Skip to content

Honorary awards

Contact us

Get in touch to find out more about our honorary award recipients

Honorary awards

Every year we award honorary degrees to people who have achieved distinction in their field. This could be in the fields of learning, the arts, public life or community service.

We also award people who have made a distinctive contribution to Sheffield Hallam, the city of Sheffield, or the region.

Nominations for honorary awards are submitted by our staff, students and governors. We do not invite nominations from the public.

2022 Honorary awards

Lord Simon Stevens of Birmingham, KT

Lord Simon Stevens of Birmingham, Kt

Awarded Doctor of Science for his services to healthcare

Maddy Desforges OBE

Maddy Desforges OBE

Awarded Doctor of Letters for her local and national contribution to building and nurturing resilient communities

Sarah Clarke OBE

Sarah Clarke OBE

Awarded Doctor of Letters In recognition of an exceptional career in leadership and event management

Peak District Mountain Rescue

Peak District Mountain Rescue

Awarded Doctor of Science for its outstanding, sustained contribution to public safety and wellbeing

His Honour Judge Graham Robinson

His Honour Judge Graham Robinson

Awarded Doctor of Laws for his unswerving dedication to pursuing Law and making a real difference in society

Geri Halliwell-Horner

Geri Halliwell - Horner

Awarded Doctor of Arts for her contribution to music, advocating women's rights, and inspiring children and young people

Carly Jones MBE

Carly Jones MBE

Awarded Doctor of Science for her outstanding contribution to services for autistic people, particularly women and girls

Ayo Akinwolere

Ayo Akinwolere

Awarded Doctor of Letters For his contribution to journalism and broadcasting

Professor Judy Simons

Professor Judy Simons

Awarded Doctor of Letters for her contributions to the humanities and the higher education sector

Anne Longfield CBE

Anne Longfield CBE

Awarded Doctor of Laws for her outstanding contribution to children’s services and improving the lives of all children


Notable recipients

Baroness Amos

Baroness Amos

Awarded Doctor of the University for her contribution to human rights, equal opportunities and humanitarian aid

Millie Bright

Millie Bright

Awarded Doctor of Letters for her contribution to women’s football

Louis Theroux

Louis Theroux

Awarded Doctor of Arts for his contribution to broadcast journalism and documentary film-making


Previous recipients

We've awarded honorary doctorates since gaining status as a university in 1993. We've also awarded honorary fellowships, based on similar criteria, since 1969.

Contact us

Get in touch to find out more about our honorary award recipients