The University of Sheffield
Human Resources

Exceptional Contribution Awards (ECAs)

ECA OverviewECA

ECAs are used by the University to reward both staff who have contributed ‎exceptionally, and staff who have demonstrated sustained excellence.

ECA ProcessECA

This approach is recommended for the consideration of all ECA cases.

Grounds for RecommendationECA

Exceptional Contribution Awards are available to all staff on the University of ‎Sheffield Grading Scheme,
You can be awarded an ECA under one of two grounds: ‘exceptional contribution’ or ‘sustained ‎excellence’. The following provides an explanation of the differences between ‎them.

ECA Outcomes & PaymentsECA

Heads of Department will be told in December the outcomes of the faculty panels, ‎and will also be given feedback on why the decisions were made.
Staff receive their ECA with January´s pay.‎

Departmental Review PanelsECA

Before making a recommendation for ECAs, the Head of Department must convene a Departmental Review Panel (DRP) meeting(s). The DRP should dconsider all staff in the Department to determine whether they should be considered for an ECA.

Faculty/Professional Services PanelECA

It is expected that the Faculty/Professional Services panels’ main responsibility will be to moderate across Departments and to provide a robust, constructive critical challenge to the decisions made at DRPs.

Consolidated ECAsECA

If ECAs are awarded in two successive years, they are consolidated into an additional ‎increment. This is to reward continued exceptional contribution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)ECA

Frequently asked questions about ECAs and the ECA process.


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Looking for something else?

There is a wealth of information, guidance and support available from Human Resources relating to all aspects of employment and supporting policies and procedures. An index of information can be found at: www.sheffield.ac.uk/hr/guidance/index

Alternatively, if you are unable to find the information you require, please contact your HR Team contact