Our people

The Russell Group provides strategic advice, policy development and communications for 24 leading universities. It is led by Chief Executive Dr Tim Bradshaw

 

  • Profile photo for Dr Tim Bradshaw - Chief Executive

    Dr Tim Bradshaw - Chief Executive

    Chief Executive

    Tim has a wealth of experience working within higher education, business and government. He leads the Russell Group in providing representation, strategic direction, policy development and advocacy for the UK’s 24 research-intensive universities.

    He worked at the Russell Group for four-and-a-half years – as Head of Policy for Research and Innovation, and later Director of Policy – before being appointed as Chief Executive. He joined the organisation in 2012 from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) where he was Head of Group, leading work on the Industrial Strategy, manufacturing, competitiveness, university-business collaboration and science and technology policy.

    Previously, Tim was independent secretary to the Science Advisory Council at DEFRA and has worked for the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee as a specialist assistant and for the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. He went to the University of Leicester and the Open University and has a PhD in geology and geochemistry. 

    You can contact Tim via his PA, Debbie Halpenny: CEO.office@russellgroup.ac.uk

    Read full profile >

  • Adam Clarke

    Communications Manager

    Adam is responsible for working with the policy team on briefings, provides support in external affairs and works with the media

  • Adam Wynne

    Interim Head of Policy (HE)

    Adam oversees policy work relating to education and teaching excellence, funding, regulation and widening access to universities

  • Ben Moore

    Policy Manager

    Ben is responsible for policy relating to immigration and visas

     

  • Chantel Le Carpentier

    Policy Analyst

     

    Chantel is responsible for policy areas covering university access, inclusion, admissions and qualifications

     

  • Colin McKinlay

    External Relations and Policy Manager

     

    Colin is responsible for political and parliamentary and wider stakeholder engagement

     

  • Debbie Halpenny

    Executive PA to CEO

     

    Debbie supports the CEO  

     

  • Douglas Dowell

    Policy Manager

    Douglas works across policy areas relating to research and international issues

  • Elena Moya

    Business Manager

    Elena is responsible for managing day-to-day operational activities with particular responsibility for finances, IT and estates activities 

  • Emily Ray

    Senior Events and Strategic Communications Manager

    Emily is responsible for all of our events and works on broader communications strategy

  • Hamir Patel

    Media Relations Manager

     

    Hamir is responsible for press engagement, communicating our policies to news and sector publications

  • Dr Hollie Chandler

    Head of Policy (Higher Education)

    Hollie oversees policy work relating to education and teaching excellence, funding, regulation and widening access to universities

  • Jamie Roberts

    Policy Analyst

    Jamie is responsible for policy areas including regulation and teaching, skills and apprenticeships, and student satisfaction

  • Jessica Cole

    Director of Policy

    Jess oversees our policy work including research and innovation, international, education and teaching, funding and regulation

  • Joanna Burton

    Policy Manager

    Joanna is responsible for policy around Brexit, the EU and wider international education and research

  • Martin Furner

    Data Manager

     

    Martin is responsible for collating and analysing data from a wide range of sources to support the policy team

  • Lily Bull

    Policy Manager

    Lily is responsible for policy areas covering post-18 skills, fees and funding.

  • Paul Purcell

    Director of Operations

     

    Paul oversees all operational activities including governance, financial management, HR, legal and general office systems

  • Sam Eversden

    Head of Communications

    Sam oversees all our communications activity including press, external relations, and digital

  • Sarah Stevens

    Director of Policy

     

     

    Sarah oversees our policy work including research and innovation, international, education and teaching, funding and regulation

  • Stephanie Smith

    Head of Policy (Research and International)

    Stephanie.Smith@RussellGroup.ac.uk

    Stephanie oversees policy work relating to research and innovation, the EU and Brexit, international research and education, and immigration