Background

Introduction

Kay joined Newcastle University Careers Service in September 2015 and is the University lead for all matters relating to graduate recruitment, student employment on campus, placements and internships. She is also responsible for Careers Service marketing, communications & events and work-based learning.

Kay represents the University across a number of external bodies and is Chair of the Institute of Student Employers Steering Group (Scotland & the North) which organises regular events to bring together employers, the education sector and supplier partners, providing leadership and support in all aspects of student recruitment and development.

Kay is a qualified coach and mentor and supports a number of University colleagues and external contacts in their personal and career development. She is also a Just Ask volunteer and an acas certified internal workplace mediator.

Outside of her University commitments Kay is a Non-Executive Director for Food Nation CIC, a social enterprise that is passionate about food, nutrition and health. Based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Food Nation provides innovative food and nutrition services to schools, businesses and communities across the North-East of England.

Harissa, the sister company and catering arm of Food Nation, is a social enterprise that invests profits back into the community. Harissa won Best Newcomer in the 2017 Chronicle Food Awards and was a 2018 finalist in the Sustainable Restaurant Association’s Food Made Good Awards.

Previous Positions

Prior to joining the Careers Service Kay held several positions at Newcastle University including, Head of Hospitality & Commercial Services, Director of Marketing and Development in Newcastle University Business School and Executive MBA Programme Manager.

Before joining Newcastle University Kay worked in the private sector in commercial sports & hospitality management (Newcastle Racecourse) retail management (John Lewis) and recruitment (Pertemps) following a degree in French and Spanish from The University of Sheffield.