The Awards Showcase is a window into the projects that won, or were runners up, in the 2026 UHR awards. Each session will focus on one award category and bring together the individuals who led and delivered the projects. Presenters will give a quick overview of their projects before having a facilitated conversation about the opportunities and challenges the activity brought about. The audience will get the opportunity to engage directly with the presenters to ask any questions.
WINNERS: Manchester Metropolitan University - Empowering leaders, transforming education – a new innovative model
Centre for Learning Enhancement and Educational Development
The Innovation Scholar Scheme is a sector leading People & Organisational Development initiative that has transformed how Manchester Met delivers strategic educational change.
Launched in 2023, the scheme empowers academic and Professional Services colleagues to lead major institutional priorities through a unique distributed leadership model. Scholars drive innovation across active learning, belonging, differential outcomes, digital capability, enterprise education and learner analytics - creating sustained, systemwide impact.
Now one of the University’s most vibrant and high impact development programmes, the scheme has built cross university Communities of Practice involving more than 1,000 staff, developed institution specific pedagogic and belonging frameworks, and delivered award-winning interventions including STRIVE, implementation of RIPIAG and a Belonging framework. These initiatives have contributed to measurable improvements in student outcomes, including reductions in awarding gaps and increases in progression and confidence.
The scheme has also strengthened organisational capability, enhancing leadership, collaboration and data-informed practice while attracting national and international recognition. Scholars have secured prestigious sector awards, influenced national conversations on distributed leadership, and been featured in forthcoming academic publications.
By placing staff leadership at the heart of educational transformation, the Innovation Scholar Scheme positions Manchester Met as a pioneer in inclusive, innovative and evidence-informed education.
RUNNERS-UP: Aston University - Optimising Academic Achievement
HR Business Partner Team
Aston University has transformed its academic promotions process into a transparent, equitable and strategically aligned system that strengthens organisational culture and supports career development across all academic pathways. Central to this transformation is the integration of the Academic Performance Framework, which now acts as a single reference point for workload allocation, performance expectations and promotion criteria, reinforcing alignment with Aston 2030 priorities.
The University introduced clearer guidance, a consolidated criteria framework, a standardised CV template and stronger governance, including consistent committee structures and robust appeals processes. A balanced assessment model combining quantitative data with contextual narrative ensures fair and responsible evaluation across disciplines. Extensive EDI integration including targeted workshops and detailed analysis has improved participation and outcomes for women, minority ethnic and disabled colleagues.
The impact is demonstrated through sustained application numbers, strengthened trust, improved success rates for underrepresented groups and greater consistency across Schools. This sector leading approach provides a transferable model for modernising academic career pathways and embedding values driven performance in higher education.
Tagged : Enhancing HR Services, Organisational Development, Events, Showcasing Good Practice
Type : Meeting
