I graduated from Canterbury Christ Church University with a first-class BSc (HONS) in Adult Nursing in 2004. Whilst working as a Community Nurse, I then completed an MA in Health Services Research at the University of Kent in 2006. Since that time, I have completed a PGC in Learning and Teaching in 2009 and more recently achieved a PhD in Psychology in 2021.
My leadership experience has been gained whilst working as the Programme Director (PD) for our Foundation Degrees in Health (2009-2021). This work-based learning programme allowed me to foster excellent relationships with colleagues across the faculty and local stakeholders. During my tenure as PD, the programme underwent several revalidations which provided an opportunity to design a curriculum that met the local workforce needs.
I have experience of writing commercial tenders for the Nursing Associate, and I have led development of the School’s end-point-assessment (EPA) portfolio. The first element of this work was the application to enter stage 2 of the Register of End Point Assessment Organisations. To date our applications have been successful for the Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Nursing Associate and the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship, and we are now an approved EPA organisation for these standards.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, I recently returned to clinical practice as a Community Nurse in East Kent. My clinical experience enhances my credibility with students and allows me to be a role model for colleagues within the School. The most enjoyable aspect is working alongside my own graduates from years gone by. They are now the teachers, supporting me to re-learn my clinical skills and find my confidence.
I am now working as the School Director for Enterprise and Engagement. The role has two facets, one is the line management of around 25 academic staff within the school, and the the other is outward facing. The outward facing element of the role is associated with portfolio development, apprenticeships, marketing, undergraduate and postgraduate recruitment, school and college engagement, and CPD provision.