I recently did some content improvement work with the Postgraduate Recruitment team that taught me a lot about the use of standout elements and how they influence user behaviour.

The annual web content-themed conference for higher education professionals is happening in Liverpool this year, from 8 to 9 October. Lauren and I are contributing sessions, and we’re looking forward to a couple of days of learning and networking with colleagues across the sector.

I joined the Prospective Student Web Content Team in September 2023, and immediately headed out on campus with everyone to conduct usability testing with new students. It was a great way to immerse myself in the Team’s user-centred approach and learn about a technique that should be part of every content designer’s skill set.

Last week we hosted the second unconference organised by UKEducamp. Some of the team have been part of the organising committee throughout, and most of us took part on the day. We all took something from this fantastic volunteer-led free event and recommend more higher education digital colleagues get involved.

On Friday, I attended my first unconference. It turned out to be one of the most fulfilling days I’ve had in a long time.

UK EduCamp is a volunteer-run organisation who run unconferences to bring together digital professionals in higher education. We’re hosting the upcoming event on Friday 12 January. It’s free and open to book a place.

I gave a presentation recently at the Communications and Marketing department all-staff meeting, in which I shared some of our team working practices. We use regularly scheduled sessions to ensure good communication and support within the team, and to ensure we deliver a steady stream of updates to our stakeholders across the University.

Last year I started volunteering at conferences. I continued this journey at the SDinGov (Service Design in Government) conference in September 2023. In this post, I share my top sessions and how volunteering supports my professional development.

At the annual ContentEd Awards ceremony, the Team won two awards, and our very own Neil Allison won an award for championing and elevating others working in content. In this post, I share one of our winning submissions, showcasing our great work.

This summer, I hired a data and analytics intern through the Career Services’ Employ.ed on Campus programme. It was a very positive experience all round – for the team, for myself as a first-time manager, and for Ash our intern.