A University of Kent technical manager who has championed the role of technical staff has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.
Joanna Scamp is a finalist for Outstanding Technician of the Year at the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2026, widely known as the ‘Oscars of higher education’.
Jo has been shortlisted for her work to ensure technical staff are recognised for the role they play in universities and have better access to training, development and opportunities to progress.
Jo said: “Being shortlisted for THE’s Outstanding Technician of the Year Award is a tremendous honour and a really meaningful recognition of the work being done to raise the profile and voice of technical professionals.
“This work matters hugely to me. Technical staff are fundamental to excellent teaching, research, innovation and student success, and they deserve to be visible, valued and given the recognition and opportunities they need to thrive.”
At Kent, Jo led the University’s latest Technician Commitment self-assessment and developed a new three-year plan for supporting technical staff. The work was described by external reviewers as ‘sector leading’ and ‘sector best practice’ and received a national Technician Commitment Impact Award.
Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Deputy CEO of the London and South East University Group, said: “Joanna has delivered meaningful change in the recognition, development and visibility of technical staff at Kent, while also establishing a significant national profile.
“Her impact is substantial and sustained, and this shortlisting is very well-deserved recognition of the difference she has made both at Kent and across the higher education sector.”
Jo has also helped set up the Women in IT and Technical Services Network and created the Student Technician Volunteer Programme. The idea for the latter came from a conversation with colleagues about students who wanted the chance to work with technical teams. Jo turned it into a formal programme, giving students hands-on experience while supporting teams across the University.
Diana-Madalina Suciu, Technical Manager in Forensic Science at Kent, said: “What stands out most to me is that Jo listens and then takes action.
“Her support for technical staff, willingness to champion others and ability to turn good ideas into real opportunities have made a genuine difference to both colleagues and students.”
Jo’s work also reaches beyond Kent. She chairs the UK Technical EDI Network Committee, co-chairs the London and South East Technician Commitment Leads Network, which brings together leads from around 24 higher education and research institutions, contributes to national Technician Commitment peer reviews and mentors technical staff at other universities.
She has also helped bring technicians from different institutions together, including through a conference attended by more than 130 delegates.
She has also helped bring technicians from different institutions together, including through a conference attended by more than 130 delegates.
This year marks the 22nd annual THE Awards, which recognise excellence across higher education in the UK and Ireland. More than 500 entries were received across 21 categories, with more than 130 institutions entering and 74 reaching the final stage.
The winners will be announced at The Vox in Birmingham on Thursday 26 November.