Signing off and edited highlights

Leaving a place of work after 23 years service is a huge life event. But it’s also an opportunity for some much-needed reflection and, if you’re fortunate, some time to think about your next steps.

Reflecting on my time working in Communications and PR at Staffordshire University - now University of Staffordshire - I am feeling incredibly grateful for the opportunities and proud of my contributions.

Special thanks go to my bosses James Tallentire Georgina/George Kelly and Mary-ann Astle for believing in me and giving me the autonomy to carry out my duties to the best of my abilities. And to the best Comms Team, aka Comms Bombs, Amy Platts , Judy O'Brien , Laura Allen , Klaudia Tomkowiak , Claire Frays , Yesim Kandemir , Ellie Wardlaw for your friendship and support, the adventures and the laughs. There are many more friends and colleagues who have shared my journey and if you’re reading this, then get in touch and we can meet up for a coffee.

I have been privileged to have worked on so many good news stories of sensational student successes, talent and transformation and of impactful academic research and innovation - at times punching well above our weight in a crowded and competitive HE sector.

I have covered significant developments in the life of the university, the royal opening of the TV Centre at Beaconside in 2006, the opening of the Science Centre in 2012, the controversial closure of our Beaconside campus announced in 2014, and the launch of the Innovation Enterprise Zone during lockdown in 2020.

Although traditional media has declined in the last 20 years, great storytelling and adapting what you do to directly engage your audiences is key. Just as important, from a reputation point of view, is demonstrating your organisation’s relevance to the world and world events.

Aside from day-to-day Press Office activities, I have worked to showcase University strengths and academic expertise through numerous campaigns ranging from the World Cup to the General Election.

One rather elaborate and memorable PR stunt involved a team of academic experts enjoying a kickabout on the pitch at Port Vale FC – and featured a very special cameo appearance by a man generally considered to be the greatest goalkeeper of all time. Cue video

Other highlights have included showcasing our forensics expertise in a crime scene at the Natural History Museum as part of Universities Week 2014 and bringing Eddie Izzard to the University on his Stand Up for Europe tour in 2016.

I was also delighted to work with Professor Nachiappan C. to launch our successful Profs in Pav series which involved our top academics delivering talks on topical issues to members of the public.

More recently, I have been part of the team responsible for pitching and delivering two prestigious TEDx events at the university which has given some of our students, graduates, academics and members of our community an international platform to show off their brilliance.

And I’m delighted to have helped bring to life the Level of Detail vodcast which throws a spotlight on the superb gaming expertise and technical know-how at our university and which was this year recognised with a Silver at the Heist Education Marketing awards for Best Use of Content.

You see, effective Public Relations is about so much more than a cleverly crafted press release!

Another enjoyable aspect of my role has involved speechwriting for three successive University Chancellors and members of the University’s Executive. In one graduation speech, written for former Chancellor Lord Bill Morris, I used the following verse from a Nina Simone song:

"It's a new dawn, It's a new day, It's a new life for me, And I'm feeling good"

Today, those song lines take on special significance for me as I find my own freedom and write my next chapter. I’ll keep you posted…..