Edge Hill University has a new look Student Services department
FAY Sherrington has joined the
University as the new Director of Student Services and Iona Horsburgh has taken
up the role of Deputy Director of Student Services. The pair plan to spend their
1st weeks in post learning how Edge Hill works, the composition of faculties,
departments, student population and numbers and how to ensure students are at
the heart of everything they do.
While they're fact finding, Fay and Iona already outlined some initial
priorities. Fay said:- "We are looking at the major changes the Government
are making to DSA (Disabled Students' Allowance) and how this will have a big
effect on students and how we support them. We also have 144 new bedrooms being
built on campus. The new rooms give even more students the opportunity to live
on campus, and this will have a large positive effect on retention levels and
student experience."
Fay joined the University from her post as Student Wellbeing Services Manager at
Lancaster University. At Edge Hill, Fay has responsibility for the full remit
within Student Services including direct management of counselling and support,
health and wellbeing and the Chaplaincy and responsibility for the additional
services which are now line managed by Iona.
She has extensive experience of Student Services provision, having previously
held several roles at the University of Salford, including Head of Student
Support and IAG (Information, Advice and Guidance) Manager. Fay is also an
executive officer of AMOSSHE; The Student Services Organisation. 1 of 12
officers elected by the members she volunteers her time to ensure that AMOSSHE
works in the best way to support the members, the sector and the student
experience.
Iona was previously Executive Director of FACT (Foundation for
Art and Creative Technology) in Liverpool where she also previously held the
role of Operations and Finance Director.
She is a qualified solicitor with experience of charity law and advising not for
profit organisations. She has also been a management consultant for a number of
years and has significant experience of managing change and complex projects, as
well as business process and systems development.
Iona is direct line manager for student financial support, accommodation
services, inclusion services, information support and advice (ISA) and the front
desk information services department. Iona added:- "The managers in
the service are very experienced and work very hard to put students first and
there is a real culture of customer service here. We will continue our focus on
the user's perspective and with increased capaCity and a fresh pair of eyes we
can ensure our students have the best experience possible at Edge Hill
University."
