I graduated from the London School of Economics in 1998, and started my career in the Education Sector at the Pensions Management Institute. Having subsequently enjoyed 15 highly successful years at City, University of London in various senior leadership roles, I became an independent consultant in 2019.
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I have substantial experience of working in complex environments in both large universities and small, specialist institutions. I’ve worked in close collaboration with academic leads to deliver institutional enhancement and regulatory compliance initiatives, and I’m adept at balancing the bigger picture with operational requirements.
Described by colleagues as clear, calm, flexible and inclusive, I’m highly-skilled at negotiating and influencing to find straightforward solutions with an excellent student experience at the centre of my approach.
My Expertise
Leadership & Management
Department leadership including operational planning, budget and resource management, staff management and development, and oversight of institutional change projects.
Validation & Partnerships
Collaborative provision including with several small and specialist institutions. Support for institutions seeking OfS registration and degree-awarding powers.
Policy Development
Development and review of academic policies and associated processes, in response to strategic developments and sector change, supporting an excellent student experience.
Programme Development & Review
Support for the development and review of programmes to meet strategic priorities and external requirements, with extensive membership of several programme approval and review panels.
Regulatory Compliance
Development of institutional frameworks to meet external regulatory requirements, e.g. consumer law (CMA). Experience of Office for Students registration, TEF, Ofsted inspection of HE provision, professional body accreditation.
Student Casework
Management of student complaints, appeals and disciplinary cases including conducting investigations and reviews of case outcomes.
My Work
Consultancy - selected projects
EDI Policy & Strategic Plan
Development of a new policy and 5 year strategic plan for equality, diversity and inclusion.
Istituto Marangoni London
TEF 2023 Submission - Awarded Gold
Lead author of the TEF 2023 submission awarded gold for student experience and student outcomes
Interim roles
Interim Director of Academic Services
Registry
Arts Educational Schools
Interim Head of Academic Policy & Quality Assurance
Academic Services
University College London
Arts Educational Schools
Educational Governance Review
Review of governance arrangements for strategic educational enhancement projects, and the approach to project prioritisation, planning and evaluation
Interim Head of Projects, Operations & Insight
Office of the Vice-Provost (Education and Student Affairs)
University College London
Queen Mary University of London
Academic Regulations
Review of the regulations to improve accessibility and alignment with London Met's student demographic, institutional strategy and sector good practice
London Metropolitan University
Student Complaints
Independent oversight and management of student complaints as part of the institution's response to historic concerns
Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
What they say about me
“Alison was drafted in to help with a specific project at QMUL at short notice. Within one week, Alison had really impressed me with just how quickly she had identified the core challenges and had begun to recommend solutions that were pragmatic and entirely appropriate to a university of which she had no prior experience. I was particularly impressed by the awareness and sensitivity that Alison demonstrated both with regard to external pressures / drivers and complex institutional dynamics. Although I only worked with Alison for a relatively short period, it was as if she’d been working at Queen Mary, and specifically working with me, for years, such was the speed and efficiency with which Alison fitted in and started to make really constructive suggestions entirely appropriate to the specific context of QMUL. It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with Alison and I can recommend her in the strongest possible terms.”
Professor Tony Michael, Deputy Vice-Principal for Education (Strategic Projects)
Queen Mary University of London
“ I had worked with Alison in a previous role, so when I needed some short-term, senior project leadership I had no hesitation in using her consultancy service. Alison has a deep understanding of the HE context and an appreciation for institutions’ complex operating environments; she is able to quickly make an impact on a project and within a team. Alison is skilled in delivering a flexibility of strategic thinking that ensures that her advice and contributions are always insightful, realistic and clear. I have valued and trusted Alison’s kind and honest guidance and hope to work with her again in the future. ”
Megan Gerrie, Director of Projects and Planning
University College London