University of Hertfordshire is a finalist for two Inspiring Herts Awards
The University of Hertfordshire is a finalist in two categories at the Inspiring Herts Awards 2022.
The Inspiring Herts Awards, launched in 2012 by the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, celebrate the expertise, achievements, and outstanding contribution that businesses and individuals make to the growth of our county.
The University is a finalist for the Workplace Wellbeing Award, which recognises businesses that are creating an environment for their employees to succeed, demonstrating their commitment to the health and wellbeing of their workforce.
Staff are encouraged to dedicate time to their health and wellbeing in the workplace through the University’s five ways of wellbeing:
- Connect: Staff networks, Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Champion Network
- Be active: Active Staff sessions, occupational physio referral, sports massage clinic
- Take notice: biodiversity walks, community garden, meditation
- Keep learning: online stress awareness course, Herts Hub (staff intranet) resources, Learning and Organisational Development
- Give: Community Fridge, Active Staff coffee mornings, sustainability initiatives
Herts is also a finalist for the Green Award, which recognises organisations that employ responsible business practices in relation to the environment, community and people.
Being one of the biggest workplaces in Hertfordshire, the University plays an important part in reducing carbon emissions in the county.
By pledging to Race to Zero, the University aims to be a net zero institution by 2050. Plans are in place across the University, from continuing to invest in green and sustainable energy, to nurturing biodiversity across our campuses.
The University tackles climate change through two focuses:
- Sector-leading research: for example, data collection on glaciers, building design to reduce carbon emissions, the relationship between law and the environment.
- Community in action: Hedgehog Friendly Campus, wildlife walks, litter picks, talks and activities that support carbon reduction goals.
Monica Kanwar, Director of Health, Safety and Sustainability said: “This is a really special moment. Becoming finalists in these awards is testament to the amazing work that happens at Herts in Environment and Sustainability but also Workplace Wellbeing. My thanks go to Nanna Blomquist and Shanara Hibbert in the Health, Safety and Sustainability team at the University. I am so proud to have such a great team with the passion, enthusiasm, and drive to embed these important areas into our organisation.”
The award ceremony will take place on Thursday 9 June.