Senior Teaching Fellow
University of Southampton
Naomi Clements is a highly respected higher education leader with a deep-rooted commitment to widening participation, inclusive practice, and evidence-informed policy. With over a decade of experience in strategic roles across universities and collaborative networks, Naomi brings a wealth of expertise in governance, evaluation, and sector-wide engagement that aligns powerfully with NEON’s mission.
Currently serving as Senior Teaching Fellow in Academic Practice (Evaluation) at the University of Southampton, Naomi leads institution-wide initiatives to enhance teaching, research, and knowledge exchange through robust evaluation frameworks. Her work empowers educators and decision-makers to drive meaningful, sustainable change for diverse student communities. As Co-Chair of the Inclusive Education Group, she designs and delivers development programmes that equip academic staff with inclusive strategies to improve student outcomes.
Naomi’s leadership extends beyond her institution. She is a founding member of the TASO Evaluation Advisory Group and the Evaluation Collective, shaping national approaches to access and participation evaluation. As Chair of the Evaluation Community of Practice, she fosters cross-institutional collaboration and accountability, while her governance experience includes oversight, risk management, and performance review across equity-focused initiatives.
Her research and publications reflect a strong scholarly foundation, with recent contributions exploring the professionalisation of outreach practitioners, critical analysis of regulatory texts, and the intersection of policy and practice in widening participation. These outputs demonstrate her ability to bridge theory and practice, offering insights that influence both institutional strategy and national policy.
Naomi’s previous role at the Southern Universities Network showcased her commitment to youth empowerment and inclusive evaluation. She led a student-led research initiative that enabled young people to identify barriers to education and influence local provision – an approach that exemplifies NEON’s values of equity, collaboration, and impact.
In a time of increasing financial and political pressures on higher education, Naomi offers a strategic, values-driven perspective that will strengthen NEON’s governance and advocacy. Her collaborative spirit, policy expertise, and unwavering dedication to social justice make her an ideal candidate to help steer NEON’s future direction.
Naomi understands the responsibilities of trusteeship and is committed to upholding NEON’s values through effective governance. Her election to the Board would bring a distinctive voice, grounded in experience and driven by a passion for inclusive access and success.
