Helen combines her expertise in research and consultancy with deep knowledge and experience of the higher education sector, including the policy and regulatory environment. Her evidence-informed recommendations and advice have contributed to policy and practice change at sector level, and to the implementation of complex strategic and organisational change within many individual universities.
Helen leads SUMS’s work in relation to enhancing student experience and success for our members and clients. This includes strategic reviews and co-design of new models for student mental health, wellbeing and disability services, and for tackling non-academic misconduct. Other key areas of specialism include higher education governance effectiveness, leadership development and organisation design.
Prior to joining SUMS, Helen was a Managing Consultant for three years at Advance HE (and previously at the Leadership Foundation for HE), specialising in governance and leadership development. Before that she worked for several commercial management consultancy practices, advising clients on change within higher education, other parts of the education sector, central and local government, the European Commission and the private sector.
How has Helen recently supported universities?
- University of Cambridge: Strategic reviews (over four years) of student mental health and wellbeing provision and services; of the University’s approach to adjustments, allowances and mitigation; and of the University’s approach to provision for disabled students
- University of St Andrews: Review of the University’s research and innovation support and environment
- University of Glasgow: Design and implementation of the reshaping of an academic school
- Office for Students: Evaluation of the impact of the OfS’s Statement of Expectations for preventing and addressing harassment and sexual misconduct.
Helen lives in Glasgow and enjoys spending time outside work with her family, friends and two lovely cats.