Victoria Hughes has been appointed the new Network Coordinator for the Yorkshire and North East region. We asked Victoria to share a little about herself.

Victoria’s background

I have now been working within the University of Sheffield Medical School for over 15 years, after initially accepting a temp position as a receptionist. I had no desire to embark upon an administrative career at that point but a decade and half later, and several different roles in, I cannot imagine myself being in any other sector.

During the my time in the HE sector I have worked in a variety of roles, from admissions to early career research development, to visiting international students placements and supporting the assessment processes within the school. My experience is varied and the opportunities I have had are rich.

I joined the AUA in late 2014 after starting my most recent role in student affairs and support, with a view to broadening my network and to share best practice with colleagues across HEIs. I am now coming to the end of my PGCert in HE administration, management and leadership and I am keen to share my experience and enthusiasm with other members within the Yorkshire and North East Region by working collaboratively with the Advocates across the network as the Network Coordinator.

Network developments

With over 340 network members and a significant geographical spread, the Yorkshire and North East Network has its challenges! However, it also has a wealth of opportunities with a number of engaged members from a variety of vibrant and distinctive HEIs in the region.

Over the next three years we will aim to develop a greater cohesion across the network, with key objectives relating to the recruitment of new members and appointment of advocates, the identification and development of CPD opportunities for network members and the collaborative work to develop good practice guides for use across the AUA membership pool.

An initial starting point will be a regional network conference, which will allow us to finalise priorities for the next three years, so keep your eyes peeled for further information. I very much look forward to working with you all.