Category: 2022 Awards

Awarded for outstanding achievement, and/or impact by an Academic Society.

College of Business, Technology and Engineering​
HR Network Society – Amelia Tuxford; Aoife Tough; Rosie Wade; Ellie Cunningham; Jasmine Bishop Bingley; Jeevan Lidhar Kaur; Zara Hohn-Zeo; Paula Ambroze; Joe Mycock; Ella Simpkin; Lauren Lowry; Xiaoqian He​

What they did:​
“As the academic supporting this society I have been blown away by the professionalism and dedication of members. Initially the committee agreed roles and a set of values and aims for the society. They planned a variety of events, with something happening at least once month, to allow students to network with and learn from practicing professionals, including course alumni, local employers and members of the professional body. The commitment to fundraise and to provide social events too is exceptional. This society celebrates its 10th birthday in 2022! We are holding a celebration event in February to honour the founding academic and thank one of our supporters who has been a regular guest speaker since the beginning. Winning this award this year would be a fantastic way to mark this Society’s decade anniversary.”​

What was the impact?​
“Students who are interested in a career in this field have benefitted from: a panel event, where different local professionals explained how they got into their roles and what they enjoy about their work; a local employer outlining the skills required for this career and how to make outstanding applications; a member of the professional body explaining how to best make use of the resources and support available; and professional networking opportunities via social events, such as a Christmas meal. The enhancement for these students’ employability is immeasurable and would not be possible without the hard work of the society’s committee members.”​

How it inspired others​
“The activity of the network is used to support promotion of the related courses offered by SHU, during student recruitment. It has persuaded countless new students to consider a career in this field and enrol onto programmes of study within SHU. For many students having access to a professional network is not easily attainable, even when they have graduated. Having that network provided from the first year of studies, via this society, has levelled the playing field and raised aspirations of students wishing to enter this career. I am extremely proud to be associated with this society and feel it is very deserving of this award.”

College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences​
Paramedic Society –  Alexandra Francis, Meghan Arnell, Meg Ashworth, Steffan Griffiths, Dean Rowbotham​

What they did:​
Despite being a member short and having no academic lead I think the paramedic society have really giving it their best this year, whenever faced with challenges they have worked hard to overcome this and still maintain positivity! They have engaged in different CPD events and with social events and are creating big plans for the rest of the year, covid has had a massive impact yet they have still been able to give something back to their members and will keep continuing to do so!​

Paramedic Society have run events that contribute to the CPD of paramedic students – offering both social and professional peer support. Their president also navigates child-care commitments while studying and actively running the society which is highly commendable. ​

What was the impact?​
Positivity and helpful CPD events to students during difficult times during their academic career such as exams or interviews, encouraged socials to enable members to build friendships and have a fun time amongst studying! Being inclusive at all times to all members!​

This society has offered invaluable peer-support for those involved, and expanded the opportunities for professional development and an informal exchange of ideas and experiences. ​

How it inspired others​
Gave them guidance and to understand where they were going in the next part of their journey, creating friendships to help along their academic career and maintain relationships that will last a lifetime which is essential for mental stability! There’s a balance between fun and learning . The active running of this society offers an inspirational model for other academic societies as well as members who may wish to be involved in the committee in future, and sets a high standard for peer-support and shared CPD opportunities.​

College of Social Sciences and Arts​
Psychology Society – Felicity Woodhouse, Mya Taylor, Kirsty Bullen, Hannah Watkins, Isobel Edwards, Jay Drake, Natasha Rippon​

What they did:​
“These students reinvigorated the Society from nothing, recruited a number of new members and provided wonderful social and learning events. They showed great leadership and communication.”​

What was the impact?​
“Started from little and regained a connection with students and staff.”​

How it inspired others​
“They inspired others by demonstrating great leadership, kindness and inspiration.”

Awarded for actively advocating the voice of students and representing their collective interests. ​

College of Business, Technology and Engineering​
Ellie Toombs – BA Business Economics ​

What they did:​
“This individual has done a placement year like many students do and has come back to University for their final year. They will admit themselves that adjusting back to University life and how things are done here as opposed to placement has been difficult for them. Not only this they were successfully appointed Department Rep for their Department, so has been battling to settle back into the swing of final year whilst completing the role as a Department Rep. They know that they have struggled but they haven’t once let it deter them from contributing to improving the student voice and doing what they can for the students in the department. They have worked tirelessly to juggle everything that has come up, including some personal instances, and still put students at the forefront of everything they are doing. They have used their struggles and their experience as a way to help others, choosing a project to work on which centres around the experience of placement students with ideas involving giving tips about securing placement, adjusting to the placement life and the realities of settling back into university and giving the students the advice that they wish they had achieved. Where it would have been easy for this individual to neglect their role and focus on their final year, they have taken it in their stride and turned their experience into a positive one. They are an outstanding Department Rep and have the student community at the front of their mind in all the work they do.”

What was the impact?​
“By providing advice for placement students, it opened their eyes to the realities of the placement experience. No one is doubting that the opportunity to go into the workplace of your field for a year is a fantastic opportunity, but sometimes it is difficult to consider how the students will adapt back to university life, especially doing all of this during a pandemic. This is giving a huge range of students guidance and helping them to prepare for final year. “​

How it inspired others​
“This individual has inspired others because they have taken their negative experience and their personal struggle and used it as a strength and identified that this is something that other people experience so is using their voice to educate others. They have shown that with determination and strength, you can overcome your struggle. I have no doubt that this individual will go onto do amazing things during their career and life. “

College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences​
Amy Brown– BSC HON SPORT COACHING WITH FOUNDATION YEAR​

What they did:​
“This student has been a main player in the student voice on this course for three years. They have been an active member of the student leadership group, which has driven positive change on the course over the past three years. The panicle of this student’s work in this area related to difficult conversations around a module. During staff-student committees, the student conducted themselves in a professional way at all times and remained resolute and clam when delivering difficult messages to staff. The points that needed raising could have been awkward and some others may have retreated from making some comments. This student did not, and managed to deliver them with poise and clarity. In helping future students through the recording of videos and being a key member of the new Women in Coaching advocacy group, this student has cemented themselves as one of best course representative we have ever had.”​

What was the impact?​
“Without doubt, this course is in a better place and is more informed because of the work of this student. Always willing to go above and beyond to seek answers for other students and to inform staff of general feeling among the group. It has meant communication and understanding between the staff and students has remained constant. I think this way of working has inspired a number of other students, I think it has kept staff honest and, finally, has maintained the quality of aspects of the degree.“​

How it inspired others​
“This student is a role model to other students. The way they act, the determination they bring to everything they do, the way they approach adversity and the engagement they have with the course is something other students admire. This student does not make a song and dance about the way they are and, in some ways, goes about their business because it ‘is the right thing to do’ rather that because of the credit they receive. It is a lesson for us all, including staff, in how humble people can make a positive impact.”

College of Social Sciences and Arts​
Ella Spencer– BA Hon English Literature​

What they did:​
“This person is an inspirational student in more ways than one, to the point that they could be nominated for numerous of these awards. Not only are they an incredible student and incredible peer, but they also actively converse with other students to make an impact within the University, as a Student Rep. As well as all of this, they are assisting a local newspaper on their placement to publicly share important local stories that can help individuals in the community.”​

What was the impact?​
“The impact of their hard work, dedication and commitment is that they are able to inspire students to actively ameliorate society and to want the change the world around us for the better. They encourage you to work hard, help others and stay committed to your dreams.”​

How it inspired others​:
“This inspired others as it has meant that more students are now actively attempting to help others, even with small acts of kindness in every-day life, as well as attempting to help ourselves. This person is the definition of an exceptional student of this University, and despite their difficulties in their personal life, always ensures that the people around them are okay, specifically mentally. This person has also assisted me in my mental health challenges, of which has made such a big difference in my life.”

Awarded for their contribution to the Sheffield Hallam Community by working collaboratively, showing compassion, support, and/or kindness to fellow students and/or SHU community members.  ​

College of Business, Technology and Engineering​
Aoife Tough – BA Hon Business and Human Resource Management

What they did​
“They work collaboratively as a student ambassador for BTE. They represent the university at core open days and events. They have spoken to wide audiences about their SHU experiences which has a massive impact on students who are thinking about joining SHU. They have worked tirelessly as a member of the HR network encouraging students to engage in Extracurricular activities and attend inductions to support academic to help engage students on our course. They do this to great effect and really showcase how far one can go in and beyond SHU. They are warm effusive and very good at presenting what SHU can do for you!”​

What was the Impact?​
“Their impact is great – they have really engaged in the support of new and first year students. They are honest open and supportive to those who are nervous when they join our big world, This person takes time to showcase the activities that have helped establish them as a leader. They showcase wider SHU activities such as Venture Matrix, Societies, Careers Services and most important being an AMBASSADOR – this means they positively have all the SHU grad attributes! they are truly vocal about getting out and doing stuff beyond the course. This has not only helped new students – it has helped their peers – who without their constant presentation and presence would perhaps still be sat in their digs!”

How it inspired others​
“They are very engaging when discussing what to get involved in at SHU. They have experience in a wide range of SHU activities and really market how these have helped build their own confidence and competencies. This person is a good student to have at any recruitment event for SHU courses. It makes me so proud to see this person shine and showcase to parents and future students what SHU can do for them! They are an exemplar in getting engaged and showcasing how this has helped in their overall student experience. They are a true leader!”

College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences​
Molly Grove – BSc Hons Diagnostic Radiography​

What they did:​
The nominee is a brilliant student and incredibly supportive of  peers on placement, acts as a helper to the placement staff and is happy to plan and organise student activities and this has been fed back to me.  The nominee sensitively raised a potential issue with a fellow student who was reluctant to seek help, I could then arrange an informal meeting and the issues were solved​

What was the impact?​
“The placement team feel that they share goals with the students headed by this nominee.  Any students who need additional support can then be assisted early before impacting their training and others start to notice. “​

How it inspired others​
“Other students and placement staff felt inspired by the nominees example to be supportive of one another, and to allow students a degree of autonomy with their rotas and learning plans.  The placement experience for students has been greatly improved at this particular hospital in recent years, and this is in part due to the team vision and efforts of people like this nominee.”​

College of Social Sciences and Arts​
Nicole Davenport – BSc Hon Psychology​

What they did:​
“They are always willing to take time out of their own schedule to help others. Not only are they in their final year completing their own degree, to a high standard, they are also taking time out to help those in need. They currently act as a mentor for level four students, helping them with all aspects of their university life from writing style to personal lives! They are also a student researcher at SHU taking part in extra research on top of their dissertation, this will help other students in the future.

On top of this, after a week of university they then spend their Saturday night, not going out or socialising, but acting as a Samaritan on their helpline, answering calls from 11-3am. I think this is a really valuable project to be a part of, not only helping potential Hallam students but also the wider community. All of this is whilst she also works part-time in a care home for those with Physical Disabilities in South Yorkshire.​

I honestly don’t know how they do it all and personally think its fantastic.”

What was the impact:​
“They are helping a wide range of individuals with a number of problems, on a voluntary basis. They have the ability to help individuals who are struggling, with the compassion and care that would not normally be expected of a University student.​
Giving up their own time to help younger students adjust to university life has left them feeling more secure at university and also more comfortable is also something to be commended and helps younger students adapt much quicker. I can’t comment much on the Samaritans work as I don’t know the fine details, but I imagine being a fully trained phone operative has enabled the student to develop their communication skills in a way which is beneficial to those on the other end of the phone who call when they are in most need.”​

How it inspired others:​
“They have inspired others on their course with their tremendous work ethic and general level of compassion, with the research and internships helping to settle in the next generation of Hallam students. Passing on their knowledge and experiences can only be positive, younger students seeing their general demeanour and work ethic must be inspiring. The Samaritans work can inspire other students, especially those who have interests in psychology, to take on more voluntary work to not only boost their own CV in areas they may want to work in the future, but also within South Yorkshire, allowing the Samaritans to reach more people in need.”