Briefly, tell us about your background and career up to this point?
To date, my career has centred on educational leadership, particularly designing and delivering transformational teaching and lifelong learning strategies. I really enjoy spreading best practice through course innovation and academic leadership, focusing on collaborations across health, education, and industry sectors.
I’m a Member of the University Association for Lifelong Learning (UaLL), an Associate Member of the National Conference of University Professors (ANCUP), a Senior Fellow of Advanced HE (formally HEA), a Fellow of the College of General Dentistry, as well as a member of the Society for Research into Higher Education (SRHE), so there’s plenty to keep me busy!
One of my most notable achievements is my work with NHSE (formerly Health Education England) across Kent, Surrey, and Sussex on the Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership and Multi-professional Education in Healthcare (SLAMEH). This programme, now in its eighth year, has successfully educated over 700 Educational Supervisors, creating a rich and diverse professional learning community.
What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
I would advise my 18-year-old self to have faith that a strong work ethic would reap rewards, and to be sure to actively seek out and seize every opportunity. Over the course of my working life, the landscape of possibilities in both career and personal development has evolved hugely, and many of the paths that I have been able to explore in recent years were not even invented when I was 18! However, I believe that if you remain open-minded and dedicated, you’ll not only adapt well to change, but will be able to lead and thrive in it.
I developed an early appreciation of the benefits of being curious and willing to learn. Both these qualities have proved invaluable over the course of my career so far.
Do you have any current projects that you’d like to tell us about?
Absolutely! One of my current projects involves conducting a study exploring career literacy among educators at different stages of their careers, specifically within the fields of life science and medical education. This study aims to identify the resources, skills, and knowledge that educators need to navigate their career paths effectively and to adapt to the ever-evolving demands of the educational landscape. Through this project, I hope to contribute valuable insights to enhance professional development and support educators in achieving their career goals.
I’m also in the process of writing a book. This project has been both challenging and rewarding; it’s allowed me to bring together my experiences and knowledge into a comprehensive resource for others in the field. The book will delve into key themes related to sociology of the professions, specifically, the professionalisation of occupations, and how the strategies for professionalisation impact wider society. I’m excited about both projects!
What do you do with your time outside academia/work?
I enjoy engaging in a variety of activities that help me relax and recharge. I love both walking and gardening, as they give me a chance to disconnect and appreciate the outdoors. I also spend lots of time reading, which broadens my perspective and stimulates my imagination. I’m definitely a life-long learner, and I love doing new online courses and attending workshops.
Connecting with family and friends (not to mention and an extensive network of professional colleagues!) is really important to me, so I take every opportunity to strengthen those bonds.
What is something positive that happened to you over the last year?
I was invited by the Chief Dental Officer for England to deliver my research related to dental workforce retention at a national showcase. This was followed by an invitation from the dental regulator (the General Dental Council) and the College of General Dentistry, to write a blog for them. It’s reassuring to know that my work as an educator and researcher continues to have impact. I hope it will have practical application and offer transformational opportunities across healthcare and related occupations long into the future.
What is your favourite part of your role?
Definitely the opportunity to foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement among educators. I find immense satisfaction in working alongside colleagues to identify their unique strengths and areas for growth, and then supporting them on their professional journeys.
Engaging in meaningful conversations about educational practices and career innovations not only inspires creativity but also builds a sense of community. I enjoy facilitating workshops and training sessions that empower educators to explore new ideas and share best practices, leading to enriched learning experiences for both them and for their students.
Additionally, witnessing the transformation of educators as they embrace new strategies and see positive outcomes in their teaching careers is incredibly rewarding. It reinforces my belief in the power of professional development to drive excellence in education. Ultimately, my role allows me to contribute to the growth and success of educators, which, in turn, enhances the learning environment for all students.
QUICK-FIRE:
- Favourite season: Autumn
- One thing you could not go a day without: My glasses!
- Describe yourself in three words: Committed, Curious, Compassionate
- The last photo on your phone: A photo with colleagues carrying out my role of Faculty Chair in the College of General Dentistry.