Experience

University of Plymouth

• United Kingdom
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Access and Partic

  • Aug 2020 - Present

• Access and Participation Specialist

  • Oct 2019 - Aug 2020

  This role extends my work on the Access strand of the University's Access and Participation Plan so that I now oversee the Success and Progression strands as well. I work with stakeholders across the University to plan and develop the University’s APP strategy and associated targets. I am responsible for the impact evaluation strategy and framework, and the preparation of plans and reports to meet external requirements from the Office for Students (OfS).Through its APP, the University will ensure that its students, especially those from groups under-represented in higher education, will have equal opportunities to access higher education, to be successful while at university, and to progress into employment or postgraduate study. Show less

• WP Specialist and Children's University Manager

  • Dec 2017 - Oct 2019

  The role of Widening Participation Specialist and Children's University Manager at the University of Plymouth combines my passions for raising aspirations among students under-represented in Higher Education and promoting the variety of learning opportunities available for Primary age children in Devon and Cornwall. I lead on the delivery and continuous development of a customer focused, cost effective and efficient Widening Participation (WP) service which ensures that the University sets, and achieves, its WP targets in respect of assisting those from defined groups to aspire to, and gain entry to, university. I support and inform the development of the University’s WP strategy and associated targets and the preparation of the plans and statements it creates to meet external requirements from those such as the Office for Students.Working within the policy framework of outreach, recruitment and admissions my role is to ensure that outreach and recruitment plans take account of the University’s WP strategy and that the impact of these plans is monitored, measured, recorded and evaluated.I also have a key role to play as the representative for the University of Plymouth as the lead institution for the Next Steps South West (NSSW) consortium which is part of the National Collaborative Outreach Programme. I work closely with the NSSW Manager, acting as a point of liaison and representing Plymouth University at NSSW steering groups.As the Devon and Cornwall Children’s University Manager I am responsible for engaging with participating schools to increase awareness of higher education among younger students, providing a range of relevant and inspiring outreach activities and hosting our Gold Graduation Ceremonies. Show less



Next Steps South West

• Plymouth University

• Next Steps South West Devon Team Lead

  • Jan 2017 - Dec 2017

  Next Steps South West is part of the National Collaborative Outreach Programme (NCOP). This builds on my work with the DCON and strengthens and builds on the collaboration that delivered the various activities we offered to secondary schools across the Devon region. Next Steps includes all of the universities and colleges in Cornwall and Devon along with Strode College and Bridgwater and Taunton College in Somerset. Our remit is to work with those students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and have the potential to progress on to Higher Education, but don't want to, or don't feel that they can, for whatever reason. We're all about raising their aspirations and giving them the knowledge and confidence to fulfil their potential. I supervise our initiatives and activities in 41 secondary schools across Devon, liaising with and coordinating the Next Steps Outreach Officers in our eight partner universities and colleges based in the county. Show less



University of Plymouth

• United Kingdom
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Devon Collaborative Outreach Network (DCON) Project Team Leader

  • Apr 2015 - Dec 2016

  I am now leading a new an exciting collaborative outreach project which is part of the National Networks for Collaborative Outreach (NNCO) instigated by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). The Devon Collaborative Outreach Network (DCON) is a collaboration between Plymouth University, the University of St Mark & St John, Plymouth College of Art, City College Plymouth, South Devon College, Petroc and Strode College.Our role is to act as the Single Point of Contact for all of the schools and colleges in our area, which are mainly in Plymouth and Devon, but we also work with some schools/colleges in South East Cornwall as well as Somerset.Our role is; host a website which will provide up to date information for schools and colleges on all the outreach opportunities available from all of the partners, both individual and collaborative; identify gaps in outreach provision and work together to deliver more coordinated, coherent and sustained outreach programmes; work with teachers and students to help raise aspirations and motivation and provide clear information about progression routes into Higher Education. Show less

• Outreach Officer

  • Aug 2014 - Mar 2015

  As an Outreach Officer I was based in the Recruitment & Admissions Team at Plymouth University. This built on my previous role because as well as Business I was also responsible for organising any outreach activities for Arts subject areas.I delivered numerous events in both these subject areas, including a series of subject specific taster days, while also representing the University at UCAS and careers fairs.

• Outreach Assistant

  • Mar 2013 - Jul 2014

  As an Outreach Assistant I worked in the Widening Participation team whose role was to work with secondary school students to raise their awareness of opportunities in Higher Education (HE) and at the same time their aspirations to do well and where possible progress into education after school.I worked on projects and activities that raised aspirations, raised awareness of higher education options, raised achievement and encouraged progression to higher education. With our targeted approach I was supporting projects for those groups under represented in HE; young learners disadvantaged by socio-economic class; those returning to education; learners with a disability; looked after young people and those leaving care; and black and minority (BME) ethnic groups. Within the team I specialised in working with students from BME groups.My role was to plan, organise, promote and deliver events that supported these projects. I developed and delivered outreach activities and resources, including giving talks to a variety of audiences, devising interesting and engaging activities that linked to the school curriculum, providing effective information, advice and guidance to our target groups, individuals, and stakeholders. I also built and maintained strong relationships with school and college teachers (in Plymouth, Cornwall, Bristol and Slough) and Plymouth University academic staff. My main subject area focus was in Business and Enterprise and I worked with teachers and academics to promote the Plymouth Business School and the degrees that it offers. Show less



Millbrook School

• Primary School Teacher

  • Sep 2009 - Feb 2013



Halifax

• Banking
• 700 & Above Employee

• Project Manager

  • Jul 2004 - Apr 2006



Project and Communications Analyst

• Halifax, United Kingdom

• HBOS

  • Jun 2002 - Jun 2004



Halifax Bank

• London, United Kingdom

• Graduate Trainee

  • Sep 2000 - May 2002