Scott Noble, Head of Facilities Management at the University, has been awarded the British Empire Medal for going above and beyond the call of duty to help the community during the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Interim Vice-Chancellor, David Maguire, said: “This is fantastic news. The pandemic was an unprecedented challenge for many – and Scott’s no-nonsense, pragmatic style of leadership was exactly what was needed. He worked tirelessly to make sure that our community on campus was taken care of through lockdown.  

“But he also found the time to make sure the University was an asset to the city – providing a home to military planners, and a location for a temporary mortuary at the height of Covid. He’s the embodiment of the values we hold dear at Sussex.” 

Scott Noble said: “We aren’t just a university, we’re a community. We look out for our students and we take care of each other - here at Sussex and also those in the wider community. 

“I’m lucky to manage teams of people who work hard to show compassion as well as delivering a service. It was a testing time to be sure, but we can all be proud of what we achieved here. I’m delighted to receive the British Empire Medal. And I’d like to express my gratitude to those I work with who helped make it possible.” 

During the Covid19 pandemic, Scott was instrumental in the crisis management planning for the University. The following activities were referenced in his nomination: 

• He ensured the delivery of essential services to more than 1,000 students and staff who remained on campus during the lockdown period. 
• He checked on the welfare of colleague both in the workplace and at their home, managing the delivery of special office and IT equipment to staff working from home across the greater Brighton area - in some instances delivering items himself when the need was urgent.  
• Within a 24-hour period, Scott coordinated campus accommodation, and ongoing support, to military planners who were deployed into the Brighton & Hove area to support the community. 
• Scott worked with Brighton & Hove City Council to establish a temporary mortuary at the University.  
• Following a burglary at student accommodation in the city, Scott met with the Sussex Police and then ensured the property’s security was improved to reassure the students residents that their welfare and wellbeing was of the highest priority. 

Throughout the crisis, Scott worked to support our essential workers responsible for security, cleaning, facilities management, catering and the supermarket. He also provided vital emotional support to many vulnerable students on campus while dealing with regular enquiries from concerned parents. 

In May 2020, Scott was also recognised by the Mayor of Brighton and Hove for going above and beyond the call of duty to help the community during the Coronavirus pandemic and named a Covid-19 Community Champion. 

About the British Empire Medal 

The British Empire Medal is a British medal awarded for meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown. 

Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "BEM" and it is divided into civil and military medals in a similar way to the Order of the British Empire itself.