What is your role and what are you responsible for?

I am Director of Education Policy and Quality. In a nutshell, I spend my time making sure we are clear on the University’s strategy and policy for Education, coordinating across the University too so that we all pull in the same direction towards that strategy and policy, and keeping an eye on the regulatory and policy environment nationally so that we stay on the front foot.

How long have you worked at Warwick, and what did you do before that?

Six years – on and off. I joined Warwick in late 2017 to take an Assistant Registrar role in EPQ (then Teaching Quality). I popped off to UCL as Head of Quality in late 2020 but I was drawn back in late 2021 to work with colleagues I adore when the Director of EPQ role came up. I am marking two years in this job this week and love it.

Before Warwick, I was School Manager in the School of Education at the University of Leicester, leading support for initial teacher education, an eclectic suite of Master’s programmes and a sizeable income-generating professional development function.

What projects are you currently working on, and what’s coming up?

As I write this, the most exciting thing I am doing is leading the team across EPQ and Comms to announce the University’s TEF Gold result. It’s a privilege to celebrate the fantastic achievement of so many brilliant staff and students across academic departments and professional services.

Beyond that, we are into the best part of the Institutional Teaching and Learning Review (drawing all the learning together); launching a review of our approach to academic governance; planning how we refresh the Education Strategy later in the academic year; and moving to the procurement phase for a new Curriculum Management System (finally replacing our tired course approval system amongst other things) now that the Business Case is approved and budget is in place. I move between each of these projects to plan next steps, make sure they have what they need to succeed, ensure they are joined up and unblock the knotty issues that crop up.

What does a typical day look like?

I usually have a packed diary meeting folk in my team, across the University and outside of the University. Much of this centres on steering our work, keeping everybody joined-up and touching base with what’s happening nationally and internationally.

I try to keep a day a week completely clear so for thinking and planning time so that I know what I’m trying to achieve in the rest of the week. That’s easier said than done and I am forever indebted to Abi, who looks after my diary and saves me from myself when I commit to do too much.

If I’m lucky, one of the team will have baked something tasty that I can have a slice of with my mid-afternoon cup of tea… those are good days.

What’s your favourite thing about your role?

In a senior role, you can leverage your connections, resources and knowledge to do good things that help other people to thrive. I try to embody that in how I lead the EPQ team, but every now and then I can help to find a bit of budget, give some of my time, make an introduction or unblock an issue that helps great colleagues outside of the team to get on with interesting projects or professional development too. Those moments are often unseen and not easy to find the time for, but they are always rewarding.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Escaping with my partner, Adam, to spend time with friends in the countryside or exploring other countries, usually involving a nice pub or restaurant. My TripAdvisor search skills are next level.

What is your favourite book?

I don’t have a favourite but have not long finished Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart and couldn’t put it down.

If you could teleport anywhere right now, where would you go?

This is tough. I’d be happy with a coastal town in southern Italy or a cosy pub with roaring fire in the Lake District. Both make me happy.

Cats or dogs? Tea or coffee? City or countryside?

Dogs (specifically Orson, a 3yo Trailhound Cross who we rehomed in January). Yorkshire Tea. Countryside.

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Don’t just focus on the destination. Relax and enjoy the journey.