Dr Julie Hardy

Julie works across the University assisting and advising staff with the implementation of a range of teaching, learning and assessment initiatives, in line with the University’s strategic institutional priorities. Her professional activities are diverse and include: designing and implementing assessment centres for student recruitment; creating and delivering staff induction and CPD training materials ; creating a web portal to facilitate interaction between the business community and UCLan’s students and graduates ; devising and delivering programmes of Employability and Enterprise-related study at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels; and working with colleagues throughout UCLan to develop their NSS delivery plans. She is actively engaged with a number of University-wide initiatives and projects and has membership of committees including: Predictive Learner Analytics Steering Group; Placements Special Interest Group; UK Recruitment Operations Group; Innovation and Enterprise Community of Practice; Early Intervention Group; Curriculum Framework Design Group; Student Experience Strategy Group; Apprenticeships Staff Development Group; and is a long-standing member of the University Review Panel.

With a background in the creative arts, Julie’s professional career exemplifies success in both higher education and business in the UK and overseas. As a Design Lecturer in Hong Kong between 1994 and 1998, she established and managed a highly-regarded, income-generating Employer Liaison Unit to forge professional links with industry. Some of the companies she worked with included: Cathay Pacific, VTech, Philips, HMV Asia, Pearson Publishing, Hong Kong Productivity Council and Hong Kong Trade Development Council. A subsequent international role with Birmingham City University enabled her to collaborate with academics across South East Asia to maximise international recruitment and partnership opportunities. She worked with institutions in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Immediately prior to taking up employment with UCLan, Julie held the position of Operations Manager for a large, independent recruitment consultancy. A key aspect of her role at the Prestige Group involved identifying and securing new business and managing existing employer relationships. Close collaboration with businesses allowed her to gain a deep understanding of each client’s position, aspirations and core values and respond appropriately to enhance their reputation. In 2010, within her first year of joining UCLan, Julie secured funding for, and successfully managed, a high-profile PMI2, China-UK research project in conjunction with the British Council. She continues to engage in overseas activities and was invited by the Thai Ministry of Education to deliver training programmes for senior officials in Rayong and Chiang Mai. She has also conducted academic staff training programmes in Shanghai and Xiamen, as well as being invited to speak at UN/British Council-hosted conferences in Morocco and Thailand on the subject of ‘Employability and Enterprise in the Curriculum’.