Discover how our incredible staff go above and beyond to create outstanding sport, fitness, and wellbeing experiences for students and the community
At the University of Portsmouth, sport isn’t just about scoring goals or lifting weights - it’s about people. Behind every great student experience, every smooth-running fitness class, and every well-organised event, there’s a hardworking team making it happen.
Our Sport and Recreation team works across the University to provide high-quality services for students, staff, and the wider community. Whether it’s ensuring our spaces are clean and welcoming, developing inclusive fitness and wellbeing programmes, managing bookings and systems, or delivering unforgettable events, everyone has a vital role to play.
To recognise those who go above and beyond, we run a Reward and Recognition Scheme throughout the academic year. These peer-nominated awards celebrate colleagues who consistently show excellence, positivity, and dedication, and this year, we’re proud to share some standout success stories.
Team Member of the Year 2024/25: Bryn Jones
This year’s big congratulations go to our Sports Marketing and Communications Manager, Bryn Jones, who has been named Team Member of the Year for his outstanding contribution to the Department of Sport and Recreation.
Bryn is an invaluable member of our team, having led numerous new initiatives while consistently driving year-on-year growth and performance improvements across key areas such as sales, income generation, and raising our profile. His passion for his work, commitment to our mission, and dedication to the University’s success are evident in everything he does. It’s especially meaningful that this peer-nominated award reflects the high regard in which he is held by his colleagues. Congratulations, Bryn, from everyone at Sport and Recreation!
Over the past year, Bryn has been at the heart of so many key developments within Sport and Recreation. He led the University’s complex and high-profile QUEST accreditation submission, a national standard for leisure and sport service quality, delivering it with professionalism and precision. Bryn also stepped in to support different teams during periods of change, providing continuity, clarity, and confidence during challenging moments.
But Bryn’s impact goes far beyond projects. He leads by example, always encouraging those around him to grow, develop new skills, and take pride in their work. Whether it’s celebrating wins or finding calm solutions in busy times, Bryn lifts the whole team with his positivity, encouragement, and belief in people. His passion for what he does shows in every meeting, every project, and every interaction.
I was really surprised when my name was read out as Team Member of the Year. We have so many incredible staff members who genuinely care and are trying to deliver an amazing service to everyone who uses our facilities day in, day out. It was a really great way to end a fairly intense two-day accreditation assessment (more on that to come soon, by the way).
I’m delighted to be recognised for an award voted for by my colleagues, which makes it extra special. I’ve been fortunate to be involved in some exciting projects, and I look forward to continuing to launch new projects that will make life easier for our customers. I must say, though, I have an amazing team in Andy, Berri and Nadine. They make it so easy to look like I’m doing well, when in fact it’s the hard work of the team that shines through.
Outstanding Performance Award winners 2024/25
In addition to the Team Member of the Year, our Outstanding Performance Award is presented every six months to individuals who deliver excellence across a sustained period of time. This award recognises staff who:
- Consistently go above and beyond their job description
- Handle challenges with exceptional care and skill
- Support the delivery of services in meaningful and lasting ways
We’re excited to celebrate two outstanding colleagues for May 2025: Abraham Hernandez-Zaidi and Annie Couchman, and two outstanding colleagues for December 2024: Meghan Morrish and Rachel Robilliard.
May 2025
Annie Couchman
Annie is known for being an exceptional organiser, communicator, and team player. She supports our students and colleagues with warmth and skill, making even the most complex coordination tasks seem easy. Her behind-the-scenes work ensures our service runs smoothly, consistently, and efficiently. She juggles large volumes of activity with a calm and clear approach, supported by strong systems and processes. Annie brings energy and kindness to every interaction, and her commitment to the team doesn’t go unnoticed.
Abraham Hernandez-Zaidi
Over the last six months, Abraham has taken our use of systems and data to the next level. He has created smarter, more effective administrative processes, solving problems and increasing efficiency across the board. His work helps reduce waste, improve service delivery, and support better decision-making. Most recently, he developed a powerful new set of Power BI dashboards, a game-changing tool that allows us to track performance, measure outcomes, and respond quickly to trends. Abraham’s attention to detail and strategic mindset are helping drive Sport and Recreation into the future.
December 2024
Rachel Robilliard
Rachel has maintained an exceptional standard of service in our performance programmes, despite operating without administrative support since August. She has shown remarkable resilience, ensuring continuity and quality in our provision for students, staff, and partners. Alongside this, she has continued to lead and support coaches, interns, and support staff with care and professionalism. Her efforts have helped grow the quality and reputation of our programmes, including hosting a national TASS conference and gaining PGMOL recognition as a Gold Standard elite training centre.
Meghan Morrish
Since joining the permanent team, Meghan has consistently operated at an outstanding level. She’s taken on a wide range of additional responsibilities, particularly stepping in to support new rota creation. Meghan has made practical improvements to procedures that have boosted efficiency and team effectiveness. She has also shown excellent leadership, becoming a valued and reliable presence across the wider team.
Our Department of Sport and Recreation’s Reward and Recognition Scheme, now in its third year, plays a vital role in celebrating the outstanding contributions and achievements of our incredible team. While we’re thrilled to see Bryn Jones named Team Member of the Year, we’re equally proud to have recognised many other colleagues over the past academic year whose work continues to drive forward our vision, mission, and values.
Our bi-monthly and bi-annual Excellence Awards, all peer-nominated, provide a meaningful way to highlight the many forms of excellence across our service. It’s both insightful and inspiring to see the breadth of impact our team members have. Congratulations to everyone who has been nominated or received an award this year - your dedication does not go unnoticed.
Delivery Excellence winners 2024/25
This award is presented bi-monthly to individuals who consistently go above and beyond in delivering or supporting an area of work or service. These staff members demonstrate outstanding commitment, reliability, and impact in their roles, helping raise the standard of service across Sport and Recreation.
April 2025 - Katie Jobe
Katie played a leading role in revamping and delivering the Team UoP committee recruitment process. She updated 34 structural documents, supported promotional efforts, managed over 150 applications, and coordinated 23 AGMs and 60 interviews. Katie’s organisation, collaboration, and meticulous attention to detail ensured an outstanding experience for students and operational success for the Sports Experience Team.
February 2025 - Louie Turnbull
Louie has shown exceptional leadership under pressure, calmly handling two serious first-aid incidents and several challenging customer situations. He provided crucial support to staff during these times while keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly. Louie’s professionalism, resilience, and care for others have made a lasting impact on his team and our community.
October 2024 - Alex Seymour
Alex consistently looks for ways to improve operations and support his team. He led the implementation of new CSA working patterns while maintaining staff morale, recruited and trained three new employees during peak time, and helped refine staffing forecasts to boost efficiency. His efforts have contributed to high customer satisfaction and a more effective front-of-house experience.
At Sport and Recreation, we believe that people make the difference. From passionate leaders to skilled innovators and calm coordinators - every member of our team plays a part in making sport, health, and wellbeing accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for all.
We’re proud of every single person who was nominated or recognised this year, and grateful for the hard work, kindness, and creativity they bring to our community.
