Exit stage left

Tomorrow officially marks my last day of employment at The University of Huddersfield, after 15+ years!

I joined Huddersfield in July 2009 as a sleep-deprived “new Mum”, additionally bewildered by a shift from the private sector into the public sector. The flexible working offered was extremely welcome, helping me find a happy balance between family and work, but also with prospects to develop when I was ready. I settled quickly and always looked forward… that is until I found myself starting to look back, and when I recognised something needed to change.

Whilst my departure feels bittersweet it seems appropriate to reflect on some highlights and favourite memories to remind me how far I have come:

• Planning and organising the 25th Anniversary Event, with steve lawson for the #MBA at Huddersfield – a Masters degree I then went on to complete myself!
• Working with Dr Frances McGregor , Jan Carmichael , Dr Mark Horan , Jo Gill and Peter Emsell (the HR dream team) to manage another celebratory event, this time to mark 40 years of the #CIPD – a successful evening soiree despite the logistical challenges during the set up!
• Launching Huddersfield's DBA/DPA – working with the inspirational duo, Dr. Annie Yeadon-Lee and Leigh Morland .
• Developing and facilitating the Magnificent Seven programme, a non-accredited CPD offer from Huddersfield Business School which was subsequently tailored for over 70 employees from South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust , delivered by David Bamford , Jim Bamford and Dr Mohammed Mirza (as well as others, already mentioned above).
• Completing the ILM Level 5 qualification in Coaching and Mentoring.
• Becoming Editorial Assistant for Anne Gregory and The Journal of Communication Management #JCOM, working with Emerald Publishing - which led to a work trip to Lund University, Sweden to handover to Jesper Falkheimer .
• Teaching on the CMS and BA Business Management.
• The first #KTP I supported, with Paxman Scalp Cooling , supporting Richard Paxman OBE , Patrick Burke , Dr. ERTUgrul Unver , Professor Mike Kagioglou FHEA, Cmgr FCMI, FRS NSW, FRICS, FCIOB and Jonathan Rex Binder - going on to attend the glamorous Times Higher Education Awards!
• My first successful KTP application, with Chris N. H. Street and Bob's Business... in psychology!
• Helping drive, facilitate and support subsequent KTP “firsts”…

...For History/Heritage, Education, Social Housing and Journalism (Prof. Rob Ellis and Pennine Heritage , Dimi Kaneva and Fresh Futures, Jim Reid and East Marsh United, Philip Brown and Together Housing, Ruth Stoker and IMPRESS THE INDEPENDENT MONITOR FOR THE PRESS CIC

...mKTP with Shona Bettany and Coterie Connect

...AAKTP with John Allport , Kibabii University and Carbon Footprint - having the opportunity to visit the project in Kenya – a fantastic experience!

• Establishing the KTP Office and growing the project portfolio, which was recognised nationally when I won the Praxis Auril (now Knowledge Exchange UK ) Knowledge Exchange Professional of the Year Award, in 2023.
• Implementing an unprecedented (to the best of my knowledge) number of AKT projects (7 x awarded in the pilot with a further 10 x projects awarded in the following funding round).
• Completing the Chartered Management Institute Level 7 Strategic Management and Leadership qualification, and becoming a chartered manager.
• Achieving a milestone “25 KTP projects by 2025”, in November 2024, with the success of the application between Grant Campbell and Puratos ( James Slater and Celine Laigle )

I have had the pleasure of sharing my journey with so many visionary businesses, outstanding KTP associates, and passionate and dedicated academics. I have also been extremely fortunate to be supported by loyal and helpful colleagues (both internal and external), KTP advisers and fabulous family and friends who have looked out for me and lifted me up, particularly when the going has got tough.

15 years is a long time, but I leave with my head held high, feeling extremely proud of what I have achieved and with a true sense of accomplishment. I am extremely excited for my next chapter where I will continue to forge new partnerships and (hopefully) make just as much of an impact, if not more.

I am looking forward, again, so, watch this space – I am sure there’s more to follow!