Vice Chancellors Teaching Excellence Awards 2025
The Vice Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Awards recognise and celebrate the commitment and achievements of LJMU staff who support teaching and learning.
Rising Star
This award recognises an individual’s significant contribution to, and leadership potential in, teaching and learning. The award is open to staff who have less than 5 years teaching experience in Higher Education.
Award winner: Sarah Williams
Liverpool Business School, Faculty of Society and Culture
Sarah Williams’s 'Teaching Otherwise' approach has consistently delivered strong student outcomes across BA, MA and Apprenticeship HRM modules, with excellent student satisfaction and pass rates over three years. Students describe becoming 'more empathetic and compassionate HR practitioners' through her arts-based pedagogy, futures literacy, and care-centred methods, which create genuinely inclusive learning environments where they feel 'super comfortable and safe.'
Recognised through the Faculty Teaching Excellence Award: Rising Star and UFHRD teaching commendation (June 2025), Sarah is seen as a lead for creative pedagogy within the Business School, regularly mentoring colleagues and guest lecturing across programmes. She has developed the original 'Futuring Otherwise' framework, which has been shared through international conferences and book chapters in Routledge and Elgar. As a UN PRME Steering Committee member, she brings national and international discourse on responsible management education directly into LJMU practice through her role as Sustainability Accelerator Coordinator, connecting external networks to curriculum innovation and student learning.
Academic Practice
This award recognises an individual’s outstanding, transformative or inspirational impact on the student learning experience.
Award winner: Richard Ridyard
School of Law and Justice Studies, Faculty of Society and Culture
Dr Richard Ridyard is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Law and Justice Studies. He is also the programme manager for the BA in Law, Business, and Management programme, a Certified Management & Business Educator, and a Fellow at George Mason University. He has won two Faculty Teaching Excellence awards, including this year’s individual award category.
Richard’s work on game-based learning (GBL) has significantly enhanced the student learning experience. He has presented this internally, nationally, and at international conferences, and his latest work on a new GBL technique is scheduled to be published. Student feedback on GBL activities has been very positive. Through his work on the Teaching and Learning Committee, Richard helps shape School policies. This includes helping develop a School assessment guide and piloting new formative assessment opportunities.
As part of a team, Richard has worked on Legislative Theatre (LT), another innovative teaching and learning approach. Their LT workshops have been delivered nationally and internationally, and their work has been published. Alongside others, he is also working on a project funded by the Society of Legal Scholars that explores the teaching of climate change in UK Law Schools. Their work offers unique sector-wide insights and helps create a more climate-conscious teaching environment.
Excellence in Digital Education
This individual or team award celebrates the insightful and evidence-based use of technology to transform student learning.
Award winner: Hu Du
School of Engineering and Built Environment, Faculty of Health, Innovation, Technology and Science
Dr Hu Du has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in digital education for BEng/MEng Building Services Engineering and Architectural Engineering programmes, by revolutionising teaching practices through inventing and utilising cutting-edge technologies such as interactive 360° digital twins (virtual tours) of building plant rooms and teaching labs, Power BI dashboards for live building performance monitoring, and 3D laser scans for constructing building energy models. Examples of key achievements include creation of interactive virtual tours of LJMU Innovation zone, plant rooms of Novotel Liverpool, Huyton leisure centre, Henry Cotton, Tom Reilly, James Parsons and Cherie Booth buildings which
represent typical heating, ventilation and cooling system types for non-domestic buildings in the UK.
He has significantly enhanced student engagement, accessibility, learning outcomes and showcased LJMU’s leadership role in low-carbon buildings through collaboration with Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, Livv Housing Group, Knowsley Council and the Liverpool City Region’s flagship Horizons innovation support programme.
Commended: Carmel Henshall
School of Public and Allied Health, Faculty of Health Innovation Technology and Science
Carmel Henshall is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Public and Allied Health and teaches across a wide range of programmes including Health Visiting, School Nursing, Adult and Child Nursing, and Midwifery. She contributes to postgraduate education and is actively involved in enterprise work, delivering training to the wider community workforce on safeguarding, motivating behaviour change, and parenting programmes.
Carmel’s ground-breaking contributions to digital education, particularly through her innovative simulation tool, are enhancing health visitor, midwifery and school nursing education programmes. Carmel’s creative use of technology has revolutionised teaching, learning, and assessment in the critical area of safeguarding children, improving practitioner confidence and competence, and ultimately saving lives.
In response to student feedback, Carmel has co-written and produced 10 short films in collaboration with Afterthought (film company) and academic colleagues at LJMU. These films are embedded in postgraduate programmes and will also be used to educate the wider nursing and community workforce in how to conduct challenging, life-changing conversations helping to save lives through compassionate, evidence-informed practice. Carmel is currently conducting impact assessments on her safeguarding films, further demonstrating her commitment to measurable and meaningful improvements in practice.
Commended: Jennifer Graham
School of Law and Justice Studies, Faculty of Society and Culture
Dr Jennifer Graham is a Senior Lecturer in Law, and an Early Career Researcher, in the School of Law and Justice Studies. Jennifer has demonstrated exceptional innovation in digital education through the development and delivery of cutting-edge AI-integrated teaching. She created the Law and Artificial Intelligence module, featuring an innovative hands-on AI-based assessment that has received outstanding feedback from students and external examiners. Her work addresses critical AI literacy gaps across the Faculty, evidenced through her contributions to the Faculty AI Working Group. Her expertise has been recognised nationally, with invitations to present at conferences, including the Westminster Law School AI in Legal Education Conference 2025. Her approach combines pedagogical innovation with evidence-based practice, as demonstrated in her pending publication on incorporating AI in assessment. This work has earned her the Faculty Teaching Excellence Award for Contribution to Digital Education in both 23 to 24 and 24 to 25, and a nomination for the LJMU Student Experience Awards, Outstanding Teacher Award in 2024.
Personal Tutor
This award recognises individual tutors who demonstrate outstanding practice and a commitment to the enhancement of personal tutoring as an approach to student support and academic development.
Award winner: Tina Marolt Cebasek
School of Engineering and Built Environment, Faculty of Health, Innovation, Technology and Science
Dr Tina Marolt-Cebasek is a Senior Lecturer in Geotechnics, Programme Leader of MSc Civil Engineering, and Link Tutor of BSc Civil Engineering programme at the International College of Business and Technology (ICBT) in Sri Lanka. She goes beyond her teaching responsibilities by integrating coaching and mentoring techniques into her personal tutoring practice to foster student growth and resilience. Her supportive and empathetic approach helps students set achievable goals, navigate academic and personal challenges, and build confidence. Student testimonials highlight how her guidance enhances motivation, engagement, and commitment to study.
As Link Tutor, Tina shares her expertise to strengthen ICBT’s student support structures, promoting best practices in tutoring and wellbeing. Her commitment to professional development is evident through her MA in Academic Practice and her research on student retention and early interventions at ICBT, reinforcing her dedication to improving student outcomes and success across transnational education contexts.
Through her dedication to student success, her evidence-informed and compassionate tutoring approach, and her leadership in transnational education, Tina demonstrates outstanding excellence in teaching, mentoring, and holistic student support. Her work has made a measurable and lasting impact on student engagement, wellbeing, and academic progression - both at LJMU and ICBT.
Commended: Bob Cumiskey
Liverpool Business School, Faculty of Society and Culture
Bob Cumiskey is a Senior Lecturer in Liverpool Business School and teaches primarily across the large BSc 'Business with' suite of programmes. Bob is Level 4 tutor and is a dedicated personal tutor. He currently coordinates the personal tutoring of a large cohort of 360 new undergraduate students. In addition to his academic teaching responsibilities, Bob plays a central role in fostering student wellbeing, academic progression, and personal development. As a first point of contact, he provides tailored guidance to students on academic, pastoral, and professional matters, often going above and beyond to ensure students feel supported and empowered. Bob actively contributes to initiatives aimed at improving the personal tutoring system, including the development of inclusive advising practices and enhanced induction processes across all level 4 modules.
Bob’s approach to personal tutoring goes far beyond administrative check-ins; it is rooted in empathy, consistency, a deep understanding of the transitional challenges faced by new university students, and a genuine commitment to student success. Bob ensures every student receives tailored guidance, whether academic, personal, or professional, and is proactive in identifying those who may be struggling and offers timely interventions with compassion and discretion. Through regular one-to-one meetings, proactive outreach, and collaborative goal setting, Bob has built a reputation for being approachable, reliable, and impactful, making a tangible difference to students' university experience and long-term outcomes.
Unsurprisingly, students regularly praise Bob for his approachability, responsiveness, and ability to make them feel valued as individuals.
Commended: Dr Philippa McCabe
School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Health, Innovation, Technology and Science
Dr. Philippa McCabe is a Senior Lecturer in Biostatistics in the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences at Liverpool John Moores University, where she serves as a personal tutor to undergraduate cohorts. Philippa is an outstanding personal tutor whose compassionate, student-centred approach has transformed the experiences of countless learners at LJMU. She consistently goes above and beyond, creating a safe and welcoming environment where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Philippa’s proactive engagement—through open-door availability, regular check-ins, and personalised follow-up—ensures that no student is left behind. Her practice embodies the UKAT (UK Advising and Tutoring Association) values of empathy, authenticity, and commitment, building strong relationships that extend beyond academic support to holistic wellbeing. Students describe her as trustworthy and reliable, 'the first person I’d go to,' and someone who 'has made a huge impact' on their studies.
Alongside her professional development, Philippa champions best practice across the University, facilitating focus groups and sharing innovative approaches. Her dedication has made a lasting difference to individual student journeys and to the culture of personal tutoring at LJMU.
Academic Leadership
This award recognises an outstanding contribution to academic leadership through programme management or by leading transformative activity relevant to thematic priorities.
Award winner: Frances Yeoman
Liverpool School of Art and Creative Industries, Faculty of Society and Culture
Fran Yeoman is the Programme Leader for BA Journalism and also operates as Head of Journalism, overseeing a staff team of 15 and four programmes (two BA and two MA). She was recently made Associate Professor of Journalism and Media Literacy in recognition of her engaged scholarship working with government, media regulators, industry and civil society. All four programmes are accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists.
Under the leadership of Fran Yeoman, LJMU’s Journalism Department has built a reputation as one of the leading centres for journalism training in the UK. She has led a team of 15 staff delivering four programmes to national award wins and consistently strong programme outcomes and student experiences while positioning the department as 'sector-leading' (in the words of its external examiner) in its work on diversity and inclusion. She has meanwhile fostered a research culture that supports the development of early and second career academics and bolstered the external reputation of the department with her own impact-focussed research work, which is shaping a national conversation about the importance of media literacy to a healthy, democratic society.
Commended: Amanda Boddis
School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Health, Innovation, Technology and Science
Dr Amanda Boddis is the Programme Leader for the MSc Cosmetic Science programme and a Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science on the UGT Forensic Science programme. Amanda has been leading the MSc Cosmetic Science programme since 2022. Amanda’s vision for the programme is to enhance student experience and employability. This was through increasing the number of industry providers of summer placements including, obtaining summer placements at L’Oréal Research and Innovation in Paris. Increasing the number of curriculum enhancement experiences on the programme including, trips to the head office of CRODA and Lush Liverpool. Amanda has driven the process, which resulted in the programme successfully achieving accreditation from the Royal Society of Chemistry with seven commendations. Examples of these commendations can be found below:
- A very specialised course that is well-constructed giving a broad oversight of the training needed in the industry.
- Exceptional industrial engagement and work placements.
The outcome of this is that the programme is the first and only MSc Cosmetic Science programme to be accredited in the UK.
Enhancing the Learning Experience
This award is open to staff excluding academics who make an outstanding contribution to teaching and/or supporting learning. Their sphere of activity can sit within the formal curriculum and/or in extracurricular or co-curricular activities. It could also focus on staff development.
Award winner: Tara Blackburn
Schools of Biological and Environmental Sciences, and Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Health, Innovation, Technology and Science
Tara Blackburn is a Teaching Technician in Forensic Science at LJMU. She supports over 650 students across Forensic Science, Forensic Anthropology, Human Evolution and Policing Studies (part of the School of Law and Justice Studies). Her role is broad and hands-on: preparing realistic mock crime scenes and human osteology practicals, advising on equipment and resources, supporting student engagement, championing lab safety, and maintaining an open-door approach for students and staff alike. As a Teaching Technician in Forensic Science and Forensic Anthropology, Tara Blackburn supports students and staff across multiple subject areas, schools and faculties. Much of her work takes place behind the scenes, yet her day-to-day presence in shared teaching labs makes her approachable, responsive, and an integral part of teaching and independent study.
Tara has introduced interactive crime scenes, actively seeks to make lab practicals more engaging, and streamlined preparation areas to keep sessions running smoothly, all while adding small touches that brighten the day for students and staff alike. Her calm efficiency and approachable nature make her a trusted point of contact, someone people turn to for help, advice, or encouragement when things get hectic.
Tara takes pride in quietly enhancing the student experience. Her practical knowledge, professionalism, and attention to detail help students build confidence, while her behind-the-scenes work directly supports effective teaching and learning across the programmes.
Commended: Adarsh Makdani
School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Innovation, Technology and Science
Adarsh Makdani is Senior Technician in the School of Psychology, a member of the School Management Team, and part of a specialist technical team supporting teaching and research across all levels. Adarsh has made sustained and transformative contributions to teaching and student learning in the School of Psychology. As part of the specialist technical team, he enhances the curriculum through innovative teaching and direct one‑to‑one support for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral projects, enabling technically ambitious research that has led to student first‑author publications. As an active researcher, he ensures students and colleagues benefit from cutting‑edge methods and scholarship. Adarsh empowers staff by delivering training in advanced software and equipment, co‑organising professional development workshops, and sharing best practice across the sector. He has also influenced institutional practice by leading the transition to new research platforms and improving laboratory resources. Beyond the school, his role on the Liverpool Neuroscience Group committee extends his impact, co‑organising events that benefit students and early career researchers, while his contributions to national public engagement programmes bring neuroscience to wider audiences.
Equity and Inclusion in Education
This individual or team award will recognise outstanding contribution to advancing opportunities for marginalised and under-represented groups to fully engage with learning.
Award winner: BSc (Hons) Physical Education team
School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Health, Innovation, Technology and Science
The BSc Hons Physical Education programme sits within the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences (SES) and is nationally recognised for its commitment to inclusive and research-informed education. The Physical Education (PE) programme team at LJMU demonstrates outstanding commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion through research-informed, student-centred practice. The team actively removes barriers for underrepresented groups by recruiting diverse student interns, embedding inclusive pedagogies, and integrating adaptive activities into the programme curriculum.
Grounded in pedagogic research on care, gender-based violence, and disability sport, the programme integrates theory and practice to create equitable learning environments. Innovative initiatives such as the peer mentoring scheme and inclusive level 4 induction, both recognised as institutional good practice, promote belonging and retention among diverse learners. Staff contributions to networks such as PESSPA (Physical Education, School Sport and Physical Activity), FExWN (Football Exchange Women’s Football Network), and the Erasmus+ ParaCoach project extend impact across local and international contexts. The PE team exemplifies leadership in advancing inclusive education, enhancing student learning, and shaping institutional and sector-wide change. These are foundational for enriching students’ experiences and actively support the School’s RIDE (Respect, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity) Group and Athena Swan Silver Award.
Programme Profile: BSc (Hons) Physical Education
For further information contact Emma Ball, Programme Leader.
Commended: BSc Business Management team
Liverpool Business School, Faculty of Society and Culture
Liverpool Business School serves one of the most diverse student bodies within LJMU. The BSc Business Management programme historically attracted a high proportion of first-generation students, those from IMD 1 to 2 postcodes, and mature learners. Continuation and attainment gaps were visible, and the team recognised that traditional academic interventions alone would not close them.
Over the past three years, the Business Management Programme team has transformed the student experience through an inclusive, data-informed, and community-driven approach to teaching and learning. Initiatives such as the Self-Leadership Programme, BRIDGE Accelerator, and a re-designed pastoral and curriculum structure have significantly improved continuation, attainment, and graduate outcomes for students from under-represented backgrounds. Continuation has risen, while the good-degree rate for IMD 1–2 students now matches peers. What began as programme-level innovation has evolved into a faculty-wide model for equity and inclusion, recognised across LJMU as leading practice.
Programme Profile: BSc (Hons) Business Management
For further information contact Andrew Doyle, Programme Leader.
Commended: Diversity and Inclusion Team, Human Resources
The Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Team is based within Human Resources but operates strategically across the university, playing a pivotal role in embedding inclusive practice across LJMU’s teaching and learning landscape.
The D&I Team advances LJMU’s commitment to partnership, inclusion, and belonging at the heart of teaching and learning. Through initiatives such as the Reciprocal Mentoring Programme, the D&I Funded Projects scheme, Cultural Competency Workshops, Student Inclusion Consultants, and our Staff Networks, the team equips colleagues to embed equity in everyday practice and ensures that students’ lived experiences shape how learning happens. Working across faculties and services, we turn the Learning and Teaching Strategy (2023 to 2030) into action, building capability, confidence, and connection. Our programmes reach beyond LJMU, influencing city-region leadership, national recognition, and sector dialogue. What unites our work is partnership: staff, students, and communities working together to remove barriers, celebrate diversity, and create a university where everyone can see themselves reflected in the curriculum, in leadership, and in the culture of learning itself.
Find out more about the Diversity and Inclusion team.
Commended: Janette Porter
School of Education, Faculty of Society and Culture
Janette Porter is a lecturer in Education whose research focuses on inclusive education for adults with learning disabilities and access to higher education. Janette developed the Yes, we see you! research project questioning how effective tailored university-level educational courses can improve academic outcomes. Working with 44 adults with learning disabilities who are marginalised and underrepresented within our community and face barriers to accessible teaching practices, the participants attended four mini modules on campus which enabled them to develop knowledge, confidence, skills, and a sense of belonging and express an interest in further study. Yes, we see you! challenged barriers by offering the participants a genuine experience of university life.
Being a university student has been great; I never had thought I would have done a course like this or go to uni in my life
Mencap Member
An ongoing partnership has been since developed between LJMU Sport and Mencap Liverpool and Sefton offering weekly exercise classes to Mencap Members. Further funding has been secured internally through Diversity and Inclusion.