About me
I joined the University of Westminster's then department of journalism and mass communications as a senior lecturer in 2007, and set up the UK's first post-graduate module on non-governmental organisation (NGO) campaign communications the following year; this later grew into the first MA on media, campaigning and social change. I was Head of the School of Media and Communication 2019 - 2024, and Associate Head of College (Education and Students) for the CAT College between 2024 - 2026.
Before moving into higher education, I worked for 20 years as a senior communications manager both in-house (Business in the Community, Gingerbread) and for agencies (Issue Communications, Social Change Online) in the UK and Australia. In these roles, I developed communications strategies and award-winning campaigns, both online and offline, for a range of not-for-profit organisations.
My clients have included Amnesty International, Action Aid, the British Library, Carers UK, the Department of Education (Australia), Gingerbread, the National Housing Federation and War on Want.
I have an MA in Classics from Cambridge University, an MA in Gender Studies from the University of Sydney and a Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education.
Teaching
I was the joint inaugural course leader of the UK's first Masters in Media, Campaigning and Social Change, which aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge and strategic approach to develop successful social change campaigns, with a particular focus on communications and the media. The course builds on close links with leading campaigners in London's vibrant social change sector to ensure the course reflects the skill sets in demand and delivers an exciting learning experience for students. The course has run since 2014, and has alumni around the world.
I have also taught on the MA in Public Relations, the BA in Public Relations, and the CIPR Post-Graduate Diploma in PR.
Research
I am currently researching the historical development of framing in NGO campaign communications.
Publications
For details of all my research outputs, visit my WestminsterResearch profile.