Faculty of Engineering, University of Sheffield
Deputy Director of EDI and Student Recruitment and Careers Manager
February 2004 - June 2022
Development of strategy and delivery of initiatives to support student recruitment and career prospects of students, in particular with respect to students from under-represented backgrounds
Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield
Teaching Fellow and Project Manager
May 1993 - February 2004
Construction Management and Health and Safety teaching including projects to embed key skills into the curriculum, development of CPD courses for Industry, Project Management of EEC-funded projects.
Arup
Project Manager and Associate
June 1985 - May 1993
Project manager and design team lead for several building design projects including responsibility for coordinating the design management for the International Convention Centre in Birmingham
Chartered Engineer (Engineering Council) and member of the Institution of Civil Engineers
A key role within the university sector has been to enhance the broader skills acquisition of engineering and computer science students through the embedding of broader skills within technically based projects. For example as a member of the team that established multi-disciplinary design projects for all year 1 and 2 students that improved their teamworking, communication and employability skills.
As part of the University Race Equality Steering Group and as Faculty EDI role – developed an understanding of awarding gaps between white and BAME students developing initiatives to support student attainment and progression
Experience of leading design teams including large multi-disciplinary teams at Arup in to deliver projects on time, on budget to a high quality
Development of strategies related to student recruitment, employability and EDI within the university sector and leading effective delivery of action plans through the direct management of teams and the engagement of staff and students more broadly across the institution.
Management of teams in the design/construction commercial sector and higher education.
Experience of and responsibility for the use of data including financial and personal student information in support of student recruitment, attainment and progression.
Budget responsibility for student recruitment and EDI plans in the university sector including the management and reporting for four EEC-funded projects funding value over 1.5 million EURO.
Budget responsibility for numerous industrial design projects.
I have senior management experience in the engineering sector in both industry and higher education. Through both, I have developed and delivered strategy and been responsible for project, financial and personnel management. I have taught at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
My knowledge and understanding of the education sector more broadly have been through my involvement with Doncaster UTC over the past 8 years. Through the Department of Education approval process and subsequent membership of committees associated with the delivery of the UTC I understand the importance of the role of Multi Academy Trusts in the delivery of effective school education.
My successes in the industrial and education sectors have been in part due to my ability to think creatively, be an advocate and influence appropriate people to achieve the best outcome. I believe that these are attributes that would suit the role of Member.
Although I am now retired, I am keen to continue to support the education of young people including and in particular to help students from a wide variety of communities and backgrounds to succeed.