Our people

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

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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

Ben Moore

Head of Policy (International)

Ben overseas policy work relating to international issues, including research partnerships, Horizon, visas and security.

 

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

Currently on maternity leave

Dr Hollie Chandler

Interim Director of Policy

Hollie oversees our policy work including research and innovation, international, and higher education.

Jamie Roberts

Policy Manager

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

Jessica Cole

Director of Policy

Currently on external secondment

Joanna Burton

Interim Head of Policy (Higher Education)

Joanna overseas policy work relating to access, teaching, and regulation

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 leads on our funding resilience work.

Paul Purcell

Director of Operations

 

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

Hamir Patel

Head of Communications

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

Sarah Stevens

Director of Policy

 

 

Currently on maternity leave

Stephanie Smith

Interim Deputy Director of Policy and Head of Policy (Research and International)

Stephanie directly supports the Director of Policy and oversees work relating to R&D and innovation issues.

Charlotte Kelly

Policy Manager

Charlotte is responsible for policy areas covering innovation and research.

Maddy Godin

Policy Researcher

Maddy is responsible for policy areas covering university admissions, access and participation, and student experience.

Jessie Powell

Interim Communications Manager

Jessie leads on all media management issues including press enquiries.