A blog by Laura Farling, Digital Learning Officer from the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. 

On the afternoon of 28 March 2025, I was happily tucking into a lovely afternoon tea, chatting with colleagues about their incredible and varied work at Queens, and enjoying what I felt was a very wholesome celebration. Then, to my disbelief, my name was announced as the winner of the ‘Delivering Excellence’ award.

The feeling of honour, shock, and true gratitude is something I will never forget. To be acknowledged in this way, for the work that I genuinely love, will remain a personal and professional highlight.

The award recognised projects I have been leading on student voice, student experience, and students as partners. This work is about making sure students are agents in their educational experiences and that their views are both heard and encouraged to actively shape what we do at Queen’s.

One of the most rewarding parts of my role has been working with, and learning from, a team of students who provide support and leadership in this space. With encouragement from colleagues and senior leadership in AHSS, we have been able to create opportunities for students to influence change in very meaningful ways. My work with the AHSS Digital Champions and Student Skills Assistants has been transformative for my own career, and I have seen them contribute to the improvement of processes, strengthening of relationships, and a shift in culture towards genuine student-staff partnerships.

I know, however, that I am just one of many colleagues who do important work across the university, supporting students and staff quietly, unrecognised from day-to-day. The Staff Excellence Awards is a rare and special opportunity to bring some of that hidden work into the spotlight.

So, if you are wondering whether to nominate someone this year, my advice is ‘just do it’. It might feel like a small gesture or even an inconvenience, but I can tell you from experience, reading a nomination can be incredibly powerful. I was extremely moved when I read the nomination, as it is not often you have the chance to see your work reflected through someone else’s words. The thought that colleagues thought about me, took the time to write a nomination, and put into words how they have been impacted by the work that I do was very special.

I am deeply grateful to the Staff Excellence Awards organising committee for putting together such a warm and uplifting event, and to the panel for recognising work on student voice and partnership in a room full of worthy and inspiring nominees.

I am also thankful to my colleagues and senior leadership in AHSS for their encouragement and support, and of course to the students I have been privileged to work alongside.

And finally, thank you to those who nominated me. Working with you has always been reward enough, but I have your nomination saved in a special folder in Outlook, just for anytime I need an uplift!

 

Laura Farling

Digital Learning Developer, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

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