Culture Shift Awards Celebrate Change-Makers
On the 19th of March 2025, in a night dedicated to recognising individuals and teams making a real difference, Culture Shift celebrated those working tirelessly to foster safer, more inclusive environments across workplaces and educational institutions. The awards honoured those committed to ending harmful behaviours, often working behind the scenes to create lasting change.
Recognising unsung heroes
Although 16 individuals and teams were shortlisted and four winners were announced, Culture Shift took a moment to recognise everyone in the room. Though challenging and often emotionally demanding, their work is essential in creating a world where workplaces and educational institutions are safer, more supportive and ultimately free from harassment.
“I want to take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate every single one of you. You work tirelessly to end harmful behaviours. It’s never glamorous, often very emotionally taxing, and always under-appreciated, so let me take this moment to say thank you. You are appreciated, and you are making a difference.” Vicki Baars, Head of Culture Transformation, Culture Shift.
Leadership Award
The Leadership Award honoured visionary leaders driving systemic change. Through policy reform, advocacy, and decisive action, they have strengthened safeguarding, amplified voices, and shaped inclusive environments. Their leadership exemplifies the power of accountability and inspires lasting cultural transformation.
The shortlisted nominees:
- Peter Garrod – University of Greenwich
- Lesley Haddow – University of East London
- Nicola Campbell – University of York
- Jackie Carter – University of Manchester
Professor Jackie Carter, EDI Disability Academic Lead at the University of Manchester, took home the Leadership Award for her unwavering commitment to disability inclusion.
Jackie’s “Let’s Talk Disability” podcast series has been a game-changer, providing a platform for open dialogue between senior leaders and disabled staff and students. Through her lived experience as a deaf and disabled individual, Jackie has been a powerful advocate for change, ensuring that disability inclusion is firmly embedded in the university’s strategy. Her leadership exemplifies the principle of “Nothing about us without us,” inspiring meaningful action at every level.
Innovation Award
The Innovation Award celebrates creative and forward-thinking approaches to tackling longstanding challenges. Finding new ways to address old harms. The Innovation Award honours those who promote transparency, trust, and inclusion. Nominees have enhanced reporting, strengthened misconduct responses, and built supportive networks through awareness campaigns, training, and collaboration, making them truly deserving of this recognition.
The shortlisted nominees:
- EDI Team – Queen Mary University of London
- Jess Jackson – Aberystwyth University
- Student Wellbeing & Partnerships Team – University of Birmingham
- Madeline Baugh – University College London
This year’s winners, the Student Wellbeing & Partnerships Team at the University of Birmingham, have pioneered groundbreaking support initiatives for students affected by harmful behaviours.
Their Responder Support Fund has provided critical financial assistance, covering costs such as rehoming and private therapy, ensuring survivors receive immediate and meaningful support. Additionally, their Self-Care Boxes offer trauma-informed resources to empower survivors in their healing journeys. By implementing sector-leading training and fostering a survivor-centred approach, the team has set new standards in student support services.
Engagement Award
The Engagement Award recognises exceptional efforts in transparency, trust, and outreach. Nominees have fostered safer, more inclusive environments through proactive awareness campaigns, impactful training, and cross-department collaboration. Their work has enhanced reporting mechanisms, strengthened responses to misconduct, and built trust and support networks, making them truly deserving of this recognition.
The shortlisted nominees:
- Rachel Catling – University of East London
- Stefan Pintilie – University of Essex
- Four teams – The Independent Sexual and Domestic Violence Advocates, Student Conduct, Residential Life and Student Services Communications & Projects Teams – University of East London
- Report + Support Team – University of Greenwich
This year’s winner, Stefan Pintilie, Student Diversity Engagement Officer at the University of Essex, has been instrumental in promoting the university’s Report and Support platform. His work ensures that both students and staff understand and feel empowered to use reporting mechanisms effectively.
One of Stefan’s standout initiatives was the design and implementation of the Student Bystander Training program, which equipped over 65 Student Resident Advisers with the tools to intervene in problematic situations. Stefan is always available for discussions, actively listens to concerns, and takes proactive steps to enhance awareness and engagement with reporting mechanisms. His work embodies the true essence of engagement; ensuring that students and staff feel heard, supported, and empowered to take action. Stefan’s proactive approach to accessibility, engagement, and collaboration has made a lasting impact on campus culture, making him a well-deserving recipient of the award.
Collectivism Award
The Collectivism Award highlights individuals and teams who excel in collaboration and community-building.
These teams and individuals have united to prevent and address harmful behaviours. Through partnerships, they’ve enhanced training, reporting, and support systems, strengthening communities and driving meaningful change. Their collaborative efforts have created lasting impact, making them truly deserving of recognition.
The shortlisted nominees:
- Laura Watkins – University of East Anglia
- Esther Bowles – Aberystwyth University
- Residence Life team – University of Essex
- Report + Support Team – University of Greenwich
The winner, Laura Watkins, Project Lead for Cultural Change at the University of East Anglia (UEA), was recognised for her remarkable impact in just 12 months.
Under her leadership, UEA’s Consent Matters training saw completion rates soar to 85%, ensuring students in residences were well-informed about consent and healthy relationships. She played a pivotal role in UEA’s RE:SET project accreditation and has worked tirelessly to reconnect the university with local support services, organising events like Student Safety Day and White Ribbon Day. Laura’s commitment to inclusivity and student engagement has been transformative, making her a deserving winner.
While these awards spotlight exceptional individuals and teams, Culture Shift emphasised that real change is a collective effort. Every nominee and attendee plays a crucial role in shaping a safer, more inclusive future. As the event concluded, one message rang clear: together, we can make workplaces and educational institutions places where everyone feels safe, valued, and heard.
