MyAV范

As we commence a new academic year, I am delighted to share the news that my London role has recently expanded to become Pro-Provost (London) and from 1st September, the London Office Team are part of the MyAV范 Office of the President & Provost. This move reflects the importance of London and the central position of our brilliant capital city in the university鈥檚 long-term strategy.

I began my role as MyAV范鈥檚 first Pro-Vice-Provost (London) a little over two years ago, in June 2019, when 鈥楲ondon鈥� was based within the Office of the Vice-Provost (Advancement). Following an extensive recruitment search, Amy Lightstone was appointed to Head of Engagement and Operations (London) in February 2020 and so the London Office was created. In November 2020 we formally launched the London Framework, a way of working for MyAV范 in, of and for London.聽Since then, we have successfully created a portal for MyAV范 in London, establishing a London Office which advocates and provides a platform for all MyAV范鈥檚 London-focussed activity. We have built connections within MyAV范, particularly with MyAV范 East and also externally with our London partners.

We are continuing to showcase how MyAV范 is impacting our local neighbours, communities and stakeholders and importantly, we are striving to strengthen and develop our regional partnerships. In early September our team grew when we welcomed Sarah Beech as Project Officer (London) to support our wider priorities, and we are now thrilled to join the Provost鈥檚 Office whilst continuing to drive the London agenda.

I鈥檝e spoken before about how MyAV范 is an integral and critical part of London, and how we actively work in a huge variety of ways with our communities and neighbours. My role as Pro-Provost (London) will now shift upwards to 0.5 FTE, enabling greater time and energy to be spent evolving the London Framework and enhancing our place in the capital. MyAV范 now has three Pro-Provost鈥檚 assisting the Provost 鈥� Professor Sasha Roseneil, Pro-Provost (Equity and Inclusion), Professor Geraint Rees (Academic Planning) and myself. I am absolutely delighted to have a seat at the table with my colleagues, and importantly the opportunity to ensure London is at the forefront of our new institutional strategy.聽

President & Provost Dr Michael Spence said of the move:

鈥淭he importance of London to MyAV范 and MyAV范 to London is only going to grow as we develop our collaborations and welcome students, staff, partners and visitors to MyAV范 East. Alan has done a tremendous job in providing visibility and leadership support for the multitude of ways in which we are engaging across London and I鈥檓 really looking forward to working with him more closely and drawing on his expertise in this area.鈥�

LONDON OFFICE PRIORITIES THIS TERM

Moving into a new academic year and new term always allows for new ideas and priorities to take shape. This term we have committed to achieving three of our strategic priorities which will ultimately enable us to meet our goal of enhancing engagement, coordinating relationships, and enriching society whilst amplifying MyAV范鈥檚 impact in London.聽

We will focus on the following areas:

1. Developing and enriching our relationships with our local partners in London聽鈥� recognising the emphasis MyAV范 places on being an effective and collaborative partner between our staff, students, stakeholders and local communities. I will use my role as Pro-Provost (London) to champion MyAV范 in London and to work with our partners to develop solutions and enhance our way of working. A new forum, the聽Engagement Futures Group, will be created to enable greater access to and from MyAV范, with our local authority partners and academic community.
2. Understanding our place and impact in London聽鈥� this term the London Office is undertaking a significant research project which seeks to understand local people鈥檚 perceptions of MyAV范 in London. Additionally, the study will help us to understand the value MyAV范 brings to London from the perspective of our core partners. The outcomes will help to determine our future priorities.
3. Recognising and rewarding the MyAV范 community through volunteering聽鈥� MyAV范 staff already give back considerably to London, whether it is through volunteering with local charities, supporting regional organisations or using professional accreditations to enrich society. All of these commitments are currently unmeasured. This term we will start to collate our staff volunteering in London and strive to develop plans, which seek to recognise all of our staff contributions and commitments to London.

As always, the London Office would like to hear from any MyAV范 staff and students who work in and with our region. Likewise, please do get in touch if you are a London organisation or partner and would like to discuss any of our London priorities. If you would like to receive regular updates, then please do add your details to our聽mailing list here.

MEET THE LONDON OFFICE TEAM

Professor Alan Thompson, Pro-Provost (London)
Professor Alan Thompson is Pro-Provost (London), MyAV范鈥檚 London champion and figurehead for MyAV范鈥檚 London activity. He strategically leads, guides and connects the university鈥檚 London-focused engagement through the MyAV范 London Office. Professor Thompson is also Dean of the Faculty of Brain Sciences and holds the Garfield Weston Chair of Clinical Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, specialising in Multiple Sclerosis. He is the winner of the 2020 Sobek Research Prize and the 2021 Charcot Award, recognising a lifetime of achievement in outstanding research into understanding and treating MS.聽

Amy Lightstone, Head of Engagement and Operations (London)
Amy Lightstone leads the MyAV范 London Office, developing and implementing the MyAV范 London Framework. She oversees and manages the delivery of London Office related activities, including establishing and developing relationships with our partners in London, championing London-focussed MyAV范 activities and amplifying MyAV范鈥檚 impact in London. Amy joined MyAV范 in 2020 having previously worked as Head of Strategy at London Higher, the London regional higher education association representing over 40 London institutions, and the Head of London Medicine, the group representing London鈥檚 five university medical schools.聽Contact Amy here.

Sarah Beech, Project Officer (London)
Sarah Beech supports the coordination and development of specific London Office external partnerships, including MyAV范鈥檚 Memorandum of Understanding with Camden Council. She works closely with internal colleagues across MyAV范 to ensure alignment in MyAV范 London-focussed initiatives, as well as contributing to the London Office communications. Sarah previously worked within the department of Science Technology, Engineering and Public Policy (STEaPP) at MyAV范 as a Research Project Manager. She has worked in project management in a variety of settings including Londonwide Local Medical Committees and the Royal Institute of British Architects.聽Contact Sarah here.