Colleagues nominated for Pride of Reading Awards

Three colleagues have been nominated for Pride of Reading Awards. This year’s awards recognise all those who have gone the extra mile to help the local community through the pandemic.

Agnes Gibson, Head of Campaigns and Supporter Engagement

Agnes has been nominated for her role in setting up and leading the University’s Case Management Team which has supported the NHS Test and Trace services. 

Driven by a deep belief in community service, Agnes has played a leading role in how the University of Reading has responded to the pandemic, supporting the community and helping to keep us all safe. This is a voluntary role and Agnes has worked tirelessly to lead the team, including working most weekends.

Team members (who are also volunteers from within our colleague community) have nothing but praise for the work that Agnes has done and the way in which she has led in the team, always calm and considered and always helpful.

The team has an excellent success rate in reaching close contacts from University activity, playing a vital role in keeping cases low amongst staff and students in comparison to other institutions in the Higher Education sector.

Sarah Gardner, Community Relations Officer

Sarah was nominated for creating the Student Community Champions scheme during the height of lockdown. The scheme matched students with local community groups to support them remotely with their technical, digital or admin needs. Groups supported included the Reading branch of the YMCA, Alana House and Bounce Back 4 Kids. 

Rachel Greenwood, Senior Support Officer, Student Information Systems

Rachel was nominated for setting up a group for expectant mums at the start of the pandemic which has now grown to nearly 700 members and counting. The first lockdown was a very uncertain time for expectant mums, as they had no idea how the virus may affect them or their unborn child, and suddenly most of their support networks vanishing overnight.

It has been an invaluable source of peer support, with all members sharing their knowledge, providing reassurance and comfort to those who need it, gifting maternity and baby items that are no longer needed and organising social events, both virtual and in person, over the year.

Awards Ceremony

Hosted by Chris Tarant, The Pride of Reading Awards ceremony will take place on Friday 3 December at the Royal Berkshire Conference Centre at the Madejski Stadium.