I am an Academic Developer with the Centre for Higher Education Practice (CHEP), with a focus on research and knowledge exchange. With over ten years experience in learning and development across the higher education and voluntary sectors, this is my first academic position. I have a strong interest in participatory methods and the importance of inclusive community to developing positive working cultures.
I lead the Staff Research & Enterprise CPD Programme, working with colleagues across the Faculties and Professional Services to build a core professional development offer for staff engaged in research, enterprise and knowledge exchange. Current priority areas include:
Prior to joining the University of Southampton, I was the Research Programmes Officer at Solent University, where i worked to building research culture by managing the Researcher Development Programme, co-ordinating comms and events to raise the profile of research and knowledge exchange activity at the University, and developing operational processes in response to sector policy and funder requirements. This role had a strong focus on supporting best practice in community engaged research, working with partners to identify and build projects that made a difference in real world situations.
I came into the Higher Education sector after ten years working for national and regional charities, including Citizens Advice Scotland and the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, with roles in policy and public affairs, stakeholder engagement, and volunteer training and development. Since moving to Southampton I have remained involved with community-based organisations, most recently through my volunteering with October Books. I draw on the flexible, creative, and inclusive practices of organisations I have been involved with, and try to thread participatory practice through the pattern of all my work.