Faces of Reading

Collaboration was never something we planned, it was more of a way of doing things that seemed practical to us. But, when it came to finding institutional support for our work, particularly in academia, we found that it was quite difficult to square this way of working with existing frameworks. 

Few universities were willing to take us on as joint lecturers, so we were delighted to find the University of Reading more open-minded. Here, our collaborative approach is not only supported, but reflected in the teaching in the Department.

The Art Department offers many opportunities for students to work collaboratively and really fosters an engagement with practices that challenge the idea of individual authorship.

As well as working students in the studio, we have had several opportunities to run projects offsite as mini-residencies with students in collaboration with various venues both nationally and abroad, from the Merzbarn in Cumbria to Nova Perla on the outskirts of Prague. In these less formal environments, we have found group work to be particularly useful as a way of instilling the mutual support that we hope will serve our students as well when they graduate as our collaboration has done for us.

I've always felt that I should be a good citizen. We all have our specific roles and job descriptions, but if you stick to just that, life becomes pretty boring. So I have many roles. I coordinate international collaboration and engagement in my Department, which gives me the opportunity to travel and meet people from all over the world, I'm the Warden of Windsor Hall and I'm a Harassment Advisor. I always wanted to do more than just the 9-5.

My suggestion to colleagues would be to get involved. It's not just about teaching and research here. There's lots happening at the University, and you can have an enriching and fulfilling career with good social interaction as well. We have colleagues and students from all over the world, so you can meet all kinds of people, and the experience is very satisfying. This is an enlightened place to work.

Read more about the University's harassment reporting and support.

One of the things I really enjoy about Reading is the flexibility. For example, over the summer months I take advantage of flexible working hours – called compressed hours – so I work from 8:00 until 6:00, four days a week during the summer, and that’s something I really appreciate.

I’m also supported in continuing my professional development, and recently I received a Science Council CPD (Continuing Professional Development) Award because of my training and development achievements. I think if there’s something you’re interested in doing – and it’s relevant to your role – you should flag it, because there’s no harm in asking.

Progression has been a defining part of my journey here, and I’m passionate about helping others experience the same. Whether through mentoring colleagues or supporting my team via PDRs and regular 1-2-1s, I see career development as something we should all actively champion and a core element of my citizenship.

Beyond my main role, I’ve been involved as a volunteer with the Staff Forum since 2020, initially joining during the height of COVID – partly out of curiosity, partly to stay connected. In 2023, I stepped into the role of co-chair, and it’s become a space where I can advocate for colleagues and collaborate with other representatives to make a meaningful difference. I’ve had a genuinely positive experience working at the University, and I’m committed to helping others feel the same. I want to be part of solutions – however ambitious they might sound.

On a personal note, I became a dad for the first time in 2023, and that’s the role I cherish most. One of the things I value deeply about working at the University is the flexibility I’ve been given – particularly by my line manager through the Smart Working Policy – which allows me to be the parent I want to be for my son, while continuing to deliver in both my professional and volunteer roles. That balance is something I’m incredibly grateful for.

The University has given me a lot: opportunities to grow, a supportive network of colleagues, a brilliant team, and a (near-perfect) work-life balance – not to mention the view from my office over Greenlands and the River Thames, and the occasional free lunch! – I even look forward to (most) Mondays, and that’s a feeling I’d love for everyone here to share.