Green Gown Awards 2015 – Sustainability Professional Award - Katy Boom - Finalist

Director of Sustainability, University of Worcester

Under Katy’s leadership the University of Worcester has developed and maintained an excellent performance profile, demonstrated by being shortlisted for six Green Gown awards last year.  This is an amazing achievement, and reveals the depth and breadth of her work.

Always generous with her time, Katy will most often say yes.  Known for creating opportunities for students and actively seeking out projects that can give benefit to others, be a catalyst for change or enhance sustainability in the Higher Education sector, Katy creates and nurtures networks.  She is excellent at addressing ‘wicked problems’ galvanizing support and ‘just getting on with it’.

Colleagues, students and many of the expert practitioners and businesses Katy regularly works with look up to her leadership skills.  Authentic, encouraging, supportive with boundless energy and optimism are all phrases regularly linked to Katy and her work. Katy has vision and an ability to horizon scan ensuring that the University of Worcester is often at the forefront of initiatives.

Top 3 learnings

1 Include students, staff, governors and the local community in developing your vision

2 We can’t do this on our own, little by way of innovation occurs in isolation and the University of Worcester is open to collaboration and collaborative models

3 Create many scaffolding opportunities, so colleagues across the Students’ Union and University can connect with their discipline/area of expertise.  When it’s interwoven and inspirational more people can feel inspired to balance economic efficiency, social equity and environmental accountability.