In May we opened nominations for the Technical Excellence awards and were very pleased to announce the top 5, with the comments from our independent judging panel (Manchester Metropolitan University’s technical staff):
5th Place: William Pritchard
“William’s application showed a real can do and team player attitude. Contributing to his team’s success with taking on challenges and creating a real togetherness within his team.
‘William delivers exceptional efficiency when carrying out his duties and performs all his work at an excellent standard.’ His work has directly contributed to several leading journals and he is seen as very valuable member of the team.
‘William is both an excellent technician and great team player, whose presence on the project is essential.’ This stood out to the panel – I enjoy reading about colleagues stepping up to help, without a second-thought. From this nomination, it seems William is an asset to his team and University.”
4th Place: Mark Sellers and Dominic McCullagh
“Mark and Dominic really show drive and motivation and the application reflected a feeling of working above and beyond which was inspiring. It is encouraging to hear how both colleagues saw an issue and used initiative to solve the problem between the two of them.
Mark and Dominic have provided “expert round-the clock maintenance” throughout the year of lockdown. They also proposed and implemented a very successful project that saved the university as significant amount of money.”
3rd Place: Chloe Loveless
“It was clear to see how Chloe has stepped up and continues to give 100% in her job despite the uncertainty of a new role. The panel were impressed by ‘Chloe proactively developing new Standard Operating Procedures for the safe use of kit, developing reopening documentation, and writing new risk assessments’ – in the middle of a pandemic, new role and return to work.
Chloe’s application shares initiative and a passion to ensure students and staff receive outstanding delivery in all areas.
‘Chloe has been an exceptional contributor to not one but two technical communities throughout the year’. Her work supporting the Department of Materials and Sustainable Materials Innovation Hub clearly highlights her commitment in pursuit of an excellence and ability to foster collaboration and partnership both internally and externally.”
2nd Place (love2shop voucher): Mike Hughes
“Michael demonstrates a true passion about his work, as well as promoting technicians, being involved with many steering groups and committees, producing and promoting technicians worldwide through publications and the use of videos on YouTube.
Michael plays a proactive role in running the teaching lab. ‘He continually looks to develop his team and provides exercises for them to develop their analytical skills and provide suggestions and inputs into improvements for the teaching’.
His experience and commitment to the student experience is impressive. The panel particularly liked the references to Michael’s commitment to equality and diversity and participation in conferences and events with other Universities and organisations. The panel were mindful that networking and sharing best-practice is vital in the technical sector, and it’s encouraging to hear how Michael goes above and beyond in his role.”
1st Place (trophy and love2shop voucher): Andrew Gilchrist
“The panel were impressed by the nomination for Andrew and equally as impressed by the real sense of value he brings to not only his team, but to the University and to external companies. From the nomination, it is clear that he is a valued colleague and brings a host of expertise and good-character to his role.
Andrew stood out as an overall great achiever in all aspects of the application, his contribution to his work has been inspiring, going the extra mile and to quote ‘lifetime achievement award’.
Andrew consistently demonstrates excellence across many areas and is clearly a very valuable member of staff at the university. ‘He always delivers above and beyond performance and even in these uncertain hybrid times.’
The panel decided to make Andrew first place due to his impact on the University strategic ambitions with the REDCap survey tool rolled out university wide.”
Congratulations to all our top 5, and everyone else who was nominated – we will be writing to you to let you know. If you can, please come to our Annual Event on Wednesday, July 7th – details here.