I am the Director of Technical Operations at University of York, where I have worked for more than 30 years. I manage the technical aspects of the departments and schools at York where there are research and teaching: wet labs, creative labs, specialist facilities, glasshouses, studios, and workshops, and oversee the management of more than three hundred technical professionals.

I care deeply about building a strong, connected technical community and have worked to bring colleagues together as a unified and supportive workforce. Throughout my career, I have been a consistent advocate for technician career development in higher education. I am the technical lead for the Technician Commitment at York and am responsible for delivering the University’s action plan, helping to strengthen recognition, visibility, and progression for technical staff.

Beyond the University, I serve as a trustee of the Royal Society of Biology, am a Fellow of the Institute of Science & Technology, and a member of the Strategic Technical Leaders Network, part of the Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy.

At this stage in my career, I am keen to continue contributing my experience and insight to help shape the strategic direction of the technical community at York, ensuring it remains collaborative, forward-looking, and central to the University’s success.