Advance HE was delighted to sponsor two categories (below) at The Times Higher Awards, 2020, hosted on Zoom yesterday evening.
The Most Innovative Teacher of the Year Award, Judith Francois, Kingston University
The judges said, “Her undergraduate and postgraduate work transcends cultural differences, creating an inclusive environment in which students can flourish…her reach and her creativity demonstrably extend beyond higher education, with her reflection toolkit to support BAME leadership development, which has been taken up for use in the NHS.”
Presenting the award via Zoom, Alison Johns, Advance HE Chief Executive, said, “I am delighted that Advance HE is sponsoring this award once again, recognising the exceptional innovation, creativity and commitment to teaching in the sector. This year – of all years – I would like to pay tribute to all those involved in teaching and supporting teaching – you have done an extraordinary job in extraordinary and challenging times. I particularly congratulate all those short-listed and, of course Judith Francois, the winner.”
In an extremely close run category the judges also commended Aimée Little, University of York and Hugh McFaul, The Open University for their inspirational teaching.
Other shortlisted for this category were: Georgina Blakeley, University of Huddersfield; Shonagh Douglas, Aberdeen Business School; Tina Joshi, University of Plymouth; Kate Lister, Leeds Trinity University; Aimée Little, University of York; Hugh McFaul, The Open University; David Martin, University of Dundee.
The Outstanding Contribution to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, the University of Worcester
Two examples of the University’s approach were highlighted by the THE:
- “From being named the UK’s number one university for fair gender pay, with women represented equally across the whole university from lower pay grades to the very top, to running a 12-month transgender education and support programme, Worcester has endeavoured to create a truly inclusive culture.”
- “Among other examples of its commitment and effort are its stipulation that every residential room built by the university in the 21st century include a wheelchair turning circle, its 2019 award for “loo of the year” for its on-campus, wholly community-accessible Changing Places toilet, not to mention the fact that just over 10 per cent of its student body have a declared disability.”
The judges were impressed with, “the university’s sustained, whole institutional approach to EDI, which places students at the centre”. They also noted Worcester’s recognition of its own part in changing the narrative about the value society places on certain roles.
Congratulating the University of Worcester, Gary Loke, Advance HE Director of Knowledge, Innovation and Delivery, added, “In a year where challenges in delivering HE have been so immense, it has been all the more important to tackle inequality in our sector. I commend the work of the University of Worcester and all those shortlisted.”
The other institutions shortlisted were: Birkbeck, University of London; University of Gloucestershire; University of Huddersfield; University of the West of England; University of West London.
Finally, thank you and congratulations to the Times Higher for hosting such an excellent ceremony so successfully online.