I am senior manager and leader with over 20 years’ experience in leading and managing in the UK HE environment. I have a substantial and successful track record in senior roles running a complex range of operations in a matrix organisation from the directing the operations for a faculty comprising over 1200 colleagues, contributing to and implementing strategies for growth and excellence in teaching, research and engagement to supporting research strategy and policy at an institutional level as Head of the Research Office. I am a clear strategic thinker and enjoy identifying challenges and finding innovative solutions. This links to strength and tenacity in the delivery of projects, in particular those that require organisational change and I love working collaboratively on the bridge between academic and professional services to facilitate the best possible support to achieve the vision of the institution. I am passionate about development of colleagues to provide a facilitative, pragmatic and fit-for-purpose professional service to meet the ever-growing and complex needs of the institution. I have extensive experience of managing and leading large teams of professional services and in particular, developing staff via training, mentoring and coaching to achieve their potential.Supporting and helping to raise aspirations in young people, I have been a trustee of Youth Focus NE, a mentor for the Girls’ Network and am currently serving as a governor at Byker Primary School in Newcastle Upon Tyne.