What Current Staff Say
We are special not so much in what we do but in the way of how we do things. Our Catholic ethos is important because it informs our approach towards students and staff. We are committed that enhancement of student experience has to go hand in hand with enhancement of staff experience. We provide a good working environment for all staff and encourage new and existing staff to feel part of the Newman Community.
 Dr Matthew Day Head of English |
"Newman's a very enjoyable and friendly place to work where people really care about the students and their colleagues. It's also an institution that's making significant investment in facilities which everyone benefits from, including a new theatre performance space, a new gym and a new library. Newman's location, on the edge of Birmingham, means that you get all the benefits of being in Britain's Second City - great theatre at the Birmingham, Repertory, excellent music at Town Hall and Symphony Hall and the Birmingham Jazz Festival, as well as a range of other events at places such as at the National Indoor Arena, National Exhibition Centre and International Convention Centre. On top of that there's top class sport. But you're also not far from the Cotswolds and the countryside. It's a great mix." |
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"I started work as the Head of Physical Education and Sports Studies (PESS) at Newman University in 2008 after working at a large midlands higher education institution for 10 years. It was a difficult decision to make, moving from a large established University to a small newly constituted University however; the opportunity to impact directly on the student experience, and the policies and practices supporting their learning and teaching was an important factor in my decision to move to Newman.
The past 4 years have given me the opportunity to manage a team of exceptional people. Their drive, enthusiasm and dedication to improving the student experience has resulted in the development of undergraduate and post graduate programmes, expansion of facilities and services and recognition nationally and internationally of the quality of our programmes, research and student experience. Newman’s ethos is evident in everything we do…it was, and still is, the best career decision I’ve ever made." |
 Rhian Dobbs Head of International |
"I’ve been with Newman for 18 months, and it has been a positive experience. I came from a large university so it was quite a change coming somewhere quite small. However, I really like the fact that within a short time I got to know so many people across the academic and support services, and everyone has been really welcoming. It was one of the first things I noticed in my first few weeks, was a warm welcome from everyone I met. I’ve been involved in so many things that I just wouldn’t have had the opportunity in a large organisation and I’ve learnt a lot that would be considered outside of my remit, but has enriched my experiences on both a professional and personal level. I’ve engaged with staff and students on many different projects, and worked with the Students Union, the Principals office, support and academic colleagues – across the board really. We are a Catholic institution, but that is just one of the many facets of Newman, and I have found the institution to be welcoming regardless of faith." |
 Alison Tatton Deputy Programme Leader in Early Childhood Education and Care |
"I love working here at Newman. My role is so varied and no two days are ever the same. I started working at Newman in April 2004 as a Researcher on a European Social Funded Research Project into Skills Gaps and Training Needs in the Early Years Sector and was appointed as a Senior Lecturer on the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education and Care in 2006. I’m also the Programme Co-ordinator for the Foundation Degree for Teaching and Learning Support Assistants, so it keeps me pretty busy. On any day I can be doing anything from teaching a large group of students in one of our lecture theatres, to conducting seminar groups, individual or group tutorials, visiting students on placement to dealing with queries from student and staff. There are also opportunities to participate in and contribute to the wider college processes and I sit on a number of Working Groups, Committee’s and Boards where I can further contribute to the institution. As part of my role I’ve had opportunity to travel abroad to give papers on my research at conferences and to undertake research projects. I’ve travelled to Poland, Romania, France and Sweden, Ireland and the Czech Republic. I’ve also recently started studying for a PhD at Bristol University where I am researching ‘the impact of fostering on biological children in the home’ and have received invaluable support from many Colleagues." |
 Melissa Clarke Senior Careers and Work Related Learning Officer |
"After studying here myself as a student from 2001-2004, I was delighted when I started my role here as Senior Careers and Work Related Learning Officer in 2006. Not only did Newman equip me with the employability skills to be successful upon graduation, but even whilst working here I have had the opportunity to complete my Postgraduate Diploma in Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (HE). This has helped me to develop my knowledge, network with other careers advisers across the UK and gain a professional qualification. A student-centred approach is key at Newman and all staff work closely together which makes working here an enjoyable and worthwhile experience. You most certainly get to know everyone as it is a small and friendly institution. The flexible working hours allow me to work some evenings and weekend to ensure the needs of students are met. The student support team work so hard to meet the needs of Newman students and I thoroughly enjoy working in such a forward thinking and friendly team." |
 Janet Smith Systems Librarian |
"Newman University is the friendliest place I have worked – and I think that reflects back at us with the students here too. I have worked here for nine years now, and in that time my role has changed. Originally I was a Liaison librarian, working directly with students and staff, to help them get the most out of the library. I now have more of a back-room role as Systems Librarian, ensuring that the library systems and eresources meet Newman’s needs and are running effectively. I have been given the opportunity at Newman to develop new skills and I feel valued here – which is important to me. As far as the future goes - we are now in a great new library which has transformed the service we can offer!" |
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