Nominated…

As you know, a year ago, I took on a contract with Heriot-Watt University as Community Engagement and Events Coordinator, which I do on a part-time basis. It’s creative, insightful & rewarding work, and the team I’m surrounded by are supportive and lovely.

Recently, I was nominated by my line manager, Monika Gopal for the Heriot-Watt University 'Celebrating our Values in Action - Inspire - Individual Award' award as part of our Celebrating our People Awards 2025.

I thought I’d document that somewhere (not quite sure why I didn’t win ha ha)

“Lauren Jamieson is a shining example of the ‘Inspire’ value in action at Heriot-Watt University. Through her dedication, creativity, and unwavering commitment to enhancing the experience of both students and staff, Lauren consistently goes above and beyond her role to inspire those around her. Based at the Scottish Borders campus, Lauren has made her role focused on enhancing both the staff and student experience as well as building strong relationships with the local community. What truly sets Lauren apart is her ability to make this role her own, delivering impactful events, forging connections with local businesses and community ventures, and ensuring that all events and opportunities are communicated effectively to the University community. Her ability to make the most of available resources demonstrate the breadth of her passion and innovation. One of the most notable examples of Lauren’s inspiring leadership was the Christmas Sustainability Market that she delivered during Sustainability Week in November. Lauren not only coordinated the event but also aligned it with the University’s Open Day, ensuring prospective students could engage with the initiative as well. This thoughtful planning maximised the impact of the event, providing a meaningful experience to both current and potential students while supporting the University’s sustainability goals. This initiative demonstrated Lauren’s knack for identifying opportunities that benefit the University in multiple ways. The Christmas Sustainability Market was based on the Heartland Market that Lauren organises in her personal time. This monthly community market is usually in Galashiels, but Lauren brought it to campus on this occasion. Securing over 10 local businesses and hosting the event across two large rooms at the Jean Muir Student Village, she also brought in a food truck to add to the vibrant atmosphere. The event, which ran from 2-6pm—well beyond her usual working hours—attracted 120 students, 30 staff, and 70 members of the community, making it one of the most well-attended social events at the campus, surpassing even some Welcome Week events in terms of attendance. What made this event even more special was the inclusion of both staff and students, an effort that reflects Lauren’s determination to break down silos and foster a sense of community. Her positive, friendly attitude throughout the event, as well as her hands-on approach in managing every aspect—from organising to running her own stall—demonstrates her tireless commitment to delivering high-quality experiences. Lauren’s ability to deliver such a high-impact event while working part-time is a testament to her work ethic and passion for the University and its community. The way she seamlessly integrates her personal interests, such as the market, with her professional role shows how she brings a unique and inspiring perspective to everything she does. Her creativity, organisational ability, and genuine desire to enhance the student and staff experience have made her an invaluable asset to Heriot-Watt University. Lauren’s work consistently demonstrates the values of Heriot-Watt University, particularly the ‘Inspire’ value. She not only generates brilliant ideas but also works tirelessly to turn them into tangible outcomes that positively impact the University community. Her inspiring leadership and dedication to her work make her an exceptional role model for colleagues and students alike. For her commitment to enhancing the student and staff experience, fostering community engagement, and delivering inspiring initiatives with energy and passion, Lauren Jamieson is a truly deserving candidate for the Celebrating Our Values in Action Award. ”