Meet the team
Dewi Knight, Director
As the first Director of PolicyWISE, I worked with colleagues to set-up and establish PolicyWISE’s unique mission and operation. I lead the team and our work across the UK and Ireland.
My background is education policy and strategy, having worked in government, universities, and international relations.
Prior to leading PolicyWISE, I was the Welsh Government’s specialist adviser for education reform where I authored the national education strategy and brand 'Our National Mission'. This was recognised by the OECD as a leading international example of successful system change.
I worked on UK–China education policy relations for the British Council and was Director of Policy and member of the Executive Board at the University of Bedfordshire. I am a board member at Seren Books and a Leadership Mentor for UKRI’s Future Leaders Fellows Network.
My research interests include inter-governmental relations, curriculum reform, higher education policy and funding, comparative policy analysis and education history.
Carla Williams, Senior Business Manager
In my role as the Senior Business Manager, I am responsible for overseeing operational management including finance, our ways of working and governance. In addition, I lead on corporate relationship management, raising awareness of PolicyWISE, and developing and maintaining our networks.
Before stepping into this role, I led on strategic projects for the Partnership, Skills and Development team at The Open University in Wales. Prior to my work in higher education, my background is in leading successful relationship management and business development teams within the technology sector. I am excited to be playing a part in the PolicyWISE journey, as we explore innovative ways to help solve policy challenges across the UK and Ireland.
Catherine May, Senior External Affairs and Communications Manager
As the Senior External Affairs and Communications Manager, I am responsible for building and maintaining our relationships with governments, partners, and wider society. As well as managing our communications functions, I lead on the development and delivery of strategic plans for external affairs for PolicyWISE, aligning these activities with the work of The Open University and our partners.
I have previously led research and communications projects in the housing and equalities sector, working across justice, health, and human rights in UK-wide and devolved nations. I am enjoying being part of the PolicyWISE team, meeting committed and inspiring people from across the nations, as well as seeking opportunities for research and evidence to help solve policy challenges across the UK and Ireland.
I have an MA (Econ) in Social Policy and Social Development from the University of Manchester
Catherine Miller, Support Officer (currently on maternity leave)
I am the Support Officer for PolicyWISE. My responsibilities include day-to-day administration, diary management and supporting different projects throughout the team including finance, marketing and research.
I have a background in higher education at the University of Plymouth, where I both worked and studied for almost a decade, as well as the charity sector, working for both international and national charities. I covered a variety of roles within these organisations, such as events, outreach, student recruitment and careers. It is so exciting to be part of the PolicyWISE team, seeing the project grow and develop, and looking at how we can support policy change throughout the UK and Ireland.
Dr. Eira Jepson, Research Associate
My role as Research Associate is to manage PolicyWISE’s core comparative policy research offer, as well as provide research support to the wider team and stakeholders. I am looking forward to helping to shape PolicyWISE’s research activities going forward, and to working with colleagues across the OU to maximise four nations policy engagement.
Prior to joining PolicyWISE I undertook my PhD at Cardiff University’s School of Modern Languages, evaluating the use of language promotion initiatives to address the fall in language learners in schools in Wales. I also hold a MSc in Social Science Research Methods (Public Policy), and a BA in French and Spanish. I have previously worked in policy and communications roles in the third, public and private sector in Wales and beyond. I have a wider interest in equality and global issues, and am a Trustee of the Welsh Centre for International Affairs.
Lee Moore, Support Officer
I am the Support Officer for PolicyWISE. My responsibilities include day-to-day administration, diary management, travel arrangements, putting our Newsletter, The Bridge together and supporting different projects throughout the team including finance, marketing, and research.
I am currently studying Law with the OU. Working within PolicyWISE has given me a curiosity about issues that affect all our nations, and I am really enjoying learning about policy and comparative research. PolicyWISE is a unique environment to work in bringing together academics and policymakers and I am really enjoying seeing this project grow and develop as we support policy change throughout the UK and Ireland.
Molly Butterworth, Communications Support Assistant
As the Communications Assistant, I am responsible for creating digital content and maintaining PolicyWISE social media platforms and supporting the team with any design work from reports and Wise in 5 briefing to email graphics and presentation slides.
Lucy Adams: PolicyWISE Intern
As PolicyWISE intern, I support the upkeep of Wise in 5 policy briefings, assist at training events and collaborative meetings, contribute to communications and engagement activities, and undertake my own research projects. I’m really enjoying engaging with policy makers and academics and learning about how cross-nation working can influence progress in the development of public policy.
I recently completed an MSc in (international) Development Management at the LSE, where I undertook research on best practice sanitation strategies across African contexts, and agricultural R&D networks in Kenya. I also have an interest in socially inclusive environmental policy, and have a BSc in Environment, Economics and Ecology from The University of York.
