The awards, hosted by the actor and comedian Rob Brydon, celebrate the sector’s leadership, management, financial and business skills. The Outstanding Leadership and Management Team award was the final award of the evening and recognises delivery of the greatest breadth of leadership and management skills across the board, including creative management, anticipation of change in the higher education system, and leadership in the institutions’ dealing with external stakeholders.
Entries were assessed based on evidence from the 2012-13 academic year.
Prof Edward Acton, vice-chancellor of UEA, said:
“We are thrilled to have won this accolade in recognition of the university's performance. It is a tribute to all the staff and students at UEA who have worked so hard to make it such a special place in which to work and study.
“It is especially pleasing that the award comes as we complete the celebration of our 50th anniversary and continue our league table rise, reaching 14th in the new Guardian University Guide, our highest ranking yet.”
Mark Pegg, chief executive of the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education, said UEA had prevailed in an “ultra-strong” field.
“The judges really liked the leadership team’s commitment to improving teaching quality as well as world-class research, supported by sound investment decisions, careful direction and a focus on boosting staff-to-student ratios to give better quality and performance, and a genuinely enhanced student experience,” he said.
Other categories at the prestigious event included Outstanding Estates Team, International Strategy and Student Services Team. The awards were held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.