Recognition schemes
Making the Difference
A Making the Difference (MtD) scheme recognises individuals or teams whose contribution on a one-off or short-term basis is worthy of particular note.
The scheme allows managers, colleagues, students or any other customer to nominate an individual or a team for a recognition award. Nominations are typically for such reasons as:
- Achieving excellence in a specific task or project
- Exceptional contribution to teamwork without which an important task could not have been achieved
- Contributing to the maintenance of a high level of service during the unplanned absence of colleagues (where this is before or instead of any Temporary Responsibility Allowance)
- Exceptional performance in handling a crisis, emergency or one-off event
- Proposal and implementation of a particularly innovative approach or solution
- Providing exceptional mentoring, coaching, training or other professional support
- Encouragement of interdisciplinary working within and/or outside the department
What award is made?
A Making the Difference award takes the form of a payment worth up to £250 per person (subject to normal tax and NI deductions).
The amount of the award can be considered secondary to the 'recognition' element. A letter of thanks or public acknowledgement of the contribution made may have a similar impact.
Making nominations and awards
Nominations can be made by anyone. However awards have to be made by the nominated employee's department. If their department does not run a scheme, an award cannot be made.
Setting up a scheme
Schemes are run locally at departmental level, albeit in line with central principles and policy. Timescales should suit the department (eg quarterly, termly or on an annual basis) and the budget is set and funded by the department.
Setting up a departmental scheme is straightforward and can be done quickly. A template [doc] is available to help departments design their own scheme. The new scheme should be registered with the Rewards Team. Nominations and awards made are also reported to the Rewards Team, who arrange payment of the awards and monitor the overall effectiveness of the policy.