The impact of receiving the Women-Space Leadership Award
Awards are never just a line on a CV. They capture years of effort, collaboration, and perseverance. For me, receiving the SDF Women in Space Leadership Award was not only an incredible honour, but also a heartfelt reminder of the difference that dedication, teamwork, and shared vision can make in Higher Education.
What the Award means to me
On both a personal and professional level, this award acknowledges the leadership journey I’ve been on at the University of Liverpool. I was deeply touched to be nominated by Rachel Parkes, Director of Strategic Change, whose encouragement and belief in me have meant so much. Her nomination reflected not just my own work, but the collective achievements of teams working together with purpose.
The award affirmed the leadership values I hold closest to my heart: collaboration, inclusivity, and long-term impact. It reassured me that the energy spent nurturing people and projects, and the willingness to innovate in complex environments, truly matters.
What’s behind the nomination
The nomination grew out of collaborative work between Strategic Change and The Academy, focused on transforming professional services at the university.
One highlight was leading the design and delivery of a coaching qualification programme. This created an internal coaching bank of more than 35 trained coaches who now provide confidential spaces for colleagues to reflect, grow, and plan their careers.
Alongside this, we developed opportunities that supported continuous learning and self-belief, from confidence building and career conversations to strengths-based assessments, resilience training, and challenging the myths that can hold us back. Together, these weren’t just “programmes” but pathways to genuine self-discovery and growth.
Equally important was the creation of a Commitment Framework, which now underpins recruitment and professional development for Professional Services colleagues. Over my twelve years in post, I’ve worked hard to build the kind of trusting relationships that allowed us to combine project management with people development in ways that feel meaningful and lasting.
How it felt to be nominated
Being nominated was deeply affirming. It showed me that the discretionary effort I put into creating opportunities for others had been noticed and valued. In the busy, complex world of higher education, it’s easy for contributions to fade into the background. This award shone a light not only on my own journey but on the work and ethos I’ve been championing all along.
Since receiving the Award
Since then, my role has continued to grow. The recognition strengthened my ability to build relationships with colleagues who share a vision for advancing Professional Services at the university. It has also given me fresh momentum to pursue collaborative projects that align with our strategic aims.
Today, I am part of an even more ambitious project that builds on these earlier achievements. It seeks to transform our professional services. At its core is a commitment to keep people at the heart of organisational change, ensuring that colleagues feel recognised, supported, and empowered to become their best selves while shaping careers that inspire them.
Personal and professional impact
Perhaps the biggest impact has been on my confidence. Like many women, I sometimes juggle competing priorities, time pressures, and institutional complexities. The award has become a reassuring reminder that perseverance pays off — and that leadership is not always about bold gestures, but about consistent, intentional actions that help people and organisations move forward.
Why women supporting women matters
For me, this award is about much more than individual recognition. It represents the power of women supporting women. Too often, women underestimate their worth, waiting for validation before stepping forward. By nominating, championing, and encouraging each other, we create a ripple effect of confidence and empowerment. That collective strength is transformative, not just for individuals, but for institutions and communities.
Find out more about the Women-Space Leadership Award
The Staff Development Forum is delighted to announce the 2025 Women-Space Leadership Award to acknowledge and recognise the outstanding leadership of women across different grades in promoting gender equality in professional and academic positions. It recognises colleagues who play a role at different stages of their careers, including management and leadership positions.
- Women-Space Leadership Award – Guidance Notes 2025
- Women-Space Leadership Award – Application Form 2025
Key dates:
- Deadline: Friday 31st October 2025, 17:00 pm
- Award presentation: Tuesday 11th November during the SDF Festival by Professor Christina Hughes, Founder & CEO of Women-Space.
About the author: Tracy Ellis, Organisational Developer at the University of Liverpool, is dedicated to building people-focused change that supports colleagues to grow with confidence and purpose.