Aude Awards 2022

I am absolutely delighted to share the excellent news that the University’s Estates team has been recognised in this year’s national AUDE AwardsLink opens in a new window in three areas. AUDE is a national body with representation from all Higher Education Institutions across the UK. To be recognised for our achievements in these awards demonstrates that in these areas, our people and the activities they are delivering for the University are exceptional as compared to other Universities.

Kelly Baker (Head of Grounds and Gardens) was the winner in the “Emerging Talent” category, rewarding a member of staff who is making an exceptional contribution and demonstrates great potential for the future. Kelly joined the University Estates department in 2019 and, with her deep horticultural knowledge and excellent team, has rolled out enhancements transforming the landscape, lifting the appearance of the campus to a completely new level and enhancing its biodiversity. Kelly has brought innovative ideas, creativity and enthusiastic leadership to deliver visual impact and delight those who live, work and visit our campus.

Our Future Mobility and Transport team have been highly commended in the “Impact Initiative” category, recognising specific initiatives that are having a positive impact on the institution, the sector and/or the profession. The team, led by Parvez Islam (Director of Environmental Sustainability) and George Saxon (Head of Transport Operations), have introduced new and improved transport and mobility initiatives, including DRT (Demand Responsive Transport) discounted bus services, E-scooters, cycle hire scheme and dynamic car-pooling services. All car parks across campus have new automated car parking systems to provide a better user experience and pay as you go. With the University’s commitment to climate change these initiatives are enabling people to consider their carbon footprint when travelling to campus and choose more suitable forms of transport.

Brett Plant (Systems & Digital Information Manager) was part of the winning project team on the AUDE Summer School, a development and leadership training programme for estates professionals. Working with two other colleagues from Lancaster and Bangor University, the team researched and presented on the impact on our workplace in a post Covid environment, sharing best practice across the sector and benefiting from a personal development perspective.

I would also like to thank those individuals who have provided support and guidance to enable those above to be successful and recognised in these awards, it is most appreciated. This recognition has only been possible through the commitment, dedication, and passion of all those involved.

Congratulations to you all, I am absolutely delighted and very proud to be leading and working with such committed and professional people.

James Breckon

Director of Estates