Achievement, Contribution and Excellence (ACE) scheme

 Announcement We are pleased to announce that the ACE scheme is opening on 30 April 2025 for professional services staff nominations.

If you are aiming high, exceeding expectations, and delivering outstanding performance, the ACE scheme is our way of saying thank you!

What is the ACE scheme?

The Achievement, Contribution and Excellence Scheme recognises the outstanding contribution made by colleagues at Brookes.

It aims to provide:

  • A simple, accessible and inclusive scheme that enables colleagues to access the ACE points or progress more quickly through the progression points (depending on where you are currently paid).
  • Recognition of outstanding performance, celebrating achievement to ensure that colleagues feel valued.
  • A clear and fair nomination process that supports managers to identify exceptional contributions. 

What does the ACE scheme Offer?

See the example illustration of the Oxford Brookes pay scale for an explanation of how the ACE points work.

The scheme therefore offers two different types of awards:

A permanent increment

Staff may receive an additional progression point or ACE point, depending on the spinal point currently applied. 

This award is a permanent addition to salary and recognises sustained, outstanding performance. 

A non-recurring award

Staff receive a one-off or non-recurring payment that is equivalent to an additional increment. 

This award recognises outstanding contributions made to a time-limited project or activity. 

Example illustration from the Oxford Brookes pay scale
Spine pointGradesExplanation
29Grade 7 ACE pointsACE points. Awarded in recognition of outstanding contribution via the ACE scheme.
28
27
26Grade 7 normal incrementsAutomatic progression points. Colleagues will move up to the next increment on an annual basis until they reach the final progression point. 
25
24
23


Frequently asked questions