The University of Worcester has been shortlisted for the Outstanding Support for Students award in the prestigious Times Higher Education Awards for the efforts of staff to raise money for student scholarships and hardship funds.
It’s one of four awards that the University is in the running for, having also been shortlisted in the Outstanding Library Team of the Year, Outstanding Research Supervisor of the Year, and Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership categories.
In response to rising student hardship, the University launched a major campaign, placing student welfare and widening participation at its heart. The campaign saw staff taking part in physical challenges – including a 280km sponsored walk, a 24-hour Charity Challenge of endurance events and adaptive sport, and the London Marathon – alongside numerous other activities, such as bake and craft sales and car washes, to raise over £72,000 for the University’s students.
Professor David Green CBE DL, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Worcester, said: “I am very proud of colleagues across the University for all their efforts and the hours of work they put in to raise money for such an important cause. We are also so very grateful to the thousand plus individual donors who supported this appeal. This shortlisting is a wonderful validation of the work they continue to put into ensuring there is help for students when they need it.”
“A significant proportion of the money raised has supported students on intensive professional courses, such as Nursing, Midwifery, and Paramedic Science, where placements limit opportunities for paid work,” he said. “This shortlisting shows the importance of colleagues at the University of Worcester, and the work they’re doing to support the healthcare professionals of tomorrow.”
Professor Green added: “To have done this in the build-up to being named 2027 University of the Year for Graduate Jobs in the Daily Mail University Guide is testament to the quality, dedication, and passion of the staff at the University of Worcester.”
The University is also in the running for Outstanding Library Team of the Year, which recognises the work of staff at The Hive, whose innovative approach to dementia support has had a significant impact on people living with dementia, their families, and communities across Worcestershire.
Working in partnership with the University’s Association for Dementia Studies, the team developed a Dementia Ambassador training programme, shaped by the experiences of people living with dementia and their carers.
Judith Keene, Director of Library Services said: “The work we continue to do in this area is so exciting, and it’s exciting to see how much of a difference it is making in our community,” she said. “The Hive is such a unique library, and it provides that link between cutting edge research at the University and bringing it to people who benefit from it, while taking their experiences into account.”
“I’m delighted for the team who’ve worked on this from both the University and the County Council,” said Judith. “The shared library model is still unique, and it works well and really delivers for the people of Worcester and the wider region.”
The University has also been shortlisted in the Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership category for its sector leading strategy to embed biodiversity at the heart of the university.
The nomination recognises initiatives including habitat creation, conservation management, partnerships with the RSPB, and innovative digital monitoring.
Katy Boom, Director of Sustainability, said: “We are proud to be shortlisted for this award, which recognises our efforts to embed biodiversity recovery at the heart of our institutional strategy, our governance, and our culture.”
“We bring together students, staff, community partners and environmental organisations to collaborate and create opportunities, for learning, action, and positive change,” said Katy. “Our students can engage with sustainability through a wide range of extracurricular activities, helping them develop valuable skills and experiences beyond the classroom.”
Eleanor Bradley, Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange at the University, is in the running for Outstanding Research Supervisor of the Year for her inspirational work in supervising 19 full and part-time doctoral candidates to successful completion since 2004.
She said: “Supporting doctoral researchers is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role, and it’s a real privilege to work alongside people who are passionate about making a difference through research.”
“Every student brings their own experiences, challenges and ambitions,” said Dr Bradley. “I have always believed in adapting my approach to help everyone thrive. Seeing our doctoral researchers grow in confidence and go on to make a positive impact in health, social care, academia, and beyond is incredibly rewarding.”
The winners will be announced on 26 November 2026.