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Meet the Uni Connect Team
Central Team
Andrew Jones, Director
I joined Linking London in October 2007 as the IAG Progression Coordinator. I hold a PGCE and a Post Graduate Diploma in Careers Guidance. I previously worked in the Sports and Leisure industry as a Personal trainer and Gym Manager, before moving on to work as an IAG adviser in the Connexions Service. I then worked as a Higher Education Co-ordinator in further education colleges in Brighton and London, as well as taking on the role of Aimhigher Project Officer. I have much experience of both supporting vocational learners into higher education and of identifying the barriers these learners need to overcome.
T: 020 3073 8185
E: as.jones@linkinglondon.ac.uk
Sarah Fisher, Uni Connect Project Manager
Sarah joined the team in July 2017 and is the Programme Manager for Linking London’s Uni Connect programme.
After graduating with a degree in Geography, Sarah spent 5 years working in Santiago, Chile predominantly as a sustainability consultant specialising in community relations. After returning to the UK to be closer to her family, Sarah completed a PGCE and worked for 2 years as a Geography teacher at a school in Lambeth which gave her first-hand experience of the barriers to higher education that young people face.
Email: s.fisher@linkinglondon.ac.uk
Ruby Runnalls Palmer, Uni Connect Programme Officer (currently on maternity leave)
In September 2020 I took on the role of Programme Officer for Linking London's Uni Connect programme. I have ten years diverse experience working in widening participation in the cultural sector and in education. I've worked in primary and secondary schools as well as two years coordinating WP projects for a very large university. I have a Master's in Art Gallery and Museum Studies, specialising in Creative Education, and I wrote my dissertation on Cultural Democracy in relation to South Asian communities in Greater Manchester. I am passionate about equipping young people to make informed decisions throughout their educational journeys, in order to lead fulfilling lives.
Jess Brown, Uni Connect Outreach Officer
I joined the Linking London Uni Connect team in October 2019. After graduating from UEA with a degree in American and English Literature, I moved to London in 2016 to work with a social integration charity. While undertaking a series of roles, predominantly involving working with special schools, pupil referral units and alternative provisions, as well as children’s social services, I completed my Master’s in Education, Power, and Social Change at Birkbeck. Having worked with a wide variety of students, I'm interested in how higher education can be made easier to access for those who may not always be thought of as ‘traditional university students’.
E: jess.brown@linkinglondon.ac.uk
College Based Staff
Suzanne Humphreys, Engagement Coordinator, Havering Sixth Form College
I joined Linking London in October 2018 as the Uni Connect Engagement Officer based at Havering Sixth Form College. I am passionate about offering education and career opportunities for all regardless of age or background. I achieved a BA Hons Degree in Business Management as a mature student. As a Student Coach in a large sixth form college in East London, I gained experience in supporting young people to achieve to their full potential. This included helping to remove barriers to progression such as mental health issues or financial hardship. I also supported students with applications to higher education, apprenticeships or employment, working closely with the Careers department. I am keen to ensure that all young people have opportunities, guidance and support to succeed in their chosen course or career regardless of their background or personal circumstances.
Tina Jones, Engagement Officer, Coulsdon College
I joined Linking London as a Uni Connect Engagement Officer in October 2018 based at Coulsdon Sixth Form College, covering an additional 8 hours per week alongside my other role as a Careers Officer / UCAS Co-ordinator. I have been at Coulsdon College for 9 years with my first 3 years working in the HR Department. Within my current role I support students and co-ordinate the whole of the UCAS process and send off all the applications. As the Careers Officer I help students on 1-1 / group sessions with an open door policy with CVs, employability, part-time jobs, Apprenticeships, mock interviews, HE progression and organising the HE Progression Events. I am very passionate about what I do, especially as a lot of our students are from very different and deprived backgrounds who appreciate that extra support with guidance and opportunities for their future progression.
Tassaree Wilson, Engagement Officer, London South East Colleges
In January 2020, I became the South-East London Engagement Officer for Linking London's Uni Connect programme. Whilst completing my Psychology Counselling and Therapies honours degree, I found my passion in student engagement. This led me into years of working with children and young people within various roles in youth work and within the educational setting. During my master's studies of Psychology of Education, I gained a deeper understanding regarding the importance of student engagement and the individual experiences of learners within education. I wholeheartedly believe that during a student's educational journey, it is necessary for their experience to be within an environment which facilitates their ability to achieve their full academic potential. Within this space, they will receive essential support and advice which continues to promote positive mental health and well-being.
