Our Sponsors

Our executive sponsors use their experience and skills to empower, inform, and advocate for the Early Careers Network. They meet with the Chair and Vice-Chair to advise on the strategic direction of the Network and how we can continue to grow and develop. 

Jennifer Johnson

Jennifer Johnson (Director of Research & Innovation)

As Director of the Research & Innovation Office I am responsible for supporting the PVCR&I in the delivery of Â鶹ֱ²¥’s R&I core plan, and all of the functions that help our academics and researchers to win research funding, undertake research activity, and drive impacts and innovations from that activity.

I am delighted to be Executive Sponsor for the ECN because I am passionate about the good that R&I can do in the world and I want all colleagues to have the best possible start in their Â鶹ֱ²¥ roles, be they professional staff, doctoral researchers or academics, to achieve that. I also served as Director of Professional Development and as Chair of ARMA (the Association for Research Managers and Administrators) for 9 years and have always been a strong advocate of professional development in its many forms.

Matt Hammonds

Matt Hammonds (Director of Human Resources)

As Director of HR I am responsible for the delivery of the HR service to almost 4000 staff across the University. People often come to HR at a time of need for professional advice and support and I'm accountable for ensuring we deliver the best possible service.

I was really keen to support the ECN as an Executive Sponsor because when I was starting my career I got a range of support that ultimately helped me and shaped my career path that led me to where I am today. The support we get early in our career ultimately shapes the path we take. I want to help people to have fulfilling and meaningful careers and lives.

Nadine Skinner

Nadine Skinner (Learning & Development Manager)

I lead a brilliant team responsible for coaching, colleague training and development across the institution, which means I get to work with colleagues in all kinds of roles and at all stages of their Â鶹ֱ²¥ career journey.

I’m really passionate about career progression and helping colleagues find their ‘why’ at work. I came into the Higher Education sector from the corporate world, and I often reflect on how different that transition might have felt if I’d had access to a network like the ECN when I first joined. Having that sense of connection, shared experience and guidance can make such a difference.