I have been Head of the Centre for Foundation Studies since 2015, when I first joined the University of Chester to develop all its foundation year provision. I started my degree journey on a foundation year at the age of 28 and had previously worked as a florist and children’s nanny. Foundation years are a great way to ease into university life; they give you time and space to familiarise yourself with a new educational environment and there are lots of opportunities to develop your subject knowledge and your academic skills.

I have an academic background in sociology and politics and have taught in universities and colleges. This was followed by management roles alongside a growing interest in local people having access to their local university, particularly for those communities that may not always be represented across a university population.