Recognising exceptional teamwork that has resulted in significant achievements, measurable institutional benefit and wider sector impact.

Judging criteria – total of 30 points:

Team performance and achievements 

• Evidence of exceptional teamwork leading to successful outcomes and achievement
• Effective collaboration, communication and shared contribution across the team
• Demonstrated delivery of objectives and achievement of measurable results

Institutional benefit (measurable impact)

• Clear and measurable positive impact on the institution and its stakeholders
• Contribution to institutional priorities, objectives and overall success
• Evidence of sustained benefits and value delivered

Portability, wider applicability and sector benefit

• Transferability of the team's approach, learning or achievements to other institutions
• Contribution to the wider sector development through shared good practice and collaboration
• Potential to deliver broader benefits beyond the immediate institution and team

This award recognises an individual working in estates or facilities who is making an exceptional contribution to their team, institution and the wider profession, while demonstrating strong potential for future development and leadership. The award is open to those who are new to the sector, as well as individuals with broader career experience who are relatively new to estates or facilities management.

The Gold Award winner will also receive a contribution towards their personal and professional development.

Judging criteria – total of 30 points:

Contribution to team, institution and mission

• Positive contribution to their team, department or institution
• Demonstration of values and behaviours that support organisational objectives
• Alignment with and contribution to the institution's mission and strategic goals

Performance and achievements

• Evidence of outstanding performance and achievement
• Measurable impact and successful outcomes delivered
• Initiative, commitment and excellence in their role

Wider significance of achievements and portability 

• Potential for achievements or approaches to benefit others across the sector
• Evidence of sharing good practice, learning or innovation
• Demonstration of future potential and broader professional impact

Recognition of a specific initiative that has delivered a significant and measurable positive impact on an institution, the wider sector and/or the profession. AUDE particularly welcomes applications that demonstrate a meaningful contribution towards sustainability and carbon reduction. 

Judging criteria – total of 30 points:

Institutional benefit (measurable achievement and impact)

• Demonstrated positive and measurable impact on the institution
• Clear evidence of successful outcomes and benefits delivered
• Contribution to sustainability objectives, including carbon reduction where applicable

Portability, wider applicability and sector benefit

• Transferability and applicability to other institutions or organisations
• Potential to benefit the wider sector and promote sustainable practice
• Effective sharing of knowledge, learning and good practice

Innovativeness 

• Originality and creativity of the initiative's approach
• Implementation of new or improved sustainable practices or solutions
• Demonstration of going beyond standard practice to deliver greater impact

This award is open to individuals, teams, departments and initiatives that have made a meaningful contribution to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion. Nominations may relate to large-scale strategic programmes or smaller initiatives that have had a positive impact within a local context. Examples could include inclusive recruitment practices, improvements to accessibility, wellbeing initiatives, community engagement activities, culture change programmes or innovative approaches to removing barriers.

Judging criteria – total of 30 points:

Impact and approach

• Demonstrated positive impact and measurable outcomes
• Effective, well-planned and sustainable approach to delivery
• Clear evidence of success and value created

Wider relevance and sharing of good practice

• Transferability and applicability to other institutions or teams
• Effective sharing of knowledge, learning and good practice
• Contribution to wider sector development and collaboration

Learning, development and continuous improvement

• Reflection on lessons learned and areas for development
• Evidence of continuous improvement and enhancement over time
• Commitment to developing skills, knowledge and future practice

This award is open to individuals, teams or initiatives that have gone above and beyond their institution's traditional remit to make a positive and measurable contribution to the wider community. This award recognises activity that delivers meaningful benefits beyond the institution and demonstrates innovation, collaboration and lasting impact.

Judging criteria – total of 30 points:

Performance and achievements 

• Demonstrated success and outcomes
• Evidence of impact
• Sustainability and effectiveness

Benefit to the wider community

• Extent of community impact
• Reach and inclusivity
• Lasting value created

Innovation and creativity 

• Originality of approach
• Evidence of going beyond expected practice
• New ways of addressing challenges or opportunities

This award, in partnership with the University Design Forum, recognises small-scale, low-budget design interventions within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) that deliver high-impact improvements to the educational environment. While large capital projects often receive recognition, modest schemes, whether architectural, interior, landscape or public art, can make a significant difference to the student and staff experience. This category celebrates innovative, agile and contextually sensitive designs completed between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2026, with a total project value of less than £1 million (excluding VAT). Whether refreshing existing spaces or creating new ones, these projects demonstrate how thoughtful design can enhance learning, support wellbeing and foster a strong sense of place within higher education.

The gold winner of this award will additionally receive a complimentary place to attend the University Design Forum Annual Conference 2027, on 22 and 23 June at the University of Cambridge.

Judging criteria – total of 30 points:

Impact on Educational Experience 

• Demonstrated positive impact on the student and/or staff experience
• Enhancement of learning, wellbeing, engagement or sense of place
• Evidence of measurable benefits and successful outcomes

Design Quality and Innovation 

• High-quality design response that is creative, functional and contextually appropriate
• Innovative and effective use of space, materials or design interventions
• Demonstration of design excellence within project constraints

Value and Sustainability 

• Effective delivery of significant impact within a modest budget
• Consideration of sustainability, longevity and whole-life value
• Efficient use of resources and evidence of value for money

The following supporting documents are required- must be submitted as one PDF document, as opposed to individual documents:

• Standard Project Data Sheet (1 x A4)
• User feedback/POE summary sheet (1 x A4)
• Before and after images sheet (1 x A3)
• Further illustrations to include: one primary image of the completed space/s (1 x A3), plans, sections and elevations (4 x A3*) and sketches/model photos (1 x A3) as helpful to explain the design.

* Where more than one sheet is stated, this is the maximum number of pages/sizes to be submitted.

This award is open to all organisations that supply products and services to the Higher Education sector. It provides an opportunity for institutions to recognise and celebrate the contribution suppliers make in helping them achieve their strategic goals and ambitions.

Applications are welcome from suppliers of all sizes.
To support the judging process, please provide details of:

• One major project, service or initiative delivered within the last three years.
• How your organisation has supported the Higher Education sector more broadly.
• How your organisation has engaged with and supported AUDE.

Judging criteria:
Applications will be assessed against a total of 50 points, allocated across the following criteria:

• Project performance and achievements
• Meeting the client's brief, including evidence of success
• Transferable learning and value to the wider sector
• Support for the Higher Education sector and AUDE
• Quality and relevance of supporting evidence 

AUDE’s eighth Summer School development programme took place in June 2026 where 50 of the sector’s aspiring future leaders had the opportunity to enhance their knowledge, stretch their thinking and embark on a six-month team project. The winning project will receive the Summer School award for their work, effort and contribution to the sector they will also have the opportunity to present their report to colleagues at the annual conference. 

For achievements benefitting the higher education estates/FM community, by an individual, over an extended period of time in a senior position.