As the Director of Education in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, I am responsible for leading the strategic direction and academic excellence of our educational programs. I ensure that our curricula not only meet regulatory and accreditation standards but also equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and compassion essential for modern nursing and midwifery practice.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership:
  I develop and implement our educational strategy, ensuring alignment with healthcare education standards and the evolving needs of clinical practice. I stay abreast of advancements in nursing and midwifery education to keep our programs at the forefront of the field.
• Program Development & Management:
  I oversee the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of our undergraduate and postgraduate curricula. I work closely with faculty, clinical partners, and accreditation bodies to maintain academic rigour and relevance. I ensure that simulation, clinical placements, and interprofessional learning opportunities are fully integrated and impactful.
• Team Leadership:
  I lead and support a dedicated team of academic and professional staff. I foster an environment of collaboration, innovation, and excellence in teaching and learning. Mentoring faculty in pedagogical development and research-informed teaching is a core part of my role.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance:
  I ensure our programs comply with all regulatory, accreditation, and professional body requirements, including the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) standards. I lead our preparations for internal and external reviews and ensure robust processes for student feedback and quality enhancement.
• Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement:
  I build and maintain strong relationships with healthcare providers, clinical educators, alumni, and professional bodies. I represent the School at academic and healthcare forums, ensuring our voice is heard in shaping the future of nursing and midwifery education.
• Resource Management:
  I manage the education budget and allocate resources effectively to support teaching excellence and student success. I also pursue opportunities for funding and innovation in educational delivery.

Skills & Qualifications:

• I bring extensive experience in healthcare education leadership, with a deep understanding of the complexities and demands of nursing and midwifery training.
• I have expertise in curriculum development, quality assurance, and compliance with regulatory frameworks.
• I am an advocate for innovative teaching methods, including simulation and digital learning technologies.
• I am committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment that prepares our students for compassionate, evidence-based practice.
• I hold advanced academic qualifications in nursing, midwifery, or healthcare education, and I am an active contributor to the professional community.

Teaching

I am a NMC registered teacher and have completed my PGCHCP, and Masters Nursing (Distinction) and Masters in Education.  I currently teach at both pre-registration and post–registration level into my areas of expertise.  The quality of my teaching has been consistently evaluated as excellent. Over my teaching career, the quality of my academic and clinical teaching has been enhanced through completion of teaching courses such as: e-teaching; Evidence based learning; Small group teaching; Evidence-based practice Linking teaching and research; Writing learning outcomes; and module design Postgraduate supervisors. 

My main reserach interet is Educational, specifically student experinece, assessment, attrition, on boarding onto program and patient and carers involvement in teaching and assessment.  

Nursing Education Today’s Best Presentation Award: Fitzwilliam College Cambridge 2007

Higher Education Academy, Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine: Best Presentation Award: Newcastle upon Tyne: 2008

Awarded Distinction in Masters degree 2013

Academic qualifications:

BN (Hons): Glasgow University 1993-1997

PGCE: Queens University 2007

Masters in Nursing Queens University (Distinction) 2013

Masters in Eduaction Queens University 2021

Advanced Life Support: University of Surrey 2001

Advanced Trauma Life Support Course: University of Surrey 2001

Paediatric Advanced Life Support: University of Surrey 2002

Trauma Nurses Care Course: St. Georges Teaching Hospital: 2003

English National Board: 199: Post Graduate Qualification in Accident and Emergency Care: 2000

English National Board:998: Post Graduate Qualification in Teaching and Assessing

NVQ Assessors’ Award: 1999

NVQ Internal Verifiers Award: 2002