She brings expertise in policy and programme evaluations and bespoke research, and has delivered projects investigating all areas of the staff and student experience including student safeguarding and gender equality. Hannah has a particular interest in using her research, analysis and engagement skills to recommend policy solutions centred on furthering disability inclusion and improving mental health and wellbeing support.

She is well equipped to support SUMS members and clients to investigate on-the-ground student and staff experiences, as well as the impact and outcomes of institution-wide programmes. Hannah joined SUMS as an associate in 2023, with her previous experience focused largely across the higher education and third sector. Hannah’s most recent role was as Data, Evaluation and Impact Manager for Go Higher West Yorkshire (Uni Connect Project), leading on the monitoring and reporting of impact of a suite of outreach activities designed to improve progression to higher education from underrepresented groups. Hannah was also a Researcher within the Insights Team at Advance HE, where she designed and managed research and evaluation projects pertaining to EDI in higher education.

Most notably, Hannah managed the Secretariat function to the Disabled Students’ Commission, held by Advance HE, since its inception in 2020. The Commission, established by the Universities Minister and funded by the Office for Students, has a key priority to advise, inform and influence higher education providers and sector bodies to improve support for disabled students. Hannah continues to support the Commission in an Associate capacity, working with key stakeholders to influence decision-making. Building on her passion to improve support for disabled students and staff in higher education, and mental health and wellbeing, Hannah is a current Trustee of the University Mental Health Advisers Network, and a member of TASO’s Sector Network.

Outside of work, Hannah is a keen runner and baker.