, yet their response was truly inspiring. They donated
a sample of Ambers blood to a team of cancer scientists led by Dr Frank
Mussai. This gave Dr Mussai invaluable new insights into the way that
cancer affects the immune system, and in particular revealed that cancer
cells are addicted to a particular nutrient called arginine. This kind of
discovery can take years or even decades to accomplish. It has shaped
Dr Mussais research ever since, and he is now on the cusp of developing
a new form of treatment for childhood cancer using the bodys own
immune system. This would be the most fitting tribute to the courage that
Amber showed during her short life, as well as her parents astonishing
selflessness and resolve.

We may not be able to stop cancer from developing, but we can help
children to overcome it by creating revolutionary new treatments. Dr Frank
Mussai and his team are doing just that. His research is investigating the
mechanisms that enable cancer to switch off the human immune system,
leaving the body defenceless. In simple terms, the research has two
principal goals: firstly, to establish how cancer suppresses the immune
response, and secondly to develop drugs that reactivate this response by
starving cancer cells of the arginine that they need to survive. This
approach is typical of the teams dual focus, which combines cutting-edge
science with an unwavering focus on clinical practice. The immune system
is an incredibly powerful tool. It kills bacteria and viruses, and protects us
against a huge range of threats. In theory it should be able to kill cancer
cells, but for some reason it does not. Rectifying this flaw in natures design
would be a momentous advance in medical science, and would unlock the
door to a world of life-saving cures and innovative therapies.

n Tour of BBC Studios

n B&B for one night at Conference Park

n 2 bottles of Champagne

n Warwick Castle Tickets x 4

n Restaurant Voucher for 2 at Carters Michelin* Restaurant, Moseley

n Signed Aston Villa Memorabilia

n Winterbourne House Tour of House and Garden and Afternoon

n Key Travel Eurostar a pair of tickets for travel to Paris,

Tea for 2 people

n Additional Days leave
n Use a new car for a week from SG Fleet
n Highfields Beauty 50 voucher for any of their treatments,
valid for 12 months

Dont miss the chance to buy your raffle ticket

tonight from a BUAFTA champion look out
for the yellow sashes!

Brussels or Lille, with tickets valid until November 16

n 100 cash
n Presentation box of 5 small different colour/scented candles
n Breakfast at Selly Sausage

and more!

Who made BUAFTAs 2016 possible

Our Judges

The BUAFTAs are the result of hard work and dedication by a committee and
support teams made up of volunteer representatives from across the University.

This years BUAFTA shortlist was drawn up by our judging

panel who have been brought together to represent a spread
of views and experience from across the University.
Our Judges
Daisy Lindlar, Stuart Richards, Catherine Wardius,
Alessandro Mottura, Professor Myra Nimmo,
Sarah Jeffery, Chris Campbell-Kelly

Our Committee

Left image
Charlotte Whetton, Laura Fairbanks,
Peter Hazelwood, Linda Hunter,
Kevin Herbert, Tom Stanasiuk,
Olivia Kew-Fickus, Katie Stone

Our Champions
We are very grateful to all of our BUAFTA Champions for their efforts
this year; the Awards would not be a success without their support.
Our Champions help to promote the nomination period, encouraging
nominations from staff and students, as well as selling raffle tickets to
colleagues, friends and families in support of our chosen charity.

Right image
Miruna Stecoza, Stuart Panrucker,
Laura Forrest, Anna Shierson,
Alberto Guglielmi, Fran Peach

Our Champions
Back row, left to right
Sarah Stimpson, Kevin Shepherd, Sindhu Patil,
Sophie Kusicka, Richard Clayton, Nisha Williams,
Ali Wright, Rachel McCairn, Karina Smith.
Jonathon Face, Kim Ekste
XXXXXXXXX

Front row, left to right

Becki Timmings, Helen Webb,
Sandra Hayes, Yvonne Mullan-Evans
XXXXXXXXX

Not in photo
Stuart Panrucker, Fran Peach. Mark Clayton,
Lovely Mwambazi, James Hall, Charlotte Smith
XXXXXXXXX

Our Support Team

Jon Winterbourn, Lesley Driscoll, Charlotte Bowles, Monica Guise, Nicola Cartwright,
Fiona Newell, Charlotte Gill, Tamzin Knox, Lucy Guest, Javed Rehman

Team of the Year

Recognising a team that is acknowledged as high performing and
that works exceptionally well as a team, using the skills of all members
productively. Teams may be formal or ad hoc, functional or multifunctional/cross-institutional, and permanent or temporary.

Our finalists
Postgraduate Virtual Open Day (PGVOD) project team
External Relations
The team has developed a sector leading platform that is tailored to the needs
of prospective postgraduate applicants by offering a suite of interactive,
discipline-focused online material. The platform allows the University to offer
professional online presentations alongside physical events. Developing live,
pre-recorded or on-demand events provides additional and attractive
information to drive and maintain engagement with prospective students.
The new platform has improved access to accurate programme information,
taster lectures, and timetables. Short films presented by current postgraduates
and alumni talk about their motivations for study, their feedback on and
satisfaction with our PG programmes, and their career outcomes. The targeted
use of existing UoB postgraduate students working as advocates can
improve the student experience by offering mentoring and peer-to-peer advice
sessions to prospective postgraduates. The platform is been praised for its
innovative and informative content by both academic programme leads and
prospective students.

Sports Maintenance team

Estates
The Sports Maintenance Team prepared and maintained the Bournbook
rugby pitch to a world class standard to host South Africa during the
Rugby World Cup. Stringent testing was carried out over 16 months, the
pitch was prepared to an even higher standard than necessary, and on a
par with world class stadia including Wembley and Twickenham. In the
build up to the South African team arriving the team worked 3 consecutive
weekends, preparing and repairing the pitch.
The Rugby World Cup committee were so impressed with what they had
achieved that they commented its like someone has picked up
Twickenham and dropped it in Birmingham! This alone will have spread
word of the Universitys ability to host world class sporting events.

Portering Team
Hospitality and Accommodation Services
The Porters team were commended by a variety of departments within the
University. They make things happen, they are pleasant to work with and they
undertake jobs that others dont want to do. They are often in the background
and unseen but they do an excellent job. In going above and beyond for us
on high pressure events they show the University in a very good light for our
external stakeholders.
Working well together, the team are happy to help in a friendly and
welcoming way, adding to the positive experience that we hope our visitors
will have with us whilst they are on campus.

CoSS Strategic Framework Team

College of Social Sciences
The team has worked together to create a College strategy that will
support the new University Strategic Framework 20152020. They have
taken this to an excellent level by creating a digital resource that ensures
that the CoSS intranet and supporting content is best in class. They
demonstrated excellent project management skills, creativity and
collaboration across the College to ensure that the strategy supports the
four pillars of Research, Education, Influence and Resources and will
deliver the goals of the University whilst giving staff clear direction and
support over the next five years. They have created a digital platform which
is innovative and inspirational and showcases our vision. The team have
created a template and set a standard that has enabled other Colleges
to follow suit and deliver on their aspirational strategies.

Birmingham Quran Project

Hospitality and Accommodation Services, External Relations, Academic
Services and the College of Arts and Law
The Birmingham Quran Exhibition drew in expertise from HAS, External
Relations, Academic Services and the College of Arts and Law. The project
team incorporated specific areas of expertise from corporate services to deliver
the maximum impact possible. Working collaboratively the team managed all
aspects of exhibition delivery exhibition content, graphic design, press
coverage, ticketing, security, facilities management and customer experience.
The three week exhibition was visited by 8212 individuals plus 592 school
students. As part of school sessions, 26 talks were delivered. Exhibition
facilitators were recruited from existing students and trained in the Cadbury
Research Library. International visitors came from as far afield as the United
States, Kuwait, Dubai, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Sponsored by Couch Perry Wilkes

Couch Perry Wilkes was founded on a philosophy of delivering buildings with passion, creativity
and technical expertise, and we specialise in designing and integrating the full range of energy
solutions into existing and new buildings. We aim to deliver energy efficient schemes that are
financially and environmentally sustainable. We are delighted to support the University
of Birmingham in sponsoring the Team of the Year Award.

Exceptional Customer Service

Recognising an individual who makes the University a better place to work.
This may include those who maintain our physical environment, ensure
compliance, support others in delivering their roles, or perform other functions
whose importance and value may only be widely noticed in their absence.

Our finalists
Samuel Ingram
Academic Services
As Project Manager, Sam has played an integral role in the move to the new
Aston Webb Student Hub. This was a complex project involving multiple teams
moving from a number of locations across campus during a critical time period
as teams prepared for Welcome. Sam had the unenviable role of balancing the
need to move teams quickly and efficiently to ensure continuity of service for
students/colleagues, with the challenges of moving into a completely new
environment.
Sam took an active role in all aspects of the move, quickly becoming known as
the go to person for any Hub-related query. Sam ensured these were dealt
with quickly and held colleagues and suppliers to high standards. He regularly
went above and beyond to make the move go as smoothly as possible,
whether it was carrying crates, installing PCs or staying over weekends to
ensure everything happened as it should.

Stephanus Sanjaya
Hospitality and Accommodation Services
Stephanus always offers exemplary service, whether in the VCs suite,
in Staff House or in the Hospitality Suite at Muirhead Tower. He is
always immaculately turned out, endeavours to use the customers
names at all times and remembers their quirks, dietary requirements and
drink requirements. Over the past year he has started running functions,
and taking more responsibility. He always receives great feedback.

BIA Administration Team

Academic Services
During an exceptionally busy summer, the BIA Admin Team have
supported students and teachers alike in an outstandingly friendly and
efficient way. This year, the Birmingham International Academy has
transitioned from its previous existence as EISU. Alongside the managerial
reshaping that this has entailed, the BIA Admin Team have needed to
contend with new government regulations on the IELTS test and changing
VISA policies. They have been flexibly supporting ISAS during a very hectic
summer and have dealt with an increased number of applications from
prospective students in a tremendous way.

Shaun Willetts
IT Services
Shaun exemplifies excellent customer service, consistently going the extra
mile to ensure staff members and students alike receive the best possible
service when experiencing IT difficulties. Shaun approaches every instance
amiably and professionally, always explaining his intervention and outlining
steps that can be taken to avoid similar problems in future.
Shauns proactive approach is matched by his enthusiasm for ensuring
jobs are done right first time, and his expertise in a seemingly limitless array
of technical areas.

Stephanus is always charming and polite, and customers love him!

Adam Walker
Estates
Adam has been working with colleagues in Student Accommodation, HAS
to implement a new card access system for student bedrooms and flat
doors. The first site to go live was Chamberlain, with 726 bedrooms
which opened in September. Adam has been working with the team on
this high profile project for over 2 years in getting the specification drawn
up, presentations from interested companies, and a review of tender
submissions to selecting the preferred supplier. The system also had to
interface with the accommodation software system which was a first for
this particular type of technology. Adam spent many hours over and above
his normal working hours supporting the team with his knowledge of door
access to ensure the best possible outcome.

Sponsored by GV Multi-media
GV Multi-media are a national Audio Visual Solutions Provider, with many years experience
in the design, supply and installation of AV. As a major supplier to the University of Birmingham
for many years, GV are again delighted to sponsor the Team Player of the Year award.

Newcomer of the Year

Recognising a recently-appointed individual who has been pro-active in implementing
better practice, or who has had a positive effect within a department, generating
results in a relatively short time. Consideration will be given to those who have moved
to a new role, as well as those who have recently joined the University.

Our finalists
Michelle Arnold
College of Arts and Law
Michelle has embedded into the fabric of a diverse School extremely quickly,
with acceptance from all staff. She is highly valued and has ingratiated her
role through support and understanding whilst encouraging change.
Michelle has managed to exceed her objectives in timetabling bringing
forward her achievements to within her first year rather than her second.
She is a key support to the Head of Quality and was instrumental in the
HER return. Her submission, along with one other, was used as a best
practice template for other Schools within CAL.

Deanne Brettle
Life and Environmental Sciences
On just 0.4 of a full-time post and from a standing start, Deanne
organised, sustained, and enlarged a stakeholder base of Birmingham
academics, external research partners, and research end-users for one
of the universitys landmark research initiatives. With no previous
experience in Higher Education, and so in the middle of a steep learning
curve, Deanne offered immediate and ongoing help with activities that
she could easily have left to academic colleagues. By simplifying our story
and relating it back always to things we all like to see, smell and touch,
Deanne has enabled the Institute to reach young children in ways that are
far more appropriate than anything suggested by the academics. Applying
real creative flair to the design of our promotional material, Deanne has
also greatly improved the Institutes reach out into the general public,
the private sector, government, and non-governmental organisations.

Josefine Susann Frank

Academic Services
Josefine has won a large grant to enable work on the Mingana Collection,
the universitys collection of middle eastern manuscripts, which includes
the Birmingham Quran. Josefine has been cataloguing the collection online
to make it more visible to scholars. She has been working with community
groups and schools to increase awareness of the manuscripts and
encourage a wider group of people to visit the university and take
advantage of its cultural collections. Josefine has organised the exhibition
of the Birmingham Quran, which has attracted a high level of public
interest and enthusiasm. Josefines level of commitment, professionalism
and expertise in all she does is a credit to the university

Gavin David James Harper

Engineering and Physical Sciences
Gavin joined the University January 2015 as Energy Development
Manager. This was soon after the creation of the Birmingham Energy
Institute. He has established himself as the go to energy person in
the University. He has not only been key in the delivery of the publicity
material (website content, brochures, event organisation) but has led the
organisation of the Policy Commission on Cold, the coordination of the
report writing, production and writing of elements of the content. He has
worked night and day and through illness to deliver a very high quality
report which will place the University in the leading position in this sector
from a policy perspective. The rapid acceleration from someone completely
new to the University to mastery of the system, with effective exploitation
marks him out as someone with an impressive career ahead.

Anne Simper
Finance
Anne has quite simply rejuvenated the role of Business engagement
partner, bringing not only a wealth of experience but crucially a very
positive and infectiously optimistic attitude.
Her colleagues say she brings an energy and a dynamism that is infectious.
Anne has succeeded in re-engaging a broad range of staff who has in the
past tried to engage with industry but had little success. Her enthusiasm
and tenacious approach has meant that this has paid off.

Sponsored by Pertemps
With over 50 years experience, Pertemps are specialists in the supply of commercial, professional
and industrial recruitment throughout the UK. They are delighted to be in partnership with the
University of Birmingham, providing recruitment solutions for all their staffing needs. Pertemps
are delighted to sponsor the Best Newcomer Award.

Exceptional Change Leadership

Recognising an individual or a team who has led or significantly contributed
to the successful implementation of change at the University, whether the
introduction of something new or the overhaul of an existing activity.

Our finalists
Open Access Advocacy
Strategic Planning
Karen and Suzanne have together been visiting Colleges, Schools and
departments to promote a better understanding of the Open Access
requirements for REF, and to show academic colleagues how they can
achieve compliance, which is essential for the next REF. Requirements are
complex and achieving buy-in challenging, given the change in behaviours
required of academics. Karen and Suzanne have presented the message
clearly and compellingly, answered the endless questions raised patiently,
and followed up where required with individual academics. In short, they have
made a difficult and unwelcome message much clearer for academic
colleagues to understand and easier for them to comply with.

Mary Li
Engineering and Physical Sciences
In 2015, the College of EPS proposed the unification of the three School of
Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering into one School of Engineering.
Mary was responsible for reviewing and remodelling the entire teaching
support function of the three existing Schools (involving c 30 staff) and, once
the proposals were approved, undertaking the formal consultation exercise
and appointment of staff to new roles. Marys work was informed by her role
on the Professional Services Transition Group and her role as Secretary to
the CAL Review of Professional Services; the latter was a role which she
was invited to undertake by the Director of Operations in CAL because of
her professionalism, knowledge and expertise.

Dee Drapkin
Academic Services
Dee led on the office move for Careers Network (a team of circa 60 staff)
to the new Student Hub. Dee made the experience an inclusive and
transparent one, getting a CN staff hub move working group together
(featuring representation from each CN team) to discuss and identify both
potential issues and possible solutions. She established a number of
different communication channels for sharing information, such as a
dedicated white-board (in one of our communal areas) on which staff could
add questions and receive a response. For Careers, there were several
specific logistical complications such as the fact we had occupied our
old offices for a considerable number of years; we have a large amount of
printed and promotional materials; the BRP Team had a fixed deadline for
moving in; and we have a large number of staff who work part-time or
have to take A/L over the summer.

LSS-MDS Realignment Change Team

College of Medical and Dental Sciences
The Life Sciences Strategy (LSS) MDS Change Team ensured effective
delivery of the very significant operational and business systems changes
required to ensure implementation of the new MDS academic structure
approved by UEB. The work was undertaken in addition to core business
delivery and in a period of considerable transition for many staff. Large
volumes of complex information for all 1600 MDS staff and their associated
research and teaching activity was remapped, including Institute alignment,
research grants, cost centres, access to student records systems etc. The
work was delivered in partnership with key academic and professional
services stakeholders and communicated widely.

James Kelly (Institute of Clinical Sciences)

College of Medical and Dental Sciences
James has been instrumental in effecting great change among 80+ academics
in getting them to use wifi Tablets for live assessment and feedback to
clinical dental students treating their patients at the Dental Hospital. He has
achieved this through exemplary lateral leadership , dealing confidently and
supportively with a full range of academic personality types and seniorities.
Although nominally employed as an expert in App software development,
and instrumental in designing the Clinical and Assessment Feedback
System (CAFS), he has moved far beyond this narrow skill into the role of
Champion for a new technology that initially had much fear of change
opposition from our clinical teachers.
CAFS is now a fully established and integrated tool that has collected over
200,000 grades and feedback-to-students comments.

Robinson Low Francis LLP

Robinson Low Francis are proud of their 20 year involvement on the University Campus and their
contribution to many of the major development projects including Muirhead Tower, the Business
School, the Materials and Metallurgy building and, most recently, the new Indoor Sports Centre.
Better known on campus and beyond as RLF, this organisation mainly provides quantity surveying
and cost consultancy services to the University as part of the Universitys Quantity Surveying
Framework Agreement, but they also provide other construction related consultancy services.
Robinson Low Francis are delighted to be sponsoring the Vice-Chancellors Award.

Excellent Support for Teaching and Learning

Recognising an individual or team who makes a significant contribution to
ensuring that teaching and learning is of the highest standard. For example this
could involve support for curriculum development or educational environments,
staff development, technical support or other teaching and learning support.

Our finalists
Kelly Chilton-Davies
Engineering and Physical Sciences
The performance of the School of Physics in the National Student Survey
(NSS) has over the last 4 years been consistently high. The teaching
support office is the main contact point for the students in resolving
organisational issues and is the key component in ensuring that the School
runs smoothly from the teaching perspective.

Robert Hall
Life and Environmental Sciences
Bob came to the University as a trainee and has devoted his life work to
the support of teaching. His knowledge of his subject is first rate and will
approach all tasks with the same enthusiasm and expertise. Bob is always
coming up with ideas how teaching practical skills can be delivered and is
highly thought of from all of his colleagues. Many of his colleagues are
amazed at his knowledge and experience.

Kelly has held together the teaching support provided to the School under
this period of enormous pressure, working above and beyond. Her endless
positivity and resilience got the School through a difficult period with an
unblemished NSS record.

Bob was instrumental in support to final year students under taking research
projects which included building a seal skeleton from what was basically a
large bag of bones.

Helen Evans
College of Medical and Dental Sciences
Helen is the human form of OK Google where the department MSc
courses are concerned. Her knowledge of the complexity of options that a
student can take is unrivalled, enabling students to can get the best out of
the course.

Denise Thomson
College of Medical and Dental Sciences
Denise has introduced new administrative procedures to streamline the
administrative burden of this complex MSc programme which has several
different cohorts, plus CPD students, on its modules at the same time.
The programme has had a number of different administrators over the last
few years, all with different systems of working, who have stored information
in different places. Denise has taken the initiative and produced standardised
templates for letters, mail merges to generate lecturer invites from timetables
and better systems for tracking the progress of students, all of which has
meant that the programme runs more efficiently.

Helen has encouraged students to think about different choices that would
be beneficial for them. A student who graduated in the summer on the back
of Helens suggestion quoted completing the MSc was a critical factor to
enable me to undertake a change in my role with my current employer.

Ruth German
College of Social Sciences
Ruth single-handedly has supported the team of Liberal Arts and Natural
Sciences staff and also the students for over a year. Not only has Ruth
been instrumental is helping this programme to become established, but
she provides us all with individual support on a daily basis. Ruth is generally
the person who both staff and students go to with their problems and she
always helps in a calm and friendly manner.
Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences is a unique programme in that it is very
complex and involves a good understanding of how all the schools in the
University work and requires a good working relationship with all of these
people. Ruth manages this very successfully, even when dealing with
difficult tasks and she always does it with a smile!

Sponsored by Mr Brendan Casey, Director of

Academic Services and College Administration

The Student Experience Award

Recognising an individual or team whose work helps to create a distinctive,
high-quality and enhanced student experience at Birmingham. Consideration
will be given to those who work directly with students as well as those who
work behind the scenes.

Our finalists
The Raymond Priestley Centre
Hospitality and Accommodation Services
The creation of powerful learning experiences that students enjoy and from
which they develop inter personal skills are crucial for effective team work
that they can use back on campus and in future employment.
This is facilitated by Centre staff who have created a learning environment
in which students feel confident to step out of their comfort zone, take on
responsibility, challenge themselves and extend their skill base.
Comments from staff and students clearly indicate that the time spent at the
Centre has been highly valued. The Centres commitment to delivering high
quality programmes has provided a fantastic experience for students, with
98.8% of feedback forms indicating overall satisfaction with their visit to
the Centre.

The Welcome Weekend Maintenance Team

Estates
Moving to a University is a big step for many young people and the transition
is made much easier for them with the Maintenance Welcome Weekend
Team sorting out any problems quickly with appliances, fixtures and fittings
in their accommodation. The Team work tirelessly every year for long hours
over this weekend to give the new students the best service possible and a
memorable and impressionable welcome to the campus.
Parents and students will make a decision on what the University has to
offer as soon as they arrive to drop off their son/daughter for their first time
at University. What they perceive in the first few moments of arriving and the
service they are given will help them to decide what they think of the
University and what it is offering their child/themselves.

Vicki Phillips
Academic Services
Countless disabled students whose cases might otherwise have been lost
within such a large institution, or who might otherwise have been disadvantaged
through having to interrupt their studies while their cases were resolved, or have
dropped out altogether, have been enabled to achieve their academic potential
thanks to Vickis excellent work. Single-handedly, she protects the institution
from any exposure to the risk of litigation under the Equality Act by ensuring
these cases are resolved fairly and without any delay.
The clarity and accuracy of the information she provides allows obstacles
affecting our students registration to be resolved swiftly meaning that any
interruption to their studies can often be avoided or enabling them to get back
on track with their studies with the minimum delay. She is a shining example of
how one individuals performance behind the scenes can benefit the mental
health of the student community as a whole.

Adrian Powney
College of Arts and Law
Adrian is a fine example of a true professional. He works tirelessly hard to
promote SHaCs welfare team, and promotes the importance of diversity
throughout the College. His pro-active approach has helped students to
deal with difficulties, and Im convinced has helped many to stay on at
University to complete their degrees. I see him as our unsung hero, who is
naturally kind, and cares so much about helping those who are the most
vulnerable at our University. His work was highlighted by the panel of The
Times Leadership and Management Award as one of the significant reasons
as to why the team won the Outstanding Departmental Administration
Team award 2015.

Sally Schofield
Engineering and Physical Sciences
Sally is the Admissions Tutor for the School of Mathematics but works
above and beyond her remit to provide a fantastic student experience for
current students enhancing the student experience tremendously which
impacts positively on the NSS. Sally initiated a School trip to Coniston and
due to the popularity of student attendance this is now an annual event for
the School. This year will be the fourth year and includes UG, PGT and
PGR students. Sally organises gatherings for International students to
enhance their student experience by providing further opportunities for the
students to become familiar with the programme of study and the learning
that takes place within the School. Sally make applicants and current
students feel welcome, she encourages and allows each student to have
the best experience.

Sponsored by sgfleet UK Limited

sgfleet are a professional fleet management company and are the providers of the University
of Birminghams Fuel Efficient Car Lease Scheme. The name of the scheme is Novalease,
which is a cost and tax effective way of obtaining a new car and enjoying all the benefits of hassle
free motoring that this brings, including excellent fuel efficiency. sgfleet are delighted to sponsor
the Idea of the Year Award.

Excellent Support for Research

Recognising an individual or team whose work supports attracting, delivering,
or promoting high-quality research or research impact. Consideration will be
given to those who work directly with academic staff and/or students as well
as those whose role indirectly supports research.

Our finalists
David Boardman
Finance
David has worked tirelessly to co-ordinate and organise the research groups
within EPS in to clusters with a clear focus that can be understood by both
internal and external stakeholders. The prime example of this being the
Birmingham Energy Insitute (BEI), however Davids influence is strategically
important projects of scale extends beyond energy in to rail, infrastructure
and in the China market. The vision, laterall thinking, dedication and
enthusiasm shown by David is outstanding and a sets an excellent example
to colleagues in professional services and academia alike.
The Energy Research Accelerator project is a major regional government
initiative led by the Treasury. The coordination provided by David and the
careful, rigorous, approach to getting the detail right and building consensus
has helped build confidence around this project. The ERA investment will see
step change in the energy research capability, new facilities, staff and
enhanced revenue streams from industry, EPSRC, Horizon2020 and
Innovate-UK.

David Evans (RIS)

College of Social Sciences
David has been at the forefront of Research Support in CoSS for a number
of years, facilitating research and impact activities for academic colleagues,
and stewarding team members to always strive to go the extra mile. Having
recently been promoted to Research Support Partner, he has steered
the team through a period of significant change due to high staff turnover
and departmental restructuring. The CRSOs reputation for success and
excellent customer service has been kept in tact throughout this period,
and it is testament to Davids strong leadership that changes behind the
scenes have gone almost unnoticed across the CRSOs core customer
base, with no drop in service delivery. An example of the outstanding
support David offers the team was witnessed recently when he voluntarily
devoted his own time to helping a temporary team member reaching the
end of their contract to apply for new roles.

Anna Lawson (Clinical Trials CCTU)

College of Medical and Dental Sciences
Annas commitment to ensuring that the University of Birmingham continues
to be the leading UK institution in the delivery of clinical trials for children
with cancer can be evidenced by her contribution to a recent successful
European Commission Horizon 2020 application. Anna worked tirelessly on
behalf of her academic colleagues to ensure that the Chiltern application
was of outstanding quality and submitted on time despite very tight
deadlines. This resulted in the University leading on a successful 7.9million
Euro award (which we believe is the largest EC award granted to the
University). Her attitude and commitment to her work and the delivery of
clinical trials for children with cancer should be commended.

Sally Wiley
Finance
The University has established a formal collaboration with the European
Commissions Joint Research Centre (JRC), the in-house scientific service
of the Commission, which employs over 2000 scientists.
From scratch and no prior experience, Sally was instrumental in developing
this relationship.
Thanks to her, it grew within a short time from a discovery roundtable to a
legally-binding 3-year collaboration agreement, signed by Professor
Eastwood in Oct 2014 in Brussels. It was unheard of within the JRC and a
big reputational coup for Birmingham.
Since then, it has grown into a substantial body of work with Sally
continuing to initiate targeted activities. In particular, Sally has been central
in ensuring actions actually took place. All involved agree that little would
have happened without this driving force behind everyone.

Jennie Young
College of Medical and Dental Sciences
Jennie is a Trial Coordinator in the Breast Trials Group within the Cancer
Research UK Clinical Trials Unit (CRCTU). She is responsible for a
government funded clinical trial called LORIS, which aims to reduce
unnecessary breast surgery. LORIS is a complex and particularly high
profile project, attracting both national and international interest, which
was recently mentioned in the acclaimed TIME magazine.
Jennie also supports a team of central review pathologists, all based at
different institutions, each playing a critical role in the successful delivery
of the trial.

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with revenues of $17 billion and
approximately 50,000 employees in 50 countries. Our mission is to enable our customers to make
the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We help our customers accelerate life sciences research, solve
complex analytical challenges, improve patient diagnostics and increase laboratory productivity.

Unsung Hero of the Year

Recognising an individual who makes the University a better place to work.
This may include those who maintain our physical environment, ensure
compliance, support others in delivering their roles, or perform other functions
whose importance and value may only be widely noticed in their absence.

Our finalists
Hemalata Chahal
College of Medical and Dental Sciences
Hema Chahal has worked as a research technician for almost 25 years.
Since moving to the QE Hema has ensured that a disparate group of people
gelled and bedded in successfully to a very different working environment.
Hema is the go to person, ensuring with her positive attitude that there is a
collegiate atmosphere with researchers sharing resources, skills and time.
The Institute of Inflammation and Ageing contains military personnel carrying
out research in the UK but also whilst deployed in Afghanistan. Hema
maintained contact through this difficult period, ensuring samples were
received and dealt with no matter what time of day or night they arrived.

Gemma Davies
UoB Sport
Gemma has worked far beyond her contracted coaching hours to support
and nurture the growth of over 60 students in the womens football club,
instigating a huge number of projects to provide community links and
opportunities for real-life work experience. She has worked on projects
including a mentoring scheme with Birmingham Met College, a
Schools Football Tournament
Gemma mentored three volunteer coaches while studying for her own
UEFA B licence and also implemented player 11s, supporting both
football and getting the right life balance for all team members
Gemma has done all of this above and beyond her remit and has enriched
the club, allowing them to achieve things in the community that one would
more likely associate with a professional sports team.

Trevor Hayward
College of Medical and Dental Sciences
Trevor has advised, supported, assisted, motivated and been an inspiration
to the School of Dentistry Research Laboratory team, during the ups and
downs of the moving process to the New Build Dental Hospital and
School of Dentistry.
Trevors calm and relaxed manner make him very approachable and he is
well respected by all who know him. He is always prepared to go the extra
mile. He meets with the lab staff at the School of Dentistry on a monthly
basis and this helps them feel connected to the University. The NHS
members of the lab staff also attend these meetings and will actively go to
Trevor for help and advice as they know he will help them as much as the
UoB staff.

Roxanne Mclean
Life and Environmental Sciences
The College of Arts and Law is well known for its excellent record for student
recruitment both for undergraduate and postgraduate market and Roxanne
Mclean has definitely had a positive impact on sustaining those efforts. This
has been achieved through her hard-work nature, putting 100% effort into
every single project, pioneering new initiatives (e.g. a recent Digital
filming-making MOOC having record breaking registration figures) and
motivating a significantly large and new team.
In Roxannes role as College Marketing and Communications Manager, the
exceptional recruitment figures for the College are testament to her hard
working attitude and ability to motivate a large team. Roxanne is generally
one of the first to arrive in the office, and almost always the last to leave.

Maria Thi Bui

Academic Services
Maria has overall responsibility for the running of the Universitys central
examinations (which there are over 1,500), and is involved in every element
of the process from booking rooms and scheduling, to developing
procedures and training staff. She is the main point of contact for all School/
Department Administrators, Operations Managers and Examinations
Officers. She manages 140 invigilators, including both budget forecasting
and facilitating payments.
Outside of examination periods, she is involved in annually reviewing and
improving the exams processes, procedures around student complaints
arising from examinations, research projects for SMT (for example on the use
of academics as Senior Invigilators), and has regularly been Floor Manager
at degree congregations getting involved in as much as she can to support
the University. In addition, many will know her as a social secretary within
AS, and testament to her character is the number of good friendships with
colleagues she has developed.

Sponsored by Office Depot

Office Depot provide business supplies and services to help our customers work better whatever
their workplace. We are a single source for everything customers need to be more productive,
including the latest technology, core office supplies, print and document services, business
services, facilities products, furniture, and education essentials. We are very proud of our
longstanding association supporting the Higher Education Sector across the UK, in particular our
partnership of over 25 years with the University of Birmingham. Office Depot are delighted to be
sponsoring the Unsung Hero of the Year Award.

Birmingham Professional of the Year

Recognising an individual who embodies the values of the Birmingham Professional. It is open to all
Professional Services staff, irrespective of grade or type of role. The winner will be someone who,
by excelling in their own role, helps the University to excel and stands out as an example to others.
Their approach will be characterised by consistently high standards, building strong relationships with
others, and taking responsibility for their own development.

Our finalists
Richard Clayton
Application Services Bespoke Sustenance Manager
Richard is highly, intelligent and focused, but also highly personable and
engaging. In whatever task or endeavour he undertakes he does it to the
highest standards and effectively communicates with all members of staff.
His enthusiasm and ability to analyse and contribute effectively mean that he
is quite rightly in demand not only within IT Services but in wider projects and
initiatives. Since taking on the role of Sustenance Manager Richard has
become a strong and inspirational leader during a huge period of change.
Richard is also presenting a paper at a major HE IT conference on the ways
of working he has introduced at Birmingham. The improvement in the
reputation of IT Services over the past few months is very much down to the
work that Richard has done.

Kara Griffiths
Communications and Engagement Manager Estates Development
Kara has worked tirelessly to ensure that each new development is used
effectively to engage with relevant local and regional stakeholders. She
brings together colleagues from across the University and has helped
create a shared agenda and vision and built excitement amongst our
diverse audience groups throughout the build period from exciting
prospective students at open days, to keeping current students engaged in
the developments and keeping neighbours, community groups and
politicians onside. Kara has given up many evenings and weekends to
attend planning consultations to try and convince local residents of the
positive impact the University brings and counter the negative narrative
drawing on her own enthusiasm and passion for the University. Kara always
takes an innovative approach and was responsible for the development of
the Universitys 3D film a first for the sector.

Kat Grover
Schools Liaison and Outreach Officer
Kat has positively impacted the university by building up the outreach for the
college. She has not been afraid to get her hands dirty with all the physical
work that running these events entails. She has taken the role of Schools
Liaison and Outreach Officer and made it her own. She has involved herself
in the Public Engagement Working Group for the university and is forging
useful links for the college in this way. She has run a number of very big
events successfully which have contributed strongly to our outreach situation
both as a School and as a college. She actively seeks out opportunities to be
trained and is not afraid to try things to see if they work. Kat excels in her role
and is an outstanding example for and to the university.

Helen Murray
CAL Student Experience Manager
Helens contribution to the student experience goes beyond that of CAL
students. The pioneering development of the Bank has led the way on
campus for the development of analogous resources. Over the past year
Helen worked with colleagues in Student Services to develop a new
Professional Services mentoring scheme for students. The interest shown by
Professional Services staff exceeded all expectations and 50 mentors were
trained. This has enabled Professional Services staff to develop their own
skills and experience and enabled them to give something more to the
students who study at Birmingham. In developing this scheme Helen
identified personal development needs but more importantly her creative
energy and zeal has given others the opportunity to develop themselves in
new and rewarding ways. Now cited in NSS, BSS feedback and External
Examiner reports, without Helens supreme professionalism the Bank would
not be the success it is.

Alexandra Parish
Interim Director of Operation
Alexandra Parish has been responsible for overseeing all operational aspects
of the development of the new University of Birmingham School. The School
is a giant achievement for the University. It has involved collaboration from
almost every department. Through Alexandras leadership the School has
already gained an excellent reputation. Alexandra has demonstrated how
positivity and perseverance can galvanise a movement and produce an
outstanding achievement for the University, The University is the first in the
country to open a UTS and as such Ali has superbly managed not only a
wide range of internal relationships but some extremely important external
relationships. Most importantly Alexandra has ensured the University and city
of Birmingham has a School it can be proud of.

Shaylor Group plc

Shaylor Group plc have a long established relationship carrying out construction projects for the
University of Birmingham, recent successful projects include the phased refurbishment of Jarratt
Hall students accommodation and the construction of the BIFoR climate change research facility in
Staffordshire, BIFoR has recently been awarded a national Health and Safety award.

The Vice-Chancellors Award

This premier BUAFTA recognises an individual or team whose work has
had a significant and lasting impact on the Universitys reputation and standing.
Their work is recognisably best in class and demonstrates major achievement
in challenging circumstances.

Our finalists
The Quran team
This unique find was exhibited sensitively and gained global and regional
recognition. The dedicated Quran team worked together to make this
exhibition an outstanding success. An exhibition of this kind, with the high
security risks had never been done at the University before. The exhibition
saw over 8122 visitors, brochure sales of 6500, and included 2 VIP events.
With 800 members of staff, 18 schools with 592 students, 12 countries, 13
community organisations, and coverage that reached across the globe it
was a real team effort.

Joanna Labudek
Head of Undergraduate Admissions
The Confirmation and Clearing operation is integral to the Universitys
continued success. Jo is responsible for the organization of the annual
Confirmation and Clearing exercise, which this year was praised by the
Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar and Secretary as being sector leading.
The operation is incredibly well planned and managed so that it runs
smoothly and without any problems. It allows undergraduate students to
have their University places confirmed without a hitch following the receipt
of their results and through the clearing process.

Circles of Influence Team

The Universitys Circles of Influence campaign closed on 31st July 2015
after having raised in excess of 193.4 million. The original target was
60million which was then raised to 160million. This success makes the
Circles of Influence the most successful fundraising campaign of any charity
in the Midlands, and the most successful campaign of any UK university
outside the golden triangle of Oxbridge and London.
The campaign has resulted in a renaissance of philanthropy at the University.
The opportunities to work collaboratively on campaign projects have
provided a gateway to increase the scope and use of alumni volunteers in
many areas of University life, further enriching the lives of our students.

QT Hub professional services team

Working together as part of a cross-functional project group to support the
academic community, this team were instrumental in the development of the
UoB input to the bid from a consortium of Universities to secure the award of
a UK Quantum Technology Hub. The Hub will create technology that could
help numerous problems in industry. The award of the Hub has already
secured significant press coverage both nationally and internationally, thus
helping to profile the University on a global stage for pioneering research.
With engagement from 70 industrial partners already secured, this
demonstrates the real potential that the Hub will have for showing the
genuine impact of our research as well as providing a solid platform for
spring-boarding many more partnerships with industry. It is important that
the University is leading this technology, which is seen to be at the forefront
of the second industrial revolution.

University School Project Team

As the first University secondary school in the country, this project has
attracted much interest both at a regional, national and sector level, with
extensive positive media coverage surrounding the Universitys backing for
the project and the aims of the School to transform and enrich the lives of
its pupils.
The pioneering nature of this, in conjunction with some tight timescales,
meant that relatively small team frequently had to work above and beyond
in order to successfully overcome challenges, devise solutions and meet
deadlines throughout the project. As the School approached completion,
there were some heroic efforts by the team to see through the completion
of the building, recruitment of the 6th form and the opening of the School
to its first cohorts of pupils on 10th September. The project have positivity
demonstrated the Universitys commitment to the city and taking the lead
with innovation in education.

Sponsored by Gresham Office Furniture

As one of the UKs leading manufacturers and designers of contract furniture, Gresham are always
looking for new innovations and technologies and thats why they are proud to be sponsoring
the Change Leader of the Year Award. With over 30 years experience, Gresham pride themselves
on developing high quality, functional furniture solutions and are renowned for their first class
customer service.

Our Entertainment Sponsor

Thank you
Thank you for attending the BUAFTA 2016 gala. We hope that
you have had a fantastic and enjoyable evening celebrating our
achievements and hard work over the past year.
A big thank you also to everyone involved in organising and promoting the 2016 BUAFTAs,
who dedicated their time to make this event possible.

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Once again, congratulations to everyone who has been shortlisted and particularly this
years winners.

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Thanks to our award sponsors for their support in helping us stage an awards ceremony worthy of our finalists.

and Mr Brendan Casey, Director of Academic Services and College Administration

www.birmingham.ac.uk

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