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 (Director of Research & Innovation)
As Director of the Research & Innovation Office I am responsible for supporting the PVCR&I in the delivery of Loughborough’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 Loughborough 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 (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 (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 Loughborough 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.