Kara Knight

As the Head of Professional Services for Learning and Teaching Support at the School of Medicine, I play a pivotal role in steering and overseeing administrative support services within the institution. My responsibilities extend to both Undergraduate and Postgraduate Professional Services Learning and Teaching Leads, ensuring the seamless delivery of high-quality learning, teaching, and digital support across diverse academic and student communities.

Collaborating closely with key stakeholders, including the Associate Dean of Learning and Teaching, the Associate Dean for Quality and Academic Standards, the Associate Dean for Culture and Performance (Academic), and the Associate Dean for International, I am committed to upholding consistently high standards in all aspects of learning and teaching support. This involves fostering strong relationships with crucial partners such as the NHS, the General Medical Council, and other Medical Schools, strategically operating to achieve shared goals.

In partnership with the Head of Operations (School of Medicine), I work in tandem to ensure the effective implementation of operational elements, encompassing both physical and digital components, to support the delivery of learning and teaching.

A significant aspect of my role involves evaluating emerging policies, discerning their impact on the school, and advising the Senior Executive Group on appropriate strategies to adopt, optimising the benefits for the institution. Additionally, I shoulder the responsibility of addressing intricate and serious student welfare issues, serving as the point of escalation beyond the Admin Leads from a Professional Services perspective. I also oversee Fitness to Practise procedures, ensuring strict adherence to relevant policies and procedures.

Furthermore, I am entrusted with ensuring that all necessary legal, contractual, and mandated governance is in place for programs, meeting General Medical Council requirements, and other obligations, including educational partnerships. This necessitates effective collaboration with colleagues in central services, such as the Legal department and Research and Innovation Services, as deemed appropriate.

In times when the School Manager requires support, I step in to deputise as needed.