Winners – Collaboration & Partnership Working

Occupational Health

This award recognises a team who truly embody the spirit of team working, who show commitment to DSE objectives and collaborate positively with other teams across the Directorate and beyond.

The Occupational Health team is part of the Campus Life division of the DSE and is made up of specialist clinicians and support staff who advise on the effects of work or study on people’s health – and the effects of health issues on work and study.  Their services include assessments of fitness, statutory health surveillance, diagnoses of work-related disease, workplace assessments, assistance with responses to dangerous incidents, and of course they played a pivotal role in the University’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Occupational Health team worked hard to be physically present and available on campus to support the gradual return of other teams after the ‘lockdowns’ and were pro-active in providing up-to-date guidance, testing facilities, tracing procedures and supporting the vaccination programme to colleagues and students right across the University.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Nicola Prescott responded on behalf of the team:

How do you feel about winning a DOCA?

We were truly honoured to be told that we had been nominated, but then to learn we actually won at the ceremony was amazing, especially when we listened to the nominations for fellow colleagues, which was really humbling.

What did you enjoy about the ceremony?

After such a long period of no meetings on campus it was brilliant to be able to attend the ceremony in person, which really added to the glitz and glamour of the occasion. It was inspiring to hear from the DSE leadership team how diverse teams and individuals from right across the DSE family make such a huge contribution to University life here at Manchester.

What is enjoyable or meaningful for you about being part of the Directorate for the Student Experience?

It’s great to be part of the DSE family, which makes such a positive impact on the student experience. Our directorate feels like the glue that holds everything together throughout the student lifecycle, and it’s a real privilege for the Occupational Health Service and the wider Campus Life Division to be part of this.