Director of External Relations, UCAS
Helen is responsible for the development of UCAS’ strategy and market opportunities, government relations, press and PR, communications, marketing, student information and advice, and UCAS events.
Helen joined UCAS from the Russell Group of Universities where she was the Head of Policy (Research), with responsibilities covering the student experience, postgraduate provision, and research funding.
With a degree in biology from the University of York, Helen began her career in pesticides regulation and managing food safety research for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
She joined the Natural Environment Research Council in 1997, subsequently leading the Research Councils UK team for 5 years from its inception. She was responsible for establishing and leading the Research Councils UK office in the United States, strengthening collaboration between UK and US universities. She was awarded an MBE in 2007 for services to the administration of science.
Helen is proud to be an independent governor at Northumbria University, Newcastle and at Swindon Academy, Wiltshire.