What is your role and what does it involve?
Hi! I’m Amy and I am the Director of the London Office at UCL. I lead the ongoing development and implementation of the UCL London Framework, overseeing activities that establish and nurture relationships with partners across London and UCL’s strategic way of working with organisations in the city. This involves leading UCL’s institutional strategic partnerships with 12 key London organisations spanning multiple sectors including local authorities and local government, life sciences, commercial real estate and regional sector bodies.How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?
I have been at UCL since 2020 - I joined 3 weeks prior to the Covid-19 lockdown and so I was thrown into the role at an extremely fast pace! Previously I was Head of Strategy at London Higher - the regional body for universities in London. I’ve worked with London universities for over 13 years and have a deep knowledge of policy, engagement and collaboration strategies - all skills I use in my job at UCL every day.What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?
The development of my team and the London Office at UCL is one of my proudest working achievements. When I joined five years ago it was only me and Professor Alan Thompson (our Pro-Provost for London) and we had to work quite quickly to engage with our internal community and develop UCL’s London strategy. Five years later I now have a team of five and it’s amazing to think of our progress over this time, particularly our relationships with partners which have truly developed to become genuinely reciprocal and beneficial. I am proud that I have been a part of that for UCL.Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of your to-do list
My to-do-list is ever evolving but at the moment my team is focused on the year ahead, to our Bicentenary celebrations where we are planning a number of activities with our London partners throughout the UCL200 year. With only 48 weeks to go, we are working closely with the UCL200 team on our plans with our partners to contribute to 2026 - it’s going to be really exciting!What is your favourite album, film and novel?
Not technically a film or novel but there is an album (!) - my favourite show is Hamilton. I’ve seen it over ten times in London and on Broadway in New York and it’s a show that I can just watch time and time again. I love history and so its great to watch a performance that brings history to life. I also have a not-so-secret love for Taylor Swift and she is a constant source of entertainment in my life!What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?
Dad, when he puts the car in reverse:"Ah, this takes me back!"
Who would be your dream dinner guests?
The cast of Schitt’s Creek - because I think we’d have a really funny evening.What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t worry about what hasn’t happened yet - focus on today, be kind, ambitious, a loyal friend, and enjoy life!What would it surprise people to know about you?
I’m a creature of habit and have eaten the same lunch every day for, probably, more than five years!What is your favourite place?
New York!- University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT (0) 20 7679 2000