The AUDE Awards are an annual highlight for the association, giving us a chance to focus on some of the fantastic estates and facilities teams, and their projects, that contribute so significantly to the success of our universities, year-round. AUDE are proud to announce the 11th year of the AUDE awards. The awards highlight and celebrate the exceptional achievements of estates and facilities professionals in the higher education sector. This year our awards were sponsored by leading facilities management company Lancer Scott, and we are very grateful for their support.
The AUDE Estates/FacilitiesTeam of the Year Award
Our Estates/Facilities Team of the Year for 2025 is Campus Security at Trinity College London. Praised by the judges for their outstanding professionalism and innovation, this team exemplifies excellence in campus safety and community engagement. A synchronised and proactive unit, they have demonstrated exceptional crisis management, life-saving emergency responses, and mental health crisis support, all while fostering a secure and inclusive environment.Their achievements include pioneering theft reduction strategies and leading sanctuary efforts during the Dublin riots; showcasing their courage and compassion in times of unrest. Notably, team member Colm Ennis spearheaded environmental conservation initiatives, reflecting the team’s broader commitment to sustainability and positive change.The Trinity College Dublin Security Team is a model of dedication and collaboration, inspiring others across the sector to elevate safety standards and community care. Huge congratulations to them.
The silver award in this category went to the Asset Management Team in Estate Operations at the University of Cambridge, while the bronze award went to the Estates Team at the University of Sunderland and University of Sunderland in London.
The AUDE Emerging Talent Award
The gold winner of the AUDE Emerging Talent Award for 2025 is Ann-Marie Dyer of the University of Plymouth. The judges were hugely impressed by the strength of this nomination, with clear evidence showing that Ann-Marie has made a significant and lasting impact. Her leadership in delivering a new £1.6m access control system was described as exemplary, with meticulous attention to both technical detail and people engagement. What stood out was her strong customer focus and her drive to get things right, consistently demonstrating the very best of estates and facilities work. Ann-Marie is deeply committed to developing her skills, embracing both formal and informal learning opportunities. She is a supportive and solution-focused team member, valued by both her colleagues and managers. As estates and facilities work increasingly relies on data and AI, Ann-Marie’s talents will be vital to the directorate and the wider University. She is undoubtedly an emerging talent, and one to watch!
Sarfraz Mohammed of the University of Edinburgh has been awarded the silver award in this category while Jemma Maguire, of Nottingham Trent University, picks up the bronze award.
The AUDE University Sustainability Impact Initiative Award
The AUDE Award for Sustainability Impact Initiative for 2025 has gone to the team from The University of Manchester and their innovative project: 'The Bright Idea: A Solar Solution Transforming Campus Energy' - already proving to be a transformative project with wide-reaching impact.The judges were particularly impressed by how the University of Manchester tackled a challenge that many institutions have long considered too complex or ambitious. The Medebridge solar farm is a bold and innovative step forward, delivering 65% of the University’s electricity needs and setting a new standard for sustainability in the sector. This initiative will play a vital role in helping universities meet their carbon reduction targets, while also offering a replicable model for others to follow. It’s a powerful demonstration of leadership, vision, and the potential of public-private partnerships in driving real change.
Cardiff Metropolitan University's project 'Smart Estates: enhancing the sustainability of the existing estate' has won the silver award, while the University of Warwick has won the bronze award for their Donation Drive project.
The AUDE Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award
The gold winner of the AUDE Award for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for 2025 has gone to Gavin Poyser of the University of Derby for the Supported Internship Scheme. This outstanding initiative, led by Gavin, has delivered lasting benefits for both staff and interns. The judges were especially impressed by his compassionate leadership and ability to support mentors, many new to supervisory roles, throughout the process. Gavin’s approach combined technical instruction with workplace challenges, helping interns build confidence and understand expectations. His commitment to feedback and collaboration ensured a smooth experience for all involved. Mentor feedback was unanimously positive, with every participant eager to support future interns. Gavin’s passion for inclusion and his advocacy for expanding the scheme across the sector, including at national level, make this a truly impactful and inspiring project.
The silver award in this category went to the Inclusive Environments Action Plan at University College London and our bronze award went to Trinity College London for their Enhancing Mental Health Support: Student Counselling and Security Initiative.
The AUDE University Reaching Higher Award
The gold winner of the AUDE Award for Reaching Higher is Chris Roberts from Bangor University for his inspirational work with the North Wales Dragons Recreational Football Teams. The judges felt this was an exceptional initiative with real heart, supporting individuals across a wide age range and promoting inclusion, wellbeing, and community spirit. Chris, who works as a mechanical engineering manager, co-founded the Dragons in his spare time, creating a space where ability is no barrier and everyone is welcome, even if they’ve never kicked a ball before.The Dragons’ four core aims, encouraging physical activity, promoting mental wellness, fostering social inclusion, and giving back to the community, are delivered with passion and purpose. The impact is tangible, with players aged 16 to 67 finding connection, confidence, and joy through the teams. This is a fantastic community project that would not be such a success without Chris’s leadership and dedication. His work exemplifies the values of estates and facilities professionals reaching beyond the workplace to make a meaningful difference.
Our silver award went to Durham University for their Waterside Corporate and Social Value Initiative and the bronze award went to the University of Sheffield for their work on Protect - Joint training exercises with South Yorkshire Police.
The AUDE Summer School Award
The winners of the AUDE Summer School Award is the group at our residential development programme last summer made up of Sarah Anne Borg (University of Malta), Tshisevhe Nesengani (University of Venda, South Africa), Kate Powell (University of Glasgow), Graeme Race (University of York), Helen Shaw (Cardiff University) and James Wright (University of Leeds) for their project entitled ‘Enhancing Customer-Centric Practices in Capital Project Delivery within Higher Education Estates'’ and we are certain their innovative approaches will feed into AUDE’s future thinking on this theme.
The AUDE Chair’s Award for Long-Term Contribution
The winner of the AUDE Chair’s Award for Long-Term Contribution in 2025 is Paul Morris of Lancaster University. Huge congratulations from all at AUDE go to Paul, and we know his colleagues at Lancaster and across the sector will be thrilled.
Paul is a highly respected leader whose career spans senior roles at three universities, marked by strategic innovation and a deep commitment to sustainability. From delivering major capital projects like the £41m Health Innovation Campus and a Passivhaus-standard lecture theatre, to leading Lancaster’s solar farm and energy infrastructure project, his impact is clear. Paul has been a key contributor to AUDE’s Estates Management Record since 2007, helping shape the digital portal used across the sector. He also played a central role in AUDE’s Professional Development Group and hosted the 2019 annual conference at Lancaster. Known for his collaborative spirit and mentoring approach, Paul’s legacy is one of excellence, generosity, and lasting influence.
AUDE Supplier of the Year Award
We are so pleased to announce that 2025’s AUDE Supplier of the Year award goes to Provelio.
This submission stood out for its sector-wide relevance, focusing on maximising estate utilisation and efficiency. The judges noted Provelio’s strong engagement across institutions and AUDE networks, including their significant contribution to the Estates Management Record. While impact data could have been clearer, the supporting guide, video, and testimonials were well presented. The software’s benefits are evident, and the submission reflects a wide range of sector support.
