Ellie Douglas has been appointed to the newly created post of Director of Student Services with effect from early April. The integration of Student Services will bring together the Student Advisory Service, Chaplaincy, Counselling Service, Careers Service, Health Service, Disability Support Service, Access Centre, Nursery and Music Coordinator into one group and eventually under one roof. In drawing together a wide range of professional skills the aim is to build on the current high quality support available to students from a number of small units and develop strategically to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student body.
In tandem with this role Ellie will continue her current work within the Principal's Office on a number of policy issues including support for the development of a University Research Strategy and proposals for expansion of postgraduate provision.
Ellie joined the University in 1996 after 8 years with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in London, where her experience included personnel administration and, latterly, policy advice within Africa Department (Equatorial). Within the University she may be found at wellbeing classes in the Institute of Sport & Exercise or singing with the Bach Consort, as well as on the 5th floor of the Tower Building. Her other claim to fame is as a Highland pony breeder; she admits to owning "around 15" ponies which she shows, rides and runs websites about!