Sussex wins national award for inclusive evacuation planning
Posted on behalf of: Internal Comms
Last updated: Friday, 24 April 2026
Graham Gray collecting the award on behalf of the University.
The University of Sussex has been awarded the AUDE* Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Gold Award for its work to improve inclusive evacuation planning.
The award recognises a project focused on enhancing the student experience through Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs). By introducing an ‘Interim PEEP’, the University can now support students much earlier in the term, with plans in place before they arrive on campus.
This approach marks a significant improvement on previous processes, helping to ensure that students who may need additional support feel safe, confident, and included from the outset.
The work has been led by Fire Safety Manager Graham Gray, who collected the award on behalf of the University.
Katie Bennett, Assistant Director for Health, Safety and Wellbeing, said: “Several of the Health, Safety and Wellbeing team are engaged in the PEEP work, and I’m incredibly proud of their achievements.”
Vice-Chancellor Sasha Roseneil said: “This is amazing and wonderful. Congratulations to Graham, you and everyone involved — I’m delighted about this.”
*The Association of University Directors of Estates (AUDE) is a national body that promotes excellence in the strategic planning, management, operation and development of higher education estates and facilities.