New Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Authority at Silwood Park

Clara Bradberry, Student Experience Coordinator at Silwood Park, has just been made Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Authority.

The fellowship is awarded to those who have demonstrated a personal and institutional commitment to learning and teaching in further education. 

We caught up with Clara to find out a bit more about her work and this exciting award. 

Clara, many congratulations on this fantastic achievement! Can you tell us a little bit about your award?

Thanks very much! I really enjoyed putting the application together and reflecting on the initiatives I put in place over the academic year. The Associate Fellow (AFHEA) provides recognition of professional practice for supporting teaching and learning in Higher Education.  

Can you tell us a bit about your role of Student Experience Coordinator and what it entails?

I am responsible for ensuring the quality of Student Experience for Silwood Park students as well as building a greater sense of community on campus. I work closely with Personal Tutors, ensuring quality of student support and wellbeing at Silwood. I run an ongoing programme of extracurricular activities events and workshops over the academic year, varying from EDI sessions to pebble painting and bake offs. I also liaise with central teams i.e. Disability Advisor Team and Health and Counselling to manage support and arrange regular visits to Silwood Park.

What motivated you to work in this area?

Before joining Imperial, I worked at another London University (for almost 20 years), most of which was spent in the role of Student Liaison Officer. I have found both roles incredibly rewarding, allowing me opportunities to make a real difference in students academic and personal journeys. I really enjoy working at a University environment, as it is ever changing which keeps each day interesting!

What attracted you to working in Life Sciences at Imperial specifically?

I absolutely love Silwood Park, it is a really special place. Not only is it a beautiful campus in all seasons with lots of bunnies and deer,  it is also an international hub for ecological research. Which makes it a pretty cool place to work!

Tell us an interesting/unusual fact about yourself.

I am an accredited mediator, and am part of the Imperial Mediation Scheme.  Mediation is very powerful, it fosters cooperation by opening up communication channels and works to iron out conflict. Helping people to maintain, and perhaps improve, their working relationships.