Stephanie Clark, University of Portsmouth
Steph joined the University of Portsmouth in 2022 from private practice. Since then she has led on all employment law matters, including the renegotiation of our union recognition agreement, and the conclusion of the high-profile Sharma case, safeguarding the University’s interests in a range of complex circumstances. She has adapted quickly to the peculiar slings and arrows of in-house and HE life, and has developed into a trusted, highly effective adviser with the confidence of staff and senior management.
"Stephanie is the most pro-active Employment Lawyer I have had the pleasure of being supported by, in any industry I have worked in. She is the consummate professional, practical, solutions focused and keen to continue her own professional development." Fiona Hnatow, Chief People Officer, University of Portsmouth
Legal and Governance Services Team - Student Privacy and Security Awareness Project, Liverpool John Moores University
Digital privacy and cyber security affects everyone. Almost every online transaction and interaction we have involves sharing personal data. Universities are becoming increasingly dependent on online platforms for delivering student services but at the same time are increasingly under threat from cybercriminals. LJMU’s Legal and Governance Services team (“Team”) was fundamental in the creation and development of an innovative and collaborative student focused project aimed at raising awareness of privacy and online security for the whole student community.
https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/students/supporting-your-study/privacy-and-digital-security
Legal Services Team, Loughborough University
As a small team, in a large organisation and community, the Loughborough University Legal Services team have sought to channel their professional and personal passions for helping to combat Climate Change and achieve Net Zero, into playing a leadership role within the University. As a team of respected professionals, they recognised they have a platform to influence at different levels, to help engender the cultural change needed to tackle climate change. By changing what was in their control, by working with others and sharing their successes, the team have had a really positive impact on the University’s Climate Change ambitions.
“I’ve been deeply impressed with the personal commitment from the Legal Services team to the University’s Climate Change and Net Zero strategic theme. The work they have undertaken on Climate Compatible drafting is a really excellent example of working effectively across the different professional communities at the University.” Richard Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, Loughborough University
Jane Bridgwater, General Counsel and Deputy University Secretary, University of Bristol
Jane has been in a leadership position in the Office of the University Secretary for about 16 of the 19 years she has been at the University of Bristol. During this time Jane has navigated the University and the Office through many changes. Unwavering in her support of individuals within the team and drive for quality legal, compliance and governance advice, Jane has developed a team of highly effective advisors – the whole team has a “can-do, will do” attitude that comes from the top. Jane is an authentic leader who always has your back whilst also expecting the best of everyone. This is all alongside carrying an exceptionally heavy and at times high-profile legal caseload.
"Jane brings exceptional rigour and clarity of thinking to all levels of our university’s activity, from the principles of running a university and its high-level governance and operational arrangements through to how we approach individual students’ cases. She has made significant contributions to our institution in navigating matters of academic freedom, equalities legislation, and the exceptionally challenging contexts of a global pandemic and industrial action. Jane has led our legal services and education teams through some of the most challenging and emotive issues facing all higher education providers." James Freeman
Arts Faculty Education Director, University of Bristol
Rachel Gower, Director of Legal and Compliance Services and Data Protection Officer, University of Warwick
Under Rachel’s leadership, the team has excelled. It has expanded from 5 to 17 members, integrating other departments. Notably, her team ranked highest in employee satisfaction, praising her for fostering a supportive and open environment. She actively promotes professional development, resulting in numerous promotions and skill advancements within the team. Through open communication and flexible working policies, she ensures a supportive and inclusive environment. Rachel's extensive involvement in university committees and community engagement initiatives showcases her dedication to collaboration and community impact. Her expertise and guidance have made her a respected figure institution-wide, known for her pragmatic approach and expertise.
“Rachel is an outstanding legal professional and a fantastic ally for many teams across the University. What sets her apart is her understanding of the wider mission of the institution and how that is applied to her leadership of the legal function. She offers invaluable insight to resolving challenges and supporting the development of a high quality student experience." Academic Registrar, University of Warwick
Legal Services, Coventry University
Coventry University Legal Services team is leading in the Higher Education sector in its size and structure. Rather than employing numerous general counsel to deal with a variety of matters, it innovatively employs specialist lawyers. This ensures highly effective use of internal legal resource and minimal but targeted external law firm use, maintaining legal cost efficiency. The Coventry University Group operates in numerous jurisdictions all over the world. The In-House Legal Services team has supported and continues to support the Coventry University Group’s global ambitions, advising and negotiating on sector-leading education, research and commercial projects, including being invited to the ‘Universities UK’ taskforce that was set up to produce guidance for the Higher Education Sector on how to handle alleged student misconduct and advising and advocating for the Coventry University Group to open campuses worldwide in Poland and Egypt.
Universities UK, 29 May 2024; 'New guidance to support universities in tackling harassment and sexual misconduct' https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/latest/news/new-guidance-support-universities
Legal and Compliance Services, University of Warwick
The Warwick legal team goes above and beyond the scope of their usual duties and were ranked as the most satisfied employees in an institution-wide survey. The team leads and supports on complex matters. Provide internal training and have streamlined processes to enhance legal expertise institution-wide. They engage with university committees and working groups to provide legal advice and stay abreast of emerging strategies. They prioritise community engagement, supporting initiatives like the EY Foundation. They embrace an open-door culture to ensure the collaboration crucial for hybrid working, and foster equality, diversity, and camaraderie through inclusive celebrations and team-building activities.
"A focused law team with the relevant specialisms to handle complex corporate law requirements, whilst also understanding and appreciating the HE sector’s restrictions and challenges associated with the University’s charitable status. The senior personnel are very experienced and pragmatic in their approach to advising upon complex transactions together with comprehensive sector knowledge. The team are always prepared to go the extra mile to help with complex legal situations, which they always perform with good humour, empathy, and resilience.” Director of Corporate Finance, University of Warwick
