New staff award initiatives

Published: 30 April 2021

Two new staff awards schemes launched: James Watt Technician Prize and Professional Services Excellence Awards

We are pleased to announce the launch of our James Watt Technician Prize and our Professional Services Excellence Awards for 2021.

It is without doubt that our people continuously contribute innovatively and strive to perform above and beyond the expectations of their roles which makes the University as successful as it is. This has been particularly apparent as we have navigated our way throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, pulling together in the most extraordinary way.

James Watt Technician Prize

In recognition of the ingenuity of James Watt, a £1,000 honorarium one-off payment, subject to the usual tax and NI deductions, will be awarded to a technician who is judged to have introduced significant innovation within their role to the benefit of the University, its staff and students, to the advancement of research or teaching or to the benefit of wider society.

The award winner will have been considered against the following 5 criteria:

  1. Innovative contribution in support of the student experience
  2. Innovative contribution in support of the staff experience
  3. Innovative contribution to the development of learning and teaching
  4. Innovative contribution in support of world leading research outcomes
  5. Innovative contribution to the civic mission of the University.

Professional Services Excellence Awards

The University believes in celebrating the contribution of our people and recognising those who go the extra mile to make a standout contribution to support each other to succeed. This can be evidenced by individuals or teams providing exceptional customer service, contributing to service innovation, and by demonstrating positive behaviours that exemplify our University values of Ambition & Excellence, Curiosity & Discovery, Integrity & Truth, and Inclusive Community.

Our Professional Services Excellence Awards will celebrate outstanding activities that promote collegial behaviours contributing to the success of the University and creating a positive culture. 

Nominees (individuals or teams) will have shown exceptional service to the University through their actions, with evidence of the ensuing benefit clearly outlined and justified in the nomination.

It is expected that up to 30 awards will be made in 2021. Award winners will receive a letter and certificate from the Chief Operating Officer detailing the reason for the award, accompanied with a gift voucher up to the monetary value of £300 per person. Where the award is made in respect of a team, the monetary value may vary dependent upon the size of the team.

You can find the online nomination forms for the James Watt Technician Prize and the Professional Services Excellence Awards on the Awards Portal. The Portal will go live on 7 May, and will include a link to the Performance, Pay and Reward web pages, where full details of both awards (including nomination eligibility, the process and guidelines) can be found. Please note that the deadline for nominations is 4 June.

Please contact hr-ppr@glasgow.ac.uk with any queries.


First published: 30 April 2021