Neil joined the University in 2016 as Senior Policy Engagement Manager and since then has led the Policy Hub’s research engagement activities. He is responsible for building effective relationships with key policy stakeholders, particularly central government and local and regional bodies. As well as providing leadership to the Policy Hub team, Neil supports stakeholder engagement and knowledge exchange activities on a range of research projects.
Neil’s background is in voluntary sector development work and funding. Prior to joining Durham he worked for the National Lottery Community Fund, leading a range of strategic UK wide funding programmes.
Contact Neil: neil.heckels@durham.ac.uk
Lisa provides support for the development of public policy partnerships and networks and for the coordination of policy engagement activities across the University. Lisa also facilitates and delivers public policy training to the academic community in a range of topical areas.
Lisa has over fifteen years’ experience of working within higher education and has substantial experience of facilitating relationships between the university and our partners.
Contact Lisa: l.m.hodgson@durham.ac.uk
Rachael joined Durham as Director of Public Affairs in October 2019 to support the Vice-Chancellor’s Office and the University Executive team in delivering the University’s Global Strategy. Rachael’s role is based in London and provides a link between the strategic and research offering of the University in Durham, and the world of policymaking and political engagement in Westminster, Whitehall and the City.
Rachael started her career with a year at a think tank before moving on to corporate communications consultancy Luther Pendragon. Here she worked across a vast range of clients from large multi-nationals, public sector bodies and independent review bodies, where she advised on issues management, public affairs, media relations and crisis communications. Prior to joining Durham University, Rachael worked in a freelance capacity within the higher education sector, advising on media relations and strategic communications.
Rachael has an MA Hons (Cantab) in History from Girton College, Cambridge.
Contact Rachael: rachael.l.richards@durham.ac.uk
Britta received her PhD from the Department of Geography at Durham University in 2016. She worked as a researcher across Geography, Anthropology and Engineering until she joined the Policy Hub in 2022. Britta’s work focuses on local government, particularly strengthening policy engagement, knowledge transfer, and research collaboration through an ESRC funded project with Durham County Council, where she is co-located.
Contact Britta: britta.turner@durham.ac.uk
Stephen leads the University’s strategic engagement with political institutions including UK Government, overseas embassies and high commissions and the European Union.
Contact Stephen: stephen.n.evans@durham.ac.uk
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