Stirling wins award for its approach to academic promotions

The new approach has increased the number of women being promoted and applying for promotion, and narrowed the gender pay gap.

group of people standing outside
University of Stirling staff celebrate receiving their UHR award.

The University of Stirling has won a prestigious award in recognition of its sector-leading work on academic promotions.

The award from Universities Human Resources (UHR) celebrates innovative human resources-led initiatives that have made a measurable difference to institutional success and culture at Stirling.

Stirling's Human Resources and Organisation Development team won in the category Organisational Transformation, Effectiveness and Performance for a submission which showcased how Stirling’s data-driven, person-centred approach is delivering meaningful change, strengthening academic progression, advancing inclusion, and supporting leadership at all levels.

The judging panel said of the University's submission: "Promotions at Stirling are no longer just a process - they are a key driver of talent development and institutional success. This is a brilliant example of sector-leading practice that we can all learn from."

Stirling's academic promotions approach has delivered numerous positive outcomes, including: an increase in successful applications, from 88% in 2020 to 95% in 2024; a 5.2% rise in female academic leaders between 2018 and 2024; a narrowing of the gender pay gap, from 18.7% in 2020 to 13.9% in 2024; and a 20% increase in female staff applying for and achieving promotions since 2019.

Karen Lawson, Executive Director of Human Resources and Organisation Development at the University of Stirling, said: “Winning this award is fantastic recognition for Team Stirling and reflects the care, commitment and collaboration that underpins our approach to academic promotions at Stirling. I’m appreciative of the efforts of colleagues across the University who have shaped a process that truly aligns with our People Strategy, and whose support makes this possible. 

“This accolade places Stirling firmly among the leaders in transformative human resources practice across the sector. What makes this award especially meaningful is that it comes from our peers within the sector.  Congratulations to everyone who contributed – this is your success, and a brilliant example of what we can achieve together.”  

UHR is the national body for HR professionals in UK higher education.

group of 4 people outside with blue sky and green grass Eilidh Fraser (far right) of UHR presents the award to (left to right) University of Stirling Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Gerry McCormac; Karen Lawson, Executive Director of Human Resources and Organisation Development; and Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary Eileen Schofield.