United Kingdom
I am an experienced leader in student recruitment and widening participation with over 20 years’ experience in the higher education sector, leading strategy and delivery across the full student lifecycle, from pre-16 outreach and national collaborative programmes through to pre-entry recruitment, transition, student success and retention. At the heart of my work is a commitment to ensuring that students, and their experience, drive decision-making, design and impact. I have led large-scale institutional and collaborative projects, including Office for Students (OfS) Catalyst-funded initiatives and the development of networks such as NCOP and NNCO. My approach is data-driven and evidence-led, ensuring that activity is rigorously evaluated and delivers measurable improvements in access, outcomes and progression for underrepresented learners. A key strength is building meaningful, high-impact strategic partnerships. From establishing multi-institutional collaborations to leading award-winning scholarship programmes, I have developed strong relationships with colleges, schools and external organisations that create sustainable pipelines, enhance opportunity, and deliver long-term value. Proudly from Manchester, I am passionate about contributing to the social mobility and economic development of the North West. In my current role at UA92, I am proud to be part of an institution that is rethinking higher education, working at the forefront of the sector to connect students more directly with industry, embed employability throughout the student journey, and create a flexible, inclusive model that supports students to unlock their potential and enter the job market with confidence. Aligned to this, I am always keen to connect with colleagues across the sector as we respond to a changing demographic of learners and evolving expectations of higher education. Through UA92’s approach, I am particularly interested in strengthening partnerships with colleges, schools, and those working directly with young people, to better understand how we can collectively support and guide students into higher education. Collaboration is key to ensuring we are creating relevant, accessible pathways that truly meet the needs and aspirations of the next generation. I’m also keen to contribute to wider sector conversations around how higher education continues to evolve, ensuring it remains relevant, accessible, and truly meets the needs and aspirations of the next generation.
Lead an innovative student recruitment and widening participation team at UA92, building strategic relationships and partnerships with colleges and education providers to support students through their journey into higher education. We work closely with colleges to understand their cohorts and progression needs, building strong relationships with advisors and ensuring they are up to date with sector developments. Our approach is highly personalised; we know our applicants as individuals, understanding their circumstances and aspirations, ensuring they feel supported rather than treated as just a number. My team delivers a flexible, tailored offer across the full UCAS cycle, from personal statement support through to student finance guidance for students and parents/carers. We provide on-campus subject tasters, outreach activity, and bespoke pathways for non-traditional learners, ensuring accessible routes into higher education. We pride ourselves on creating a supportive and nurturing experience, particularly for students who may be less confident or unfamiliar with higher education. Alongside this, we embed industry-connected experiences, helping students understand career pathways and develop employability skills before they even start university. I lead a data-driven recruitment and widening participation strategy aligned to Access and Participation Plan priorities, focused on building sustainable pipelines, improving conversion, and increasing access for underrepresented groups. I also lead and develop a high-performing team, oversee multi-channel activity, and ensure all work is underpinned by robust evaluation and continuous improvement; delivering a high-quality, impactful experience for both students and partners.
Led the coordination and delivery of the First Generation Scholarship Programme at Manchester Metropolitan University, overseeing the full student lifecycle from recruitment through to enrolment and on-course success. Drove the programme’s success from inception through to achieving its targeted milestone of supporting 1,000 students into higher education at Manchester Met, maintaining momentum, performance and delivery against ambitious targets. Responsible for managing application processes and CRM systems, alongside the design, development and delivery of a comprehensive programme of activity including London residentials, on-campus summer schools (residential and non-residential), personal development sessions and parent engagement. Managed and developed student ambassadors and staff, ensuring high-quality delivery and a consistent, supportive student experience. Led programme sessions and large-scale events, while maintaining oversight of communications, including high-volume enquiry management. Extended responsibility beyond recruitment to support students on programme, working closely with student support services to enhance retention and student success. Developed and nurtured industry partnerships to create opportunities for mentoring, internships and wider engagement, ensuring students were supported to progress and connect with future career pathways. Drove evaluation and continuous improvement through a data-led approach, using insight to enhance programme impact and inform strategic development. Also supported donor relations, ensuring alignment between programme delivery and stakeholder expectations, and contributing to the growth and long-term sustainability of the scholarship.
Alongside coordinating the inception and rollout of the First Generation Scholarship Programme, I was seconded on a 0.5 basis as a Diversity and Inclusion Lead to an Office for Students (OfS) Catalyst-funded project, working in collaboration with the University of Manchester and the University of Birmingham to address awarding gaps for BAME students (and BTEC students at Manchester Met). I led the project from an institutional perspective at Manchester Metropolitan University, working closely with the Students’ Union to explore the underlying causes of awarding gaps and co-create meaningful, student-informed interventions. This included establishing trusted student networks to capture authentic student voice, facilitating events and forums, and ensuring insight directly informed institutional approaches. Worked collaboratively with academic and professional services colleagues to review inclusive curriculum practices and contribute to wider cultural change across the institution. Led the delivery of Activ8 Bystander training, and developed strategic partnerships with community organisations to provide impactful training and engagement for both staff and students. Managed delivery and evaluation at an institutional level, while contributing to the wider cross-institutional project, ensuring alignment, shared learning and measurable progress. This work played a key role in driving forward inclusive practice and supporting tangible progress in addressing awarding gaps.
Played a key role in establishing the original Manchester Higher collaboration between Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Manchester, contributing to its development into the externally funded programme now known as Greater Manchester Higher (GMH), involving multiple higher education partners across the region. Led on the design of the programme and delivery model, coordinating activity and supporting the development of the collaboration’s identity, including branding, remit and shared objectives. As the institutional lead for GMH at Manchester Metropolitan University, I was responsible for delivering the full outreach and widening participation remit, managing a team of staff, assistants and student ambassadors to deliver a broad programme of activity. This included outward-facing sessions and information, advice and guidance (IAG) in schools and colleges, as well as inward campus-based experiences such as subject taster sessions, personal development activity, and residential and non-residential summer schools. Worked extensively in partnership across institutions and with external organisations, building strong strategic relationships to support collaborative delivery and maximise impact across the Greater Manchester region. Ensured all activity was underpinned by a data-driven approach, leading on evaluation, stakeholder reporting, and the use of HEAT and destination tracking to measure progression and outcomes. Alongside this, I also worked as a Student Recruitment Officer, supporting general recruitment activity in colleges across the UCAS cycle, with a focus on applicant engagement, conversion and Clearing.