Rebecca Shales
What is your current role?
I joined the School of Life Sciences in September 2023 as Head of Educational Services. In this role I provide operational and strategic leadership for learning and teaching administration within the School. I provide senior leadership and oversight of UG and PG educational support, placements administration, student experience administration, academic technology support and communications.
What is your background?
I’ve worked in Higher Education for over 15 years and have previously held roles at the University of Birmingham and the University of Law. Initially starting my HE career within library services, I moved across into learning and teaching support and have held management and leadership roles in both academic departments and central services. I have a particular interest in, and experience of, establishing and supporting academic partnerships and the development and delivery of online programmes.
What is your favourite place on campus and why?
I was really pleased on my first day to find the local woodland which was established by the Woodland Trust, and love to go for a wander on my lunchbreak. The Woodland Trust’s head office is based in my home town, and I did quite a bit of voluntary work for them during my holidays as a student, so I have a soft spot for them and always love to visit their woodland when I can.
What are your main interests or passions, outside of work?
Whilst I never considered myself particularly creative when I was at school, I now love learning new craft skills and making things for myself and loved ones. The photo I’ve included is a rather old one but documents the first time I sewed myself a dress and was fearful it would come apart at the seams whilst wearing it (yes, I did carry an emergency sewing kit in my bag). Having started my career within a library, I am also very passionate about their importance to communities and society and am an active committee member for my local ‘Friends of...’ library group (sadly now involved heavily in campaigning against the proposed library cuts by Birmingham City Council).
May 2024