Caroline Chipperfield

Role

Main purpose of the role

This role works directly to the Vice-Chancellor and is responsible for providing pro-active executive support in policy formulation and implementation.  The role includes undertaking research, providing written responses to consultation documents, preparing briefings, annotating agenda and minutes in support of message development, drafting speeches and presentations for internal/external audiences. 

Responsibilities and duties

• Briefing the Vice-Chancellor and her senior team on matters relating to the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), the TDA, the NHS, Universities UK, relevant Parliamentary business, government departments, Technology Strategy Board, Science & Industry Council, the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) and  regional groupings
• Responding to official consultations (HEFCE, UUK, DIUS and other government departments, local and regional bodies) on behalf of the University.
• Horizon scanning for business opportunities and identifying ways in which key influencers can be briefed on the University’s agenda.  Undertaking research to ensure that the Vice-Chancellor and senior colleagues are kept abreast of developments affecting Higher and Further Education and the university’s mission and strategy.  
• Gathering, verifying, assessing and presenting information in a suitable format to be used in reports or as background materials – this will include the drafting of regular reports to the Board of Governors, Academic Board and, working with staff briefings; this will include work on the University’s  corporate performance reports. 
• Research for and input to drafting of speeches and presentations (internal and external) and articles/reports for the Vice-Chancellor and senior colleagues, as required.  This will include preparing speeches for awards ceremonies, staff and public addresses and external events including after dinner speeches and letters/articles/reports for external publication.
• Gaining and maintaining a detailed knowledge of the University of Plymouth, UPC, and the Higher Education sector generally, and the research, business and commercial environment in which the University operates.  Representing the Vice-Chancellor at meetings, as appropriate. 
• Establishment and maintenance of effective working relationships with members of the Board of Governors, VIPs, representatives of national and local agencies and academic and professional staff within the university.
• Liaising with the Vice-Chancellor’s Personal Assistants responsible for the day-to-day management of the Vice-Chancellor’s diary supporting prioritisation of event/time allocation in line with the University’s corporate agenda.  Handling urgent responses for the Vice-Chancellor and ensuring that appropriate action is taken.
• Supporting the Vice-Chancellor at the University’s key events, public events and on other important occasions, such as visits of dignitaries to the university, as may be required.
• Leadership of projects and activities assigned to role.
• Responsible for any policy staff assigned to the OVC either on a permanent or temporary basis.
• Actively supporting the Vice-Chancellor in maintaining and raising the profile of the University and its mission. 

Qualifications & background

• Assistant Policy Advisor at University of Hertfordshire
• Development Manager at SeaWatch Foundation
• Senior Manager, International The Royal Society
• Programme Officer (Science Communication and Education) at British Science Association
• Science Teacher at Collingwood College
• PGCE Secondary Science, University of Reading
• BSc (Hons) Physics with Subsidiary Mathematics, University of Reading
• MA International Policy and Diplomacy, Staffordshire University