The University of Bristol has won the Outstanding Human Resource Initiative Award at the Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards 2009 ceremony held on 9 June at the London Hilton, Park Lane. Bristol was one of six universities shortlisted for the award but pipped the rest to the post thanks to its outstanding work in the field.

The first Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards, sponsored by the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education and the Joint Information Systems Committee, celebrated the sector’s management and financial acumen by recognising and rewarding those running universities. Categories included Outstanding Human Resources Team, Outstanding Leadership and Management Team.

Ann Mroz, editor of Times Higher Education, said of the winning entry, which focused on developing a Positive Working Environment at Bristol: “This holistic approach to human resources management has produced brilliant results. The fact that other institutions have enlisted the services of the University of Bristol’s HR consultancy proves that this is an initiative that could have far-reaching effects.”

Professor Len Hall, Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University, commented: “We are delighted to have won this award. Bristol’s PWE agenda has seen a dramatic improvement in how the University cares for its staff leading to decreased absenteeism and sick leave, better recruitment and retention of staff and increased institutional loyalty, as well as a marked increase in well-being through staff counselling, career advice and healthy living opportunities. ”

Over 800 people from all parts of higher education gathered to celebrate the sector’s achievements at the ceremony. To view the full list of winners, pick up a copy of Times Higher Education, available in newsagents from 11 June.