When we said last year that we were experiencing a period of uncertainty for the sector, we probably all hoped that things would be looking up by the time of the Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards 2012.
In truth, the challenges remain very real, and with the introduction of higher tuition fees just a few months away, the work of the professional staff who keep our universities working so smoothly will be more important than ever.
So the sector should take great reassurance from the extraordinary examples of creativity, commitment and sheer hard work that we have heard about tonight.
With universities having to reassess what they do in every sphere, it is fitting that the winner of this year’s top award, Queen Margaret University, has turned its fortunes round through a combination of inspirational leadership and support from the institution’s entire staff. The judges were also very impressed with the other contenders, particularly Northumbria University, which has a brilliant story to tell about engagement with its community.
It just remains for me to offer hearty congratulations to all our winners, and all those who made it on to the shortlist, and to thank our panel of judges, without whose considerable expertise and enthusiasm these awards would not be possible.
John Gill
Editor
THELMAs 2012 winners:
The winners were announced at the gala Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards 2012 dinner on 21 June 2012 at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London.
Download the THELMAs 2012 booklet, profiling all of the winners
Outstanding Leadership and Management Team
Queen Margaret University Edinburgh
Outstanding University Fundraising Team
Queen’s University Belfast
Outstanding Human Resources Team
Swansea University
Outstanding Estates Team
Harper Adams University College
Outstanding Finance Team
University of West London
Outstanding Marketing/Communications Team
University of Birmingham
Outstanding Library Team
University of Leicester
ICT Initiative of the Year
Loughborough University
Outstanding Student Services Team
Anglia Ruskin University
Outstanding International Strategy
University of East London
Knowledge Exchange/Transfer Initiative of the Year
London School of Economics and Political Science
Outstanding Student Admissions Team
Lancaster University
Outstanding Registry Team
Canterbury Christ Church University
Outstanding Departmental Administration Team
Plymouth University
Outstanding Procurement Team
Bangor University