Scheme to re-open on 1 September

Following the announcement in May 2025 about pausing our promotions and pay schemes, the University Executive Board has re-visited the decision to pause departmental Making the Difference awards.

These awards are intended to provide recognition to staff from any level whose exceptional contribution on a one-off or short-term basis has been outstanding and is worthy of particular note. The Making the Difference Scheme provides staff, managers and colleagues the opportunity to nominate an individual or a team for a recognition award.

In response to feedback, the decision to pause this scheme has been reviewed and we can confirm that departmental Making the Difference schemes can reopen from 1 September 2025.

Here is a reminder of the status of our other Pay and Reward schemes:

• Our new academic and professorial promotions scheme will launch in September 2025, with promotions obtained during this round effective from 1 September 2026.
• Our professorial pay review scheme will open in September 2025, with pay awards effective from 1 September 2026.
• Our Rewarding Excellence scheme will open in autumn 2026.