MPLS Excellence in Estates and Facilities Support Award

Eligibility

The awards are open to all estates and facilities staff in the MPLS Division. Staff must be employed within an MPLS department to be eligible.

Nominations

Nominations are invited from heads of department, academics and professional services staff. Nominators should have direct knowledge of the nominee’s contribution relevant to the award criteria.

Self-nominations are also welcome. Individuals may apply directly or be nominated by one or more colleagues.

How to apply

The application process is intended to be light touch. 

Applications must be submitted via the online form by Wednesday, 17 June 2026.

Applications should include a clear, evidence-based account of:

• the activity or work undertaken
• the contribution of the individual or team
• how the work meets at least two of the criteria

For queries, please contact: Karen.Brill@mpls.ox.ac.uk

Criteria

Successful awards are expected to include evidence of two or more of the following criteria

1. Quality, safety and reliability of service

• Contribution to upholding safe, reliable and well-maintained working environments
• Effective day-to-day management of buildings and facilities
• Responsiveness to issues, with timely and appropriate resolution
• Commitment to safe working practices and regulatory compliance
• Proactive identification and mitigation of risks

2. User-focused approach

• Clear understanding of the needs of all building users: staff, students and visitors
• Evidence of positive user experience and responsiveness to feedback
• Practical support that enables teaching, research and operational activity

3. Planning and operational management

• Effective planning and coordination of maintenance, space use, or facilities services
• Ability to manage competing demands, constraints and operational pressures
• Proactive identification and management of risks

4. Improvement and efficiency

• Implementation of improvements to processes, systems or service delivery
• Evidence of increased efficiency, cost-effectiveness, or better use of space/resources
• Contribution to more sustainable or resilient operations

5. Collaboration and partnership working

• Effective working with departments, central teams, contractors and other stakeholders
• Contribution to coordinated approaches across a devolved environment
• Sharing of good practice or solutions

6. Impact and sustainability

• Clear, demonstrable impact on the functioning of buildings and the wider estate
• Support for safe, compliant and sustainable environments
• Benefits that are sustained over time and, where relevant, scalable

Assessment process

Applications will be reviewed by a judging panel (chaired by David Wallom) against the published criteria. The strongest application will receive an award.

Contact

For enquiries, please contact: Karen.Brill@mpls.ox.ac.uk

Privacy notice

Your personal data will be processed in line with the MPLS privacy notice. Data is collected and used solely for the purpose of administering the awards, based on your consent when submitting an application. You may withdraw your consent at any time by contacting Karen.Brill@mpls.ox.ac.uk. This will not affect processing already carried out prior to withdrawal.