Several ECA colleagues and teams have been recognised for their contributions in this year’s CAHSS People Awards. The College-level recognition scheme received 1,007 nominations from across all areas, role types and career stages.
Excellence in Teamwork Award
The Excellence in Teamwork Award was won by Student and Academic Support Services Team managers Amy Forrest and Remi Jankeviciute. This award recognises those that have delivered something exceptional and impactful for their community and have fostered a working culture where each member of the team feels valued and appreciated.
Their manager, Olwen Gorie, nominated them and said in her submission:
“Amy and Remi have recently changed how they work to minimise duplication and create resilience. They lead the ECA academic support team but also jump boundaries to help ensure the staff and student experience is really joined up. They are super generous supporting colleagues in other teams.”
ITTS technical managers Anne McKenna, Marta Pilarska, Anthony Middleton and Malcolm Cruickshank were highly commended.
Nominating manager Ingrid Phillips said of the team:
“The team works tirelessly behind the scenes, supporting their staff, their colleagues, students, and the wider institution. They go above and beyond to make the impossible possible – navigating challenges, managing change, and solving complex problems with professionalism and care.... From improving course deliverables and managing expectations to liaising with students and colleagues across the University, they are at the heart of making things work.”
Inspiring Colleague Award
Anne McKenna won the Inspiring Colleague Award, which recognises those that have inspired, cheered and encouraged those with whom they work. It celebrates the excellent role models that maintain and champion high standards, offering energy and enthusiasm to all they do.
Her nomination said:
“Anne is our body and print technical manager at ECA and she is our inspiring colleague! In her role as technical manager, she’s incredibly supportive of her team members providing personalised and individual support as and when it’s needed from 121s every week to monthly check ins, support is tailored to each team member... She’s a present, calming manager who will always encourage her team to come to her no matter the issue.”
Chloe Beckett, former Student Support Manager, was highly commended. Chloe now works in the School of Economics.
The Rising Star Award
Knowledge Exchange and Innovation Manager Miranda Barty-Taylor was highly commended in this category.
The Rising Star award recognises the colleagues that have made significant impact, either in a new post or in a new role. This award celebrates those that bring enthusiasm, creativity and commitment to their work, and that seek to build positive working relationships with colleagues in and beyond their team.
Nominating manager Eve Equi said:
“Miranda joined ECA in June 2024 and has quickly become an invaluable member of the team... In her short time at ECA, Miranda has achieved an enormous amount of success and seamlessly integrated into the community, actively seeking improvements that benefit both academic staff and professional services colleagues. Notable contributions include developing a tracker tool to monitor engagement activities and organizing networking events connecting staff with industry partners. She has also played a pivotal role in the success of the Artful Inquiry Podcast.”
The Pillar of the Community Award
Head of History of Art Dr Tamara Trodd was highly commended in this category.
This award is given to a colleague who has worked in the College for over five years and during that time, made exemplary contributions to the College and wider University.
ECA Principal Professor Juan Cruz said: “In her most recent role as Head of History of Art Tamara has worked with the sharp intellect, tenacity and energy that has characterised all the roles she has held. Tamara has a deep commitment to the University as well as exemplary faith in the value and potential of her colleagues, whom she has supported with rigour and fairness, injecting a sense order, purpose and enthusiasm to the subject area.”
The People of CAHSS awards ceremony will take place on 27 May in McEwan Hall.
Find out more on the CAHSS SharePoint site (login required).
