Trustee Board

More than two decades focused on helping businesses and leaders improve performance through understanding highly effective culture and how to unleash the potential of their people. It's taken me around the world, China, Russia, Singapore and the USA to name a few. Also local to home in Derby and the Midlands and of course London. It's taken me to different industries, Aviation, Banking, Gaming, Renewable Energy, and even Retail High Street Fashion. Across all these cultures, across all these industries one thing is constant... people. They design, build and service it all, and the future is right here being nurtured at the University of Derby.

If I was to join any Student Society it would be the Film Appreciation society! I love the cinema, and you don't sit on as many long-haul flights for as many as I have without cultivating your film library!

What I hope to bring to the board is a broad appreciation of people, business and performance. A career spent working in the people space, a degree of curiosity and experience to help inform decisions and strategies. And a sense of fun. Never forget rule number six folks.

After completing a degree in Music and working in the classical music business for a while I decided to change tack completely and moved into the field of Human Resources. So for much of my working life I have worked as an HR professional in a variety of different sectors including Higher Education, the BBC, professional services and Consultancy and most recently in the Logistics and Distribution sector. I enjoy the challenge and the sheer variety that a role in HR can offer from developing talent, striving for a more inclusive organisation, partnering with the trade union bodies, costing the benefits strategy and ensuring that our managers are the best they can be, there is never a dull moment.

If I could have any job in the world it would be playing in the orchestra pit in the West End, so therefore the society that I would have to join would be the Musical Theatre Society. I love anything that is a live performance and especially if it involves story telling through song and dance. Even though I’m not one for being centre stage I’d enjoy being a part of the production whether it be behind the scenes, in the chorus or indeed in the orchestra pit.

I hope that I can bring my years of experience working in a whole range of successful organisations to support and challenge the Students Union to be the best employer and service provider to every student that it can be. Alongside my clear interest in creating a sustainable and successful business through the power of its people, my particular passion is coaching and supporting people in realising their potential whatever that may be.

I studied at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, getting an BA in History and Linguistics before earning an Honours Degree and MA in European Union Studies. Although the subject matter is big step away from my current career, accountancy, I loved that University taught me to think through issues, see different points of view and get on with a large range of people.

I've been lucky to see University from different perspectives: as the daughter of a lecturer; as the child of a mum studying around working a full-time job because she didn't get the chance to attend after leaving school; and as a student myself. Although cliche, I do believe education is an important tool to raise aspiration and allow people to achieve their goals, and as a Trustee, I can play a small part in the process.

Doing a good job and enabling the people I work with to produce their best and move towards their goals is what motivates me.

I would have loved to join a Photographic Society as I was a member during my own university stint and really loved being able to do something creative. It was an opportunity to bring to life pictures I could see in my mind's eye but not be able to produce with my very limited drawing skills. However, as that option isn't currently available at Derby, I'd have to choose the Wine and Gin Society!

What I hope to bring to the Board is varied range of experience and skills to complement the other Trustees.

My journey within higher education began during my undergraduate degree years, where I immersed myself in the vibrant world of the Students' Union. Beyond studying towards my Education degree, I served as a dedicated course representative, ensuring student voices were heard and acted upon. I actively engaged with a wide range of societies, fostering a sense of community and exploring my hobbies and interests. This commitment helped me land my first job which was a part-time role within the SU, providing me with invaluable firsthand experience of its inner workings.

After graduating, my passion for student advocacy led me directly into the heart of the sector. I began my professional career as an Advice and Wellbeing Coordinator (EDI), providing crucial support to students navigating a range of personal and academic challenges. This experience honed my ability to listen, empathise, and empower individuals to overcome a wide range of obstacles. I then transitioned into managing the Student Opportunities team, where I had the privilege of developing and implementing initiatives that enriched the student experience, overseeing student societies, sports clubs and volunteering initiatives.

Since those early days, I have continued to build a diverse and fulfilling career within higher education, taking on various roles that have allowed me to contribute to the sector in meaningful ways. I am deeply committed to working in Higher Education, finding it incredibly rewarding to support the development of future generations. The constant evolution of student demographics, the emergence of new challenges, and the ever-changing landscape of the higher education sector ensures that no two days ever feel the same.

I am immensely honoured to serve as an external trustee, and I am eager to showcase my extensive experience to contribute to the Union of Students success. My knowledge of equity, diversity, and inclusion, gained through both professional practice and personal commitment, will help inform decision-making and advocacy. My people-centred approach, rooted in my experiences of supporting students and staff directly, will ensure that the needs and perspectives of all stakeholders are considered. I believe my lived experience, spanning from a part-time student staff member to a middle manager within a Students' Union and now working within the Vice-Chancellor's office, provides a unique and valuable perspective. Last but certainly noy least, I am passionate about bringing a sense of creativity and innovation to the role, seeking to identify new opportunities and approaches to enhance the student experience at Derby.

My warmest memory of being a member of the academic board and the Able Charity Foundation is of great experience, which provides me with insight into being a board member and the tasks and responsibilities enshrined in the duty. My greatest dream is to help people, which motivates me and contributes to my quota in every aspect of life. Because of this, I attend webinars organised by the British Institute of Corporate Governance on being a board member. My research is on corporate governance and accountability, which aims to bring a unique approach to solving inadequate disclosure, insufficient transparency, and unethical practices.

Finally, I hope to bring unique ideas to the board by utilising my personal and professional experiences as a University of Derby student and to provide support to sustain a positive university environment.

I am an experienced University administrator and senior leader. Currently completing an interim contract as Director of Student & Academic Services and Academic Registrar at Goldsmiths, University of London, I was previously Director of Student Support Services at the University of Sheffield, and Campus Life Director at the University of Nottingham.

Prior to these roles, I worked for the first 15 years in Students’ Unions having held positions at University of Nottingham Students’ Union, York St John Students’ Union, Leeds University Union, Loughborough Students’ Union, and at Durham University.

I was keen to become a trustee to provide support to student leaders and ensure that the Union helps the University to provide the best possible experience of higher education. As someone who was first in my family to attend university, I am passionate about the transformative power of the university experience and the crucial role SUs play in this.

I am currently in my fifth and final year at the University of Derby completing my Law Masters, having already completed my Undergraduate Law LLP and my Legal Practice Course.

Whilst completing my Undergraduate degree I volunteered at the Immigration reunion clinic supporting families experiencing challenging circumstances.

I am extremely proud to be a sports scholar for badminton and currently hold the BUCS national women’s doubles title, having won this event twice in recent years. I am also a qualified Level 2 badminton coach and a sponsored athlete.

I am currently working as a paralegal in residential property waiting to commence a solicitors training contract. Prior to this I was working as a family law paralegal managing complex and often very challenging cases.

I am passionate about ensuring individuals voices are heard and understood and as an individual who has a broad understanding of life at the University of Derby, I became a trustee to be able to share my passion, knowledge and understanding.