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Dr Ariya Nithikulsak

Winner

Ariya exemplifies dedication to student success through innovative teaching, inclusive leadership, and proactive support. She revised assessments based on feedback, improved student engagement tracking, and developed tools to ease colleagues’ workloads. Her collaborative, student-centred approach fosters a supportive academic environment and inspires continuous improvement.

Dr Vince Clarke

Finalist

Vince’s innovative leadership as Programme Leader for Paramedic Science has transformed the curriculum, broadening clinical content to include under-taught patient groups and embedding education and leadership strands. His commitment to inclusivity, expanded placements, and fostering academic excellence ensures students receive a high-quality and future-focused education, and are well prepared to care for diverse patient populations.

Andrew Parker

Finalist

Andrew is an inspiring lecturer who tailors his Level 6 Film and TV production module to students’ career goals, fostering teamwork and inclusivity. His compassionate approach has led to a diverse range of award-nominated films, while his dependable, supportive nature makes him a valued colleague and mentor.

LCS Salesforce CRM Team

Winner

The team created a secure, student-friendly call tracking system to support re-engagement efforts. Integrated with Salesforce, it protects data while enabling student employees to log interactions. Over 1,200 students have been contacted in just three weeks, helping more learners stay on track and access the support they need.

Russell Sansom

Finalist

Russell has driven innovation across operations, finance, and sustainability at Uno Bus. From modernising ticketing systems to pioneering electric vehicle initiatives and energy solutions, his forward-thinking strategies are fundamental to the organisation’s success. Despite his critical role in the company, he remains a humble and dedicated team member, embodying the spirit of innovation and commitment that drives Uno forward.

Julie Trindade

Finalist

Julie has spearheaded the Innovation Team's Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) Kick-Start Programme, establishing a strong pipeline of businesses eager to collaborate with the University. Her leadership led to a £288,000 AI-driven KTP project transforming prisoner education. Her strategic vision and relationship-building have earned national recognition and laid the groundwork for impactful, long-term university partnerships.

The Food Pantry Working Group

Winners

The Food Pantry Working Group has played a vital role in creating a resource that supports students facing financial hardship. Working together across different departments, the group’s collaborative, student-focused efforts provide essential food and hygiene products, easing local food bank demand and fostering community. Their dedication greatly enhances student wellbeing and truly reflects the University’s core values.

Cathy Hamilton

Finalist

Cathy has developed and led several innovative initiatives aimed at strengthening the relationships between academic and clinical staff to enhance students' experiences in clinical practice. Through collaboration she has delivered solution-focused strategies – including a dedicated support email, drop-in sessions, a healthcare learner app, and a racial equality conference – designed to promote continuation and completion and improve students' experience.

Leena Patel

Finalist

Leena's work on developing and sharing best practice in wellbeing policies with students’ unions across the south of England has strengthened relationships, creating a collaborative community where challenges are shared and solutions are developed collectively. Her approachable and supportive leadership style encourages open discussion, mentoring, and continuous learning among her peers, inspiring others to improve their own practices and benefiting student employees and colleagues alike.

Alex Varran

Winner

Alex is an exceptional advocate for inclusion, building vital partnerships with Hertfordshire networks like the Migration Partnership and Virtual Schools. She has secured funding to upskill asylum hotel residents, coordinated essential supplies via Goods4Good, and developed youth-focused initiatives using sport to prevent serious violence and support vulnerable young people across the county.

Nick Nanikhan

Finalist

Nick has worked tirelessly to transform the MarComms EDIT into a powerful and integrated force. His efforts have created a safe and inclusive environment, where staff from diverse backgrounds feel valued and respected, and where conversations about EDI are a regular part of the department's culture.

Kathleen Tripp

Finalist

Kathleen's approach to EDI is both strategic and heartfelt, and is characterised by action and advocacy. She actively seeks out professional development opportunities for herself and her team, she encourages open dialogue, listens to diverse perspectives, and integrates feedback into actionable plans that benefit the School. She champions marginalised voices, inspiring staff and students alike.

Laura Johnson

Winner

Laura’s leadership has shaped HertSquad over 20 years, creating an inclusive, empowering culture that supports staff development and wellbeing. Her ambition, collaborative spirit, and commitment to excellence have transformed sport and activity provision at Herts through high-impact programmes like Active Staff. Thanks to her leadership, HertSquad delivers meaningful, University-wide impact for both students and staff.

Esfandiar Khaleghi

Finalist

As Programme Leader for BSc Automotive Engineering, Esfandiar exemplifies the University’s values through his inclusive leadership and student-focused approach. He mentors students and colleagues, supports Chartership, and builds strong industry links and international partnerships. His collaborative approach and focus on employability have delivered exceptional outcomes for the University and his students.

Kerry McKay

Finalist

Kerry leads with warmth, positivity, and integrity, creating an inclusive, supportive environment. She mentors staff, champions innovation in HR education, and drives collaboration across teams. Her forward-thinking approach enhances teaching and student experiences, while her dedication to others’ growth and wellbeing truly embodies the University’s values in every aspect of her work.

Sarah Dunk

Winner

Sarah is a compassionate and skilled manager who fosters a positive, inclusive team culture. She listens actively, supports professional development, and communicates transparently during change, ensuring her team is prepared and bringing positive outcomes. Her fair leadership balances workloads, champions her team’s needs, and creates an environment where individuals thrive, contributing to the team’s overall success and wellbeing.

Linda Dalton

Finalist

Linda demonstrated outstanding leadership as Acting Director of the Legal and Compliance team, managing a high workload and complex legal matters with calm confidence. She supported her team through recruitment, maintained morale, and implemented creative solutions to workload pressures—ensuring consistent, excellent service and strong team cohesion throughout.

Magdalena Lutteridge

Finalist

Magdalena has transformed her debt management team by introducing innovative student engagement methods that boosted income recovery while still fostering high team morale, which is notoriously hard in the sector! Her empathetic leadership balances financial goals with student experience, earning trust across departments. Her creativity and collaboration have reshaped perceptions and significantly improved outcomes for both the University and its students.

Lynsey Rose

Winner

Lynsey’s exceptional organisation and creativity was pivotal to the delivery of the highly successful Festival of Ideas, achieving record attendance and an inclusive and welcoming experience. Her meticulous planning and ability to work effectively with colleagues and stakeholders across the university ensured a seamless, engaging event that has set a new benchmark for excellence in events at Herts.

Libby Freeman

Finalist

Libby has excelled as Training and Development Manager at Herts SU, creating and delivering innovative training initiatives that empower staff and student leaders, such as Development Month and the first Student Leader Conference. She has effectively managed multiple projects, recruited team members, and fostered a culture of continuous learning, professionalism, and empowerment across the team.

Charlie Mann

Finalist

Charlie has shown outstanding leadership as a new manager, notably designing a sport welfare programme that secured national funding and empowered local clubs. He has successfully recruited and mentored a new team member, delivered high-impact events, and championed EDI by embedding inclusive practices, making a significant positive impact across the community and Herts Sports Partnership.

Naomi Mulligan

Finalist

Naomi consistently demonstrates professionalism and expertise in managing complex organisational change, benefitting teams across the University. Her inclusive, thoughtful approach fosters open communication and staff engagement. Her strategies for the new HR system implementation – including a detailed Equality Impact Assessment and innovative tools like change readiness measurement – eased staff transition and set the bar for future projects at the University.

Dr Laura Abbott

Winner

Laura’s passion for championing women's maternal health - regardless of background or circumstance - is extraordinary. The extensive media coverage her work has received is not only of huge value to the University but also makes a tangible real-world impact by driving policy change to support society's most vulnerable.

Natalie Hall

Finalist

Natalie's focus on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and problematic internet use has seen her cultivate global partnerships through the Cost Action activities, leading to the BootStRaP study which examines the impact of digitalisation on mental health among 12- to 16-year-olds across nine European countries. Her work has been instrumental in building and sustaining the academic and clinical network across Europe within the field of OCD.

Professor James Wallace

Finalist

James’ research has made a significant contribution to the Human Resource Management discipline, advancing theoretical frameworks, methodologies, and practical applications. His ability to collaborate across academia and build meaningful relationships enhances the university's research impact, and his support for early-career researchers demonstrates his willingness to give back to the research community.

Peter Chalk

Winner

Peter has worked tirelessly to support students and staff in their understanding of generative artificial intelligence (genAI) tools and regulations. He has been instrumental in developing relevant materials, policies, guidance and support associated with genAI, working with colleagues across the university to understand the benefits and challenges of this rapidly evolving technology

Herts SU  Insights Team

Finalists

The Herts Unfiltered project, delivered by the Insights team, has transformed the way student voices shape the student experience at Herts. Gathering real-time, inclusive feedback from over 4,000 students, it captures diverse voices through initiatives like ‘Spill the Tea’, and the insights gathered have driven meaningful changes in areas like timetabling, wellbeing, and support, making student feedback central to university decision-making.

Dr Sikiru Oluwarotimi Ismail

Finalist

Sikiru is an outstanding educator whose mentorship, particularly through his 'Final Year Project Support and Mentorship' initiative, has profoundly enhanced the student experience. He is deeply invested in his students’ success, offering inclusive, personalised academic guidance. And in teaching values such as integrity, resilience, and teamwork he truly helps preparing students for life's challenges.

Dr Muhammad Yaqoob

Winner

Muhammad consistently demonstrates excellence in teaching by fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment. He actively encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, equipping students with skills essential for academic and professional success. He takes the time to understand individual learning needs, providing tailored support that enhances student confidence and achievement, and so contributes to removing barriers to success.

Professor Earle Abrahamson

Finalist

What sets Earle apart as being an exceptional educator is his extraordinary talent for breaking down intricate concepts, ensuring that students can grasp them effortlessly and build their confidence in the subject matter. His teaching methods are clear, structured, and accessible, making learning a genuinely enjoyable experience. His genuine passion for teaching shines through in every lecture and conversation.

Jimmy Pressly

Finalist

Jimmy makes every lesson genuinely enjoyable. He brings energy, enthusiasm, and industry knowledge into every session, making the subject matter feel alive and relevant. His ability to connect with students and foster discussion transforms lectures into interactive learning experiences. He understands how to blend theory with practical application, keeping everyone engaged and motivated.

HSV Health and Safety Team

Winners

The Herts Sports Village Health and Safety Team’s commitment to consistently delivering best practices in safety, emergency response, and community support has made a direct impact this year - by saving a customer’s life, delivering CPR and defibrillation until help arrived. Combined with record-breaking safety audits, their professionalism, preparedness, and human compassion are consistently outstanding.

The Evolve Project Team

Finalists

This cross-functional team has shown exceptional professionalism, collaboration, and dedication in delivering the University’s new HR system. Balancing complex technical challenges with ongoing operations, they have fostered a culture of excellence and user engagement through active listening and clear communications. Their outstanding efforts set a strong foundation for the system’s success and deserve full recognition.

Nursery Team

Finalists

The Nursery Team demonstrates exceptional dedication, care, and creativity, providing an inclusive and nurturing environment where children thrive. The team continually seeks improvement through training, creative programming, and collaboration with others. Through innovative learning, strong parent partnerships, and teamwork, they support each child’s development while embodying the University’s values.

Wilfred Kinyera

Winner

Wilfred has significantly improved the experience for staff and students in the School through his innovative solutions. He developed a hybrid PC image boosting lab efficiency, created a centralised chemical database enhancing safety and resource sharing, and helped implement a booking system for easy equipment reservations. He manages all this with a positive, approachable attitude which is much appreciated by both staff and students.

Kevin Barritt

Finalist

Kevin is a highly dedicated Senior Technical Officer whose technical expertise and innovative approach have greatly enhanced the Optometry teaching labs. His proactive support, calm professionalism, and commitment to improving student learning and staff experience make him an invaluable team member, consistently going above and beyond to ensure excellence and make a tangible difference.

Dr Muhammad Hayat

Finalist

As Principal Technical Officer, Muhammad has been exceptional in supporting researchers and students. His technical expertise, proactive problem-solving, and meticulous care ensured smooth equipment handling during recent campus relocations and critical research phases. Approachable and dedicated, he fosters a safe, efficient, and supportive environment, greatly benefiting staff and students alike.

Bear Wright

Finalist

Bear’s technical expertise and dedication have greatly enriched our engineering programmes. His innovations, including accessible lab setups, and his hands-on support help students overcome challenges and deepen their learning. His mentorship and commitment to practical, real-world experience consistently enhance the student experience and programme success.