Meet Raynard Sims, the IT Manager who steers technological journeys with expertise honed across diverse corporate and retail environments.
With a keen focus on the entirety of the Department of Education’s IT landscape, he is dedicated to optimising processes, embracing automation, and ensuring cyber security. His enthusiasm for simplicity in technology is only rivalled by his passion for safeguarding digital realms. For all things IT, from streamlined processes to fortified security, Raynard is your guide to a seamless and secure digital experience.
Natasha is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Bodleian Education Library.
Elwira’s role is to support the financial administrative activities of the Finance Team in accordance with the University’s financial controls. Elwira assists with Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Credit Control processes and is responsible for specific aspects of the management of the department’s financial and research administration, including the administration of government-funded bursaries and the associated audit requirements.
Joe Bullough is the Engagement and Partnerships Lead at the Department of Education. He leads school partnerships under the Oxford Internship Scheme (PGCE), and, with the co-directors, drives the development of the Oxford Education Deanery Programme—a platform for exchange between school teachers in practice and researchers at Oxford. He also provides advisory support to the directors on wider partnership matters.
Prior to his role at the Department of Education, Joe managed partnerships and engagement for the Research on Improving Systems of Education (RISE) Programme—a £40 million, UK Aid-funded progamme focused on improving learning outcomes and education systems around the world. Prior to that, he worked for UNESCO’s Asia-Pacific Regional Bureau for Education, and the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO).
Joe was first inspired to work in education partnerships and policy after working as an English as a Second Language Teacher and Trainer in Vietnam, and later in Myanmar—living and working in Southeast Asia for nearly a decade.
He holds an Erasmus Mundus Master’s degree in Education Policy and Management from the Danish School of Education (Danmarks institut for Pædagogik og Uddanelse), Aarhus University.
Madeleine provides professional support for the Rees Centre and across its portfolio of project grants. Madeleine also provides project support on a set of specified research projects and ensures the smooth running of projects and administrative procedures in line with University and funder policies and procedures.
As Communications Officer at the Department of Education, Hannah looks after the daily management of our communication channels including the website and social media.
She also creates the internal newsletter, Norham News. Hannah has five years of experience in Higher Education communications and has completed a PGDip in Science Communication.
Heather joined the Department of Education as Communications Manager in September 2022 and has more than 15 years’ experience in Communications, PR and journalism.
She has worked in a host of organisations delivering Communications and PR campaigns in both public and private sector settings.
Heather leads on the Communications Strategy for the Department which supports our teaching and research priorities as well as our strategic aims.
She manages communications for the Department including overseeing a host of channels such as the website, social media, newsletters and publications.
Irina joined the Department of Education in September 2022. She has more than eight years of experience in research, having previously managed a research lab in the Department of Experimental Psychology.
Her role involves overseeing research data practices in the Department. Irina manages the administration of the Departmental Research Ethics Committee and all CUREC-related queries. She can offer advice on data protection and assist with data sharing agreements for research purposes.