What has your career path (in and out of the LSE) been like to date?
Prior to working at the LSE, I worked in social housing. I started my career as an Estates Management Officer in Manchester City Council and later on moved into supported housing, working with people living with HIV, drug and mental health issues. Prior to starting at the LSE, I worked with East Thames Group as a Service Manager for their supported housing provision. I also spent a year as a Business Implementation Manager, implementing a new IT system across the group.
How long have you worked at the LSE?
I started working for the LSE in April 2005 as Head of Residential Operations. In January 2007 I was promoted to my current role and took on responsibility for the School’s catering operation as well as its residences.
What does your job entail?
At LSE I am responsible for ensuring that the Residential and Catering Services Division makes a substantial contribution to the academic life of the School through the provision of accommodation to students; provision of a warden and sub warden service within halls of residences; provision of pastoral support to students in halls of residences including appropriate disciplinary, welfare and social activities; provision of catering services for the student and staff community; and the provision of hospitality catering for the School’s events, including external functions.
What bits about your job get you out of bed in the morning?
It’s the variety of work I get involved in that gets me out of bed in a morning. The RCSD operates 24 hours a day / 7 days a week / 365 days of the year. When our students are not resident we open our halls up as B&B hotels to commercial visitors. This business model contributes to the School and allows us to have great halls of residences in fantastic locations – Off Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, Bloomsbury, Islington and the Southbank to name just some of our hall locations.
What's the best thing about working at the LSE?
I know it sounds like a cliché but the best thing about working at the LSE is the student and staff body. Our students are bright, committed and a source of energy. Our academic staff are amongst the leaders in their fields around the world. One advantage of working here is the public events programme which we are able to attend. Our staff teams within RCSD do an excellent job in supporting the School community.
What advice would you give to people who want to join us at the LSE?
For anyone thinking of working at the LSE, I’d say stop thinking about it and do what I did – apply for a job here!