Partnership Awards 2023
About Partnership Awards
Each year we hold the Partnership Awards, celebrating students and staff who have enhanced the Leeds community by embodying the values of The Leeds Partnership. Put simply, we want to hear from you about the people who make the Leeds learning experience so brilliant. From Equality and Inclusion, to Feedback and Assessment, the Partnership Awards recognise the people who go above and beyond in every area of University life.
Historically, the Partnership Awards has always looked to celebrate the achievements of our staff and students, but, since 2022, we have been realigning the awards to be inclusive of all those in our community who contribute to making sure our students love their time at Leeds.
“The Partnership awards are an opportunity to celebrate everything that University of Leeds is about. Nominations are for everyone – students, colleagues, collectives – and it is a chance to celebrate those who have helped you love your time at Leeds. The awards are a great opportunity to get together and to champion the best of the best. I can’t wait to be involved and celebrate this year!” Bethan Corner – Education Officer
“The Leeds Partnership Awards are a fantastic opportunity to highlight the amazing people at the core of our learning community, helping us pause and appreciate the collaboration and inclusivity in our work, as well as the commitment to innovative research and learning methods at the heart of the University of Leeds. The awards are open to students and staff working across all areas of the University, and I look forward to celebrating with you all.” Professor Jeff Grabill – Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Education
Key dates
Nominations open: Thursday 15 December 2022
Nominations close: Midnight Sunday 19 February 2023
Partnership Awards presentation event: Tuesday 9 May 2023
2022 winners
Take a look at who was celebrated at the previous Partnership Awards here.
Why should I nominate someone for the Partnership Awards?
By winning – or being nominated for – one of these prestigious and widely-recognised awards, staff and students are acknowledged for their successes outside of traditional markers such as grades or performance reviews, adding to their sense of wellbeing and belonging at Leeds. It might also help boost their career prospects in the process.
In the spirit of reflection, improvement and mutual respect at the University of Leeds, nominating someone for a Partnership Award is the perfect way to recognise someone who’s gone above and beyond – paying forward the positive impact they’ve already made, and creating the foundations for further inspiring work by our community.
How do I make a nomination?
To nominate someone for an award, simply fill in the nomination form by Sunday 19 February. If you have any questions about the Partnership Awards or process, please contact the Academic Representation Team: uniasup@leeds.ac.uk
You can also take a look at this simple guide on what’s involved in making a Partnership Awards nomination. It’s a straightforward process that any student can do.
Award Categories & Information
Intended recipients: Student/Staff
The Equality and Inclusion Award encapsulates both the University of Leeds and Leeds University Union’s values. Grounded in the belief that every student, regardless of background, should feel like they belong within the Leeds community.
Nominations in this category will recognise the work of people working inclusively, either in their everyday work or through initiatives to create a sense of belonging. Nominees can be students, staff or groups from across the uUniversity. This may include but is not limited to:
- The development of initiatives which include a diverse range of students
- Outreach and engagement work
- Help to develop a culture where all members of the community belong.
Intended recipients: Academic Staff
This category will recognise commitment to our students by a member of staff or group of staff who provide our students with an excellent experience in assessment and feedback.
This person or group will use assessment and feedback to support and facilitate learning. Their approach will enhance the overall student experience and encourage students to become reflexive* learners. They will create assessment and feedback opportunities for students which are fair, inclusive and authentic.
[*reflexive in this context means examining one’s own beliefs, judgments and practices and how they influence or may influence how you react and act].
Intended recipients: Student/Staff
The Global Award celebrates members of our community who work with a global focus. It aims to recognise excellence amongst those who have actively engaged in the promotion and maintenance of international or intercultural activities, education, or competence.
We welcome all nominations, including those for staff. We particularly welcome nominations showcasing the amazing contribution our international students make to our community – wherever they are in the world!
Intended recipients: Student/Staff
The student, staff member or group who uses innovative methods and approaches to engage and excite others or solve problems. Examples include but are not limited to:
- Student support staff who have developed new methods to communicate and support students
- An individual/group who has developed excellent opportunities linked to student success. Or an individual/group who has developed support/activities/campaigns to give students the opportunity to love their time at Leeds
- A student group which has created ways to spark discussions to inform University best practice
- Academic team members who develop innovative ways to enhance the student learning experience.
Intended recipients: Staff
This category will recognise the individual or group who continually inspires students, using their passion and dedication for a subject area to inspire others to continually develop their thinking and academic skills.
Intended recipients: Student/Staff
Whether an SES staff member, academic, or a student, this person’s guidance and support has encouraged and nurtured others to develop their skills and prospects for the future, helping them to grow and progress, either personally or in their learning.
Intended recipients: Student
This award will recognise a student or student group who has volunteered their time to enhance the learning experience of their peers. This may be through the creation of community events or supporting the liberation of student groups.
Intended recipients: Staff
This category will feature nominations for an exceptional Personal Tutor, dissertation, thesis or final year project supervisor who, through their passion and leadership, promotes academic engagement and a sense of belonging. This exceptional collaboration will enable our students to push the boundaries to develop and explore new knowledge.
Intended recipients: Student
Any registered Leeds postgraduate researcher (PGR) who, while undertaking their own research, makes a significant impact on our learning/research community or the wider world.
Nominations in this category may include but are not limited to PGRs that have made:
- A major and positive difference to your learning as an exceptional module assistant, seminar or workshop leader
- A significant contribution to research culture, quality, or impact in or beyond your Institute, School or Faculty; or
- A meaningful contribution to the sense of belonging within the University or our wider community.
Intended recipients: Student
The School Rep, Course Rep, or Postgraduate Research Rep who has actively worked in partnership with others to secure positive, student-led change that makes a real difference to students and staff.
Intended recipients: Student/Staff
The Wellbeing Award recognises the partnership working across schools and services at Leeds. Nominations should demonstrate how initiatives have involved students and provided dedication to their wellbeing.
Intended recipients: Student/Staff
This award will celebrate meaningful changes developed in partnership with school staff and students.
Some examples may include:
- Community working to support the University to reduce the awarding gap
- Partnership working to listen to and act upon student voice initiatives
- The development of peer support within the school/ faculty or University
- Creating a new society to support the school community.
This award recognises a person or group, either student or staff, who has made an exceptional difference to opportunities or experiences for students. This may include staff who have developed new methods to support and communicate with students, excellent opportunities linked to student success, support schemes, activities or campaigns to help students love their time at Leeds, activities to foster a sense of belonging in Leeds, or innovative ways to enhance the student learning experience.
Intended recipients: Student/Staff
This Award is decided by the shortlisting panel and given to the person or people whose work embodies the ethos of the Leeds Partnership and has an exceptional impact on our community. Often this will be a person, group, or School that has been nominated broadly, or particularly active on a specific issue.
