Carolyn Pike Special Recognition Award
This award is named after Carolyne Pike, a founding member of AULP, in recognition of her contribution to AULP and to the HE legal sector.
Carolyn has been a constant source of legal knowledge, support, and advice of the highest calibre, for the higher education sector. She returned to her university of study, Birmingham, and established and grew the University's in-house legal team. Carolyn was instrumental in establishing the first university training school, an overseas campus in Dubai, and a range of enduring projects which have positively contributed to the sector. In 2016, she received an OBE for services to legal services and higher education. She has been an incredible mentor to so many lawyers and was a founding member of AULP with Brian Harvey at the University of Birmingham. Its purpose was to establish a forum for collaboration, mutual support, and sharing ideas and expertise in the sector. It is from this prize, in Carolyn's name, that we can celebrate someone every year who has contributed to collaboration in the sector in a transformative way, and to continue those values that Carolyn shared with so many of us.
Winner: John G. Stewart
With over 25 years of experience in the higher education and charity sectors, John G. Stewart has made an outstanding contribution to the legal profession and beyond. As University Secretary and Director of Legal, he has held senior roles including University Secretary and Head of Legal at the University of London. John's deep expertise, wisdom, and unwavering commitment have had a lasting impact on the organisations he has served and the wider sector. We have been incredibly fortunate to benefit from his knowledge and insight. This award, presented by AULP, is a richly deserved recognition of his exceptional service and leadership.
Rising Star Award
Katy Boyle, Graduate Solicitor Apprentice, Legal Services, Vice Chancellor’s Office, Loughborough University
Katy Boyle joined Loughborough University in 2022 as its first legal apprentice and has quickly become an invaluable member of the Legal Services team. She consistently delivers high-quality work across governance, property, commercial, and IP law, while supporting complex and sensitive cases with professionalism and empathy.
Katy’s dedication extends beyond her role—she actively advocates for apprenticeships and social mobility, sharing her personal journey at national events and webinars. She also contributes to shaping legal training and resources, helping colleagues self-serve effectively.
Her leadership is recognised nationally through appointments to the Law Society’s Junior Solicitor Network Advisory Committee and the National Junior Lawyers Division. Katy’s passion, maturity, and commitment mark her as a true rising star in the legal profession.
Rising Star Award
Holli McGuff, Trainee Solicitor, Legal & Contracts, The University of Glasgow
Holli joined the team as a Trainee Solicitor with no prior experience in Higher Education law. Since then, she has demonstrated a strong aptitude for the work, signaling a promising career ahead as she qualifies later this year. Proactively embracing a range of opportunities, Holli has gained valuable experience in litigation, hearings, and delivering bespoke training sessions.
Her dedication and versatility have made her an indispensable and highly valued member of the Legal Services team. We look forward to supporting her continued growth and success.
Collaboration and Innovation Award
Legal Services, Vice Chancellor’s Office, Loughborough University
The Loughborough University Legal Services team has created an innovative and collaborative training programme and community of practice for colleagues dealing with contracts in their roles. Through a mix of self-study, skills-based training and a wealth of self-service resources, the team of six have maximised their impact on the University, meaningfully de-risking activities and supporting colleagues’ wellbeing and professional development. The approach contributes to managing workloads within the team, allowing a more surgical deployment of legal resource and a greater confidence in the relationship between lawyer and client.
Team Player Award
Madeleine Carnwath, Senior Legal Counsel, Directorate of Legal Affairs and Board Secretariat, The University of Manchester
Maddy is an exceptional team member who provides high-quality legal support across the University with a collaborative, practical, and compassionate approach. She empowers colleagues through clear, confident advice and consistently reflects the University’s values of excellence, fairness, and empathy.
Known for her reliability, professionalism, and positive outlook—even during the most challenging times—Maddy has become a trusted adviser to academic and professional services staff alike. She leads on some of the most complex, sensitive, and high-profile matters the University faces, offering both legal expertise and sound judgement.
Beyond her legal role, Maddy is deeply committed to the wellbeing and development of those around her. Her contribution extends into wider University life, where she actively supports community initiatives and champions a spirit of teamwork that goes far beyond her formal responsibilities.
“Maddy is a real team player, supporting my colleagues in Compliance & Risk across a range of topics. She is always willing to engage, responsive, clear, and precise in her advice.”
— Dr David Barker, Executive Director of Compliance & Risk
Leader of the Year Award
Rachel Gower, Director of Legal and Compliance Services and Data Protection Officer, Legal and Compliance Services, University of Warwick
Under Rachel’s leadership, the Legal and Compliance team at the University of Warwick has flourished—expanding from five to twenty members and successfully integrating functions from other departments. Her commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive culture has led the team to achieve the highest employee satisfaction scores, with colleagues praising her open, supportive, and empowering leadership style.
Rachel is a strong advocate for professional development, resulting in numerous promotions and enhanced capabilities within the team. Through flexible working practices and a focus on wellbeing, she creates an environment where individuals are supported to succeed.
In addition to leading the legal function, Rachel plays an active role across university committees and community engagement initiatives, exemplifying her dedication to collaboration and institutional impact. Respected across Warwick for her pragmatic advice, integrity, and expertise, Rachel is a trusted leader whose influence extends well beyond her immediate team.
Team of the Year Award
Legal Services, Team, University of Bristol
The Legal Services team at the University of Bristol consistently go above and beyond to support the institution’s strategic ambitions. Providing expert guidance across legal, regulatory, and compliance matters, the team plays a crucial role in enabling the success of the University Group.
By helping colleagues navigate risk, the team empowers others to deliver with confidence. Their commitment to offering a full-service, solutions-focused approach reflects a deep commitment to excellence.
Known for their professionalism, responsiveness, and collaborative spirit, the team are trusted advisors who deliver an outstanding, approachable service across the University of Bristol’s community and beyond.
