Meet the Access and Outreach team
The University of York was founded on principles of equality, diversity and inclusion.
Our new strategic vision sets out our role as a University for public good, building upon our founders who endowed the University with a strong social purpose. It means we care ‘more than almost anything else’ about opening up access to those who had previously not had the opportunity. The Access and Outreach team is at the heart of this mission.
The Access and Outreach Team offers a range of programmes that support people from under-represented backgrounds and promotes progression to higher education for an ever more diverse student body.
Contact us
If you wish to contact a member of staff, please get in touch at the email below.
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Rebecca Clark
Head of Access and Outreach
Rebecca drives the strategic direction and development of our widening access strategy. She works in collaboration with the team, colleagues across the University and others across the sector to determine how we can have the greatest impact on widening access and participation in higher education.
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"I was the first in my family to go to uni and I had no real sense of how it worked. I didn’t go to open days and knew nothing about all the opportunities available. I just wanted to move out, study more and get a good job. If I could go back and do it all again, I would join student societies, get involved with the students’ union and consider a year abroad."
Lorna Bowling
Deputy Head of Access and Outreach
Lorna drives the implementation of our Access and Outreach strategy and leads the operation of our Access and Outreach work. Lorna manages the team, working closely with colleagues to ensure our participants experience impactful, life-changing programmes of activity.
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"I had so many more questions than I had answers when I decided to go to university. All I knew is I wanted to keep learning and find a job which I loved and made a difference to people's lives. I would encourage you to have faith in yourself and ask questions and people will help you to achieve your goals."
Matt Beswick
Access and Outreach Manager
Matt manages a range of Access and Outreach programmes, focusing primarily on pre-16 activity in the region and partnerships in North Yorkshire. Matt is responsible for ensuring programmes achieve our objectives, directing programme activity and carrying out evaluation and monitoring.
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"Do plenty of research and prepare lots of questions to ask university staff and students. After attending an open day, ask yourself ‘could I see myself at this university?’ and ‘would I be happy at this university?’. If you answer yes to both these questions then you’re onto a winner!"
Kim Edwards
Access and Outreach Graduate Coordinator
Kim works across a range of our programmes, projects and activities. As a Graduate Coordinator, Kim focuses on delivering a range of impactful sessions for the students we work with. As a recent graduate, Kim is able to bring relevant student experiences, knowledge and understanding to all our work.
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"Embrace diversity and engage with the wide range of opportunities available. University is a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and experiences. Take advantage of this by participating in societies, attending events, and connecting with people from various backgrounds. It’s a unique experience and there'll never be a time like it!"
Chloé Carbis
Access and Outreach Officer
Chloé supports a range of Access and Outreach programmes across post-16 and pre-16 activity. Chloé also supports our work with care experienced students and those applicants who receive a contextual offer from York, as well as being responsible for the delivery of effective programmes and supports evaluation and monitoring.
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"University is such an exciting opportunity, but if like me, you'll be the first in your family to take on this journey, it can be a little overwhelming. My advice would be to trust in yourself and your ability. When it comes to choosing what course you would like to study and where to study, make sure you make the choice that you feel most comfortable with. We thrive when we do things we love - so keep that in mind!"
Nitya Ramanand
Access and Outreach Officer
Nitya supports a range of Access and Outreach programmes across post-16 and pre-16 activity. Nitya supports students and their families to learn more about higher education. Nitya is responsible for the delivery of effective programmes and supports evaluation and monitoring.
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"As well as learning more about a subject you love, university is all about learning about yourself! Don’t be afraid to try things you never imagined doing, you might surprise yourself at what you are capable of achieving!"
Vanessa Conman
Access and Outreach Manager
Vanessa manages a range of Access and Outreach programmes, focusing primarily on our work to support care experienced students and estranged students. Vanessa is responsible for ensuring programmes achieve our objectives, directing programme activity and carrying out evaluation and monitoring.
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"Really challenge yourself and try to push yourself out of your comfort zone. I decided to move 300 miles away to go to the University of Exeter, which was one of the things that helped me gain independence and confidence."
Richard Hall
Access and Outreach Recruitment Manager
Richard manages a range of activities to widen access and increase diversity at the University of York, focusing primarily on increasing applications from target schools across the country and working with teachers and school staff. Richard is responsible for developing new partnerships, ensuring partnerships achieve our objectives and carrying out evaluation and monitoring.
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"At University, I found it really useful to think about what makes me happy, even if that means changing plans. I learnt to listen and trust myself - that’s all that really matters. Now I help students to do the same and get the right support, information and opportunities through their school or college"
Beth Williams
Access and Outreach Project Coordinator
Beth supports the successful operation of the Access and Outreach team. She supports programme development, systems enhancements, process improvement and data collection to ensure effective and impactful programme delivery.
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"Don’t be scared to use all the resources on offer. As a neurodivergent student who had no help in my earlier studies, getting to university was a challenge for me. Realising all the support that was out there was a revelation; university can offer so much more flexibility and freedom to work out what’s best for you to make the most of your studies."
Andrew Hunter
Access and Outreach Manager
Andrew manages a range of Access and Outreach programmes, focusing primarily on national student-led programmes and national collaborations. Andrew is responsible for ensuring programmes achieve our objectives, directing programme activity and carrying out evaluation and monitoring.
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"When deciding which university is right for you, make sure you pick the right university for the right reasons. Don’t choose somewhere just because your friends are going. You should visit the university where possible and listen to your gut! Can you imagine yourself studying and living there for 3 plus years? If so, then it probably is the right place for you."
Sonia Hunjan
Access and Outreach Community Outreach Officer
Sonia works with children and families from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller backgrounds in the community. Working with York Travellers Trust is a valued partnership and supporting our wider commitment to our city and all our communities.
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"Try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Achieving academically is only one part of your life. Growing your support network, embracing new opportunities, and pursuing your other interests are all important too. If you can find enjoyment in, and beyond, learning then you can consider your time at university a huge success!"
Jen Addicott
Access and Outreach Manager
Jen manages a range of Access and Outreach programmes, focusing primarily on our community access programmes and our work with the Gypsy, Roma and traveller communities. Jen is responsible for ensuring programmes achieve our objectives, directing programme activity, working closely with stakeholders and carrying out evaluation and monitoring.
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"Try not to compare yourself to others, or feel that you must take a linear route to university if that is not right for you. This is your educational journey, no one else’s and so it needs to work for you. There are so many options out there for you to explore!"
Carrie Megaw
Access and Outreach Manager
Carrie manages a range of Access and Outreach programmes, focusing primarily on national post-16 activity and our work with primary schools. Carrie is responsible for ensuring programmes achieve our objectives, directing programme activity and carrying out evaluation and monitoring.
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"It is important to strike a good balance when studying for your exams, at university and beyond. Your health and wellbeing is paramount. Where possible, have study breaks, step outside and go for a walk or take time away from your screen. I also found that by joining clubs, it was a great way to meet other people and learn something new!"
Hollie Metcalf
Access and Outreach Campaigns Officer
Hollie supports marketing and digital content development for Access and Outreach programmes, with a particular focus on student-led content, helping to raise awareness and increase the reach of our work.
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"As a commuter student I made the most of the free time I had in between lectures to socialise with friends and use the study spaces on campus, this gave me a well-rounded university experience despite not living there!"
Laura Whitelock
Access and Outreach Officer
Laura supports a range of Access and Outreach programmes across post-16 and pre-16 activity. Laura works across the country, with specific responsibility for developing school governor networks. Laura is responsible for the delivery of effective programmes and supports evaluation and monitoring.
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"University can offer you ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunities. I had the chance to conduct my orchestra, sleep in Durham Cathedral and even do academic research on Beyoncé! Follow your passions and don’t be afraid to get stuck in."
Alex Tucker
Access and Outreach Graduate Coordinator
Alex works across a range of our programmes, projects and activities. As a Graduate Coordinator, Alex focuses on delivering a range of impactful sessions for the students we work with. As a recent graduate, Alex is able to bring relevant student experiences, knowledge and understanding to all our work.
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"Don’t feel like you’ve missed the boat if you don’t join a specific society or sports club in first year - there are plenty more opportunities to join things as you go through university. ‘Give it a Go’ sessions can be a great way to try something out without committing, but societies will welcome newcomers with open arms at any point throughout the year. I started a sport I knew nothing about in 2nd year (I’d never set foot in a gym before and had no idea what powerlifting even was, but was tempted by the prospect of a free t-shirt!), then went on to compete at Roses and it’s now my favourite sport - anything is possible!"
Asha Lunniss
Access and Outreach Graduate Coordinator
Asha works across a range of our programmes, projects and activities. As a Graduate Coordinator, Asha focuses on delivering a range of impactful sessions for the students we work with. As a recent graduate, Asha is able to bring relevant student experiences, knowledge and understanding to all our work.
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"The first few weeks of university are super exciting but can feel really overwhelming - don't feel pressure to be completely settled as this takes time. Get involved in as much as possible but also remember it doesn't need to be straight away. Some of my most memorable moments came from the societies and opportunities I got involved with in my second and third year at university!"
Soul Ferguson
Access and Outreach Officer
Soul supports a range of post 16 programmes for students all across the country to support their aspirations to attend higher education. Soul supports our student teams to create student led programmes. Soul is responsible for the delivery of effective programmes and supports evaluation and monitoring.
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"Meet as many people as you can! University is a wonderful melting pot of people from all over the world. I met my best friends at university and learnt so many things about different cultures which has made me a more well rounded and open minded person!"
Jodie Price
Access and Outreach Graduate Coordinator
Jodie works across a range of our programmes, projects and activities. As a Graduate Coordinator, Jodie focuses on delivering a range of impactful sessions for the students we work with. As a recent graduate, Jodie is able to bring relevant student experiences, knowledge and understanding to all our work.
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"Before I started university, I used to look at university students and think ‘I could never be like that’. Heck, if Jodie from 2020 saw me today, I think she’d think that same thing! It’s easy to let that imposter syndrome kick in when you look at people in isolation of all the messy parts of life. The truth is, that person you compare yourself to has developed over a long period of time. Students don’t wake up on the first day of university and have everything figured out. My biggest tip would be to enjoy the process and let things happen naturally over time. University is a crazy but incredible experience - try to enjoy the madness of it!"
Contact us
If you wish to contact a member of staff, please get in touch at the email below.