Mel Scannell

" I’ve worked at the University of Sheffield since 2013, when I joined as the Department Manager for Mechanical Engineering, from a similar role at Kings College London. In the time I’ve been at the University, I’ve completed an MBA in Higher Education Management and had the opportunity to get involved in Faculty and University level projects, undertaking a year long secondment to the University’s Change team in 2018. In 2022, I became Deputy Faculty Director of Operations (DFDO) and am currently acting as the Faculty Director of Operations (FDO).

As FDO I work with the Faculty Vice-President to ensure successful performance in all areas of the Faculty’s activity, and with the Deputy Chief Operating Officer and other FDOs support the effective implementation of the University’s Vision and Strategy.  As DFDO I lead staff and activities related to Education, Student Recruitment, Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity, Sustainability, Wellbeing and Citizenship, working with Heads of Department, Directors of Education and One University to develop Faculty strategy, plans and policy.

The Faculty of Engineering and University of Sheffield is a really great place to work, staff are focused on providing high quality student experience, excellent teaching and undertaking research that meets the world’s challenges. Our staff and students are inspiring in all kinds of ways!

I enjoy the variety of my role, the opportunities to work with academic and professional services colleagues across the Faculty, and to contribute to University-wide initiatives. These have included development of a professional services staff skills framework, improving the experiences of our applicants at visit and admissions day events, development of our taught programmes, exploring ways to increase diversity of our staff and student groups, and planning investment in our estate and research environment. Although we work to an academic cycle, no two days in my job are the same.

In managing large professional services teams, I’ve found that the University provides an excellent range of support to staff dealing with life challenges, including confidential counselling services, networks and groups for staff dealing with issues including cancer and grief, apps to provide menopause support, and specific HR policies on fertility and caring. I’ve also trained to become a mental health first aider. I really value the investment the University has made in staff and student wellbeing, and the priority given to ‘One University’ in our strategic vision. "