Our People

In 2004 I took up the position of Associate Dean (Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences) with Anglia Ruskin University, responsible for a very diverse portfolio. During the period 2007-09, I combined the role of Associate Dean with Head of Anglia Law School, until I departed in August 2009 to take up the post of Professor and Head of the School of Law at Birmingham City University.

In 2011 I was appointed NCC Education’s Managing Director. NCC Education is a transnational provider of UK Higher Education programmes in Business and Computing.

I joined Bloomsbury Institute as Managing Director and Academic Principal in September 2012, responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the institution.

Interests

I am passionate about education and how it can transform lives. When I joined Bloomsbury Institute in 2012, I led on the development and implementation of a new strategic direction that placed social mobility at its foundation. The aim was to provide students with the opportunity to enter higher education based upon one single measurement: “the potential to succeed”.  We now have a very diverse student (and staff) academic community that is testament to the success of our strategic implementation.

Qualifications, Affiliations and Memberships

• BA (Hons) Law and Politics
• PgDip in Multimedia and Education
• MPhil in European Union Law
• MBA
• Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales
• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
• Member of the Institute of Directors
• Member of the Law Society of England and Wales
• Member of the Society of Legal Scholars
• Member of the UK Association for European Law
• Member of the University Association of Contemporary European Studies

Research and Publications

 Fairhurst J., (2016) Law of the European Union (11th edition), Pearson, 792 pp

I have contributed my research at various international and national conferences and in 2015, I was awarded ‘Best PhD Presentation and Paper’ based on its originality at the European Conference for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Genoa. Most recently in July 2018, I was awarded Bloomsbury Institute’s Teaching and Learning Award based on my ‘Contribution to Student Achievement’. 

Interests

With a background in philosophy, social justice and empathy, my research interests reflect a strong passion for researching human connections. Main areas of interest include: culture, leadership and innovative ways of improving the societies we live and work in. With a strong interest in combining theory and practice, I am passionate about the role of empathy in driving human connections, restoring societal ills and addressing conflicts. I have familiarity in a range of research methodologies and a specific interest in qualitative approaches such as ethnography.

Outside of work, I enjoy outdoor sports, travelling and spending time with friends and family.

Qualifications, Affiliations and Memberships:

• PhD in Social Innovation and Impact, thesis title: ‘Exploring the role of empathy in social enterprise’
• MA Human Rights and Social Justice
• BA (Hons) Philosophy

Research and Publications

• Kopec, A. [co-authored with Spear, R., Teasdale, S., Lyon, F., Hazenberg, R., Aiken, M., Bull, M.]  (2017) “Social Enterprise in the UK: Models and Trajectories”, ICSEM Working Papers, No. 40, Liege: The International Comparative Social Enterprise Models (ICSEM) Project https://www.iap-socent.be/sites/default/files/UK%20-%20Spear%20et%20al.pdf
• Kopec, A., Hazenberg, R., and Seddon, F., (2015) ‘The role of empathy in social enterprise’. European Conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Genoa. ISBN: 978-1-910810-51-4, ISSN: 2049-1077.

Interests

Outside of work I love London, its history and its literature.  I’m often to be found strolling around making connections between the city’s history and the current built environment.  I’m also a keen karaoke singer and, I’m told, do a mean tribute to Gloria Gaynor.

Qualifications, Affiliations and Memberships

• BA (Hons) MPhil
• Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts (FRSA)

I started my career  in investment management after completion of my MBA. After completing my Masters in industrial management from Queen Mary University of London, I moved to the world of academia where I started my career as a senior lecturer in Strategic Management at a Higher Education college. I worked for various private and public colleges as a visiting lecturer.

I joined University of Edgehill as a lecturer and a supervisor for post-graduate students in Business, Management, Finance and HR related subjects.

In 2010 I joined the Quality Assurance Agency as a reviewer to work under the framework of Educational Oversight. I also worked as the position of Inspector for Independent schools Inspectorate. Since then I have carried out various inspections and reviews in institutes ranging from Flying schools to HEIs.

Interests

As a reviewer for the Quality Assurance Agency, I have always been interested in Quality Assurance and Standards in Higher Education. My other areas of interest are Assessment in Higher Education and collaborative provision and partnerships.

I have previously worked in a Collaborative provision, setting up new partnerships in Higher Education.

Driving, riding motorbikes and travelling are some of my interests outside of work. I also enjoy sports such as table tennis, badminton and squash.

Qualifications, Affiliations and Memberships

MBA, MSc, Reviewer Quality Assurance Agency, Senior Fellow of Higher Education Academy, Member AUA

I developed my experience in researching, initiating and implementing major projects to ensure the effective and efficient running of our IT Services.

I have worked as a Senior SEO and Digital Marketing Specialist for 5 years. My experience stretches from IT Strategy and Management, Project Management, Networking, Programming to designing, SEO, SMO, PPC and Digital Marketing.

Interests

I have great interest in, and passion, for anything and everything related to IT. I want to make computer systems that solve problems and work for people and organisations.

Qualifications, Affiliations and Memberships

• MBA, B.Tech (Electronics and Communication Engineering)
• Prince2, PCI DSS ISA
• Currently Working towards Cyber Security Specialist Qualifications
• BCS Membership (AMBCS)

Interests

My areas of research interest include negotiation of form in language acquisition, medical English, and student motivation and engagement.  Additionally, combating contract cheating is an area which I have recently been investigating, and attempting to tackle through assessment re-design.

I enjoy weekends away to British highlights such as Snowdonia, the Cairngorms, and the Peak District.  I am also a keen cyclist and have a 25 mile round trip commute to work, whatever the British weather throws at us!

I’m an experienced communicator and influencer and have helped students with varied backgrounds and experience find suitable courses by developing partnerships and relationships with key stakeholders.

In my current role as Deputy Academic Registrar, I am responsible for leading both the Admissions and Quality teams at Bloomsbury Institute.

Interests

I am passionate about widening participation and raising aspirations of those who would be less likely to apply to Higher Education. Bloomsbury Institute is the perfect fit for me, as we proactively encourage applications from those of all ages and backgrounds and support them throughout their studies to help them succeed.

I am a Trustee of Up on Downs, a parent-run charity organisation which supports families of those with Downs Syndrome. As a mother of a child with Downs Syndrome, I’m keen to ensure he benefits from the same opportunities as everyone else, not least, a good education.

 Qualifications, Affiliations and Memberships

• LLB (hons) – first class
• Academic Registrars Council – Admissions Practitioners Group
• Independent HE – Admissions Group
• Trustee – Up on Downs

Interests

I have been actively involved in various voluntary activities within my local community, most recently in a role for an Early literacy programme for nursery children. I remain committed to this cause and currently serve as Chair of Finance committee at my local childcare provider.

In 2015 I joined Bloomsbury Institute to work within its Quality Department.  For the last 3 years I combined being Head of the Quality Department with the role of Company Secretary.  However, I have now taken up a new role within Bloomsbury Institute – that of Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion whilst continuing with my existing role as Company Secretary.

Interests

I am passionate about issues around equality and diversity, and am particularly fortunate to be able to channel that passion into my role as Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.  Outside of work, I enjoy swimming although it is very much a case of stamina over speed and style.  I am also learning (albeit very slowly) to enjoy playing rugby, football, cricket and tennis with my son in the confines of our postage stamp garden!

Qualifications, Affiliations and Memberships

BA (Hons) French

External Memberships

• Association of University Administrators
• IHE Quality Managers Network
• Advance HE Small and Specialist Institutions Equality Network

Internal Memberships

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee
• Academic Committee
• Senior Management and Leadership Team
• Quality Assurance and Enhancement Committee
• Course Committees
• Student Staff Consultative Forum
• Research Ethics Committee

Enabling me to analyze applications of prospective students effectively, advise and inform students about; the courses offered, the admissions procedure, eligibility and the tuition fees.

Interests

I enjoy working alongside companies such UCAS and UK Naric that provide information and admission services for framework of higher education qualifications.  Giving advice and opinion on academic, vocational and professional qualifications from all over the world. Allowing me to assist students facilitate educational progression, reaching their full potential and achieving their career goals.

Qualifications, Affiliations and Memberships

Joint BSc in Criminology and Sociology from the University of Kent.