Mrs Rebecca Sandys

I am a Principal Lecturer and Director for Learning and Teaching in the School, with line management responsibilities for the Physiotherapy, Speech & Language and Occupational Therapy teams.

I provide strategic leadership and support to ensure the delivery of high-quality education while keeping a strong implementation and improvement focus. Central to my responsibilities is the oversight of curriculum design, development, review, and quality assurance processes within the School. This ensures that our educational offerings meet the rigorous standards set by internal and external stakeholders, to establish our students with a diverse skill set, including critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, and adaptability, making them invaluable assets to any company seeking dynamic and resourceful team members.

A core aspect of my role is fostering a culture of student engagement and empowerment. As the School Lead for Student Engagement, I am dedicated to amplifying the student voice and enriching their educational journey. Through innovative initiatives, the cultivation of a dynamic learning environment where every student's perspective is valued and integrated into the fabric of our academic community is my key goal.

A key focus for this academic year is working to contribute to the educational needs of our partners and students while engaging with workforce planning to ensures our School is current and responsive to local and national needs at all times.

Amidst these diverse responsibilities, I am dedicated to advancing educational innovation, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and championing the holistic development of every student and staff member within the School.

I have worked for the University in a range of roles from Placement Lead to Course Director for the Radiography Team.  I teach on a range of modules but my main teaching focus is on Interprofessional working and collaboration. I am a HCPC registered diagnostic radiographer with 25 years of post qualification experience in clinical service delivery and higher education. My post graduate areas of interest initially lay in both Breast and CT imaging, but Learning and Teaching with a specific interest in interpersonal education, evolved as a result of curriculum design work when supporting students during the pandemic.

I work within a local Trust, within the immunisation team, and also support them with BLS and anaphylaxis staff training when time permits.

As an External Examiner at Glasgow Caledonian University, I contribute to the validation and quality assurance processes of external institutions, ensuring rigorous academic standards are upheld.

Outside of my university commitments, I am actively engaged in voluntary roles aimed at supporting and mentoring young adults transitioning to university. By providing guidance and encouragement, I empower the next generation of scholars to navigate the challenges of higher education with confidence and resilience.

I am also involved with Medway Councils Leadership Network to support local people access and engage with a range of personal development opportunities including education.