Nicola joined the University in June 2019, having worked in the fields of training and development and consultancy for over twenty years. Previously a Director of Icarus Collective Ltd, Nicola managed and contributed to a wide range of UK-based consultancy projects, specialising in impact measurement, stakeholder engagement and partnership working. Her clients included government bodies, national charities, local authorities, research foundations and national think-tanks.  As a Director of Icarus, Nicola was involved in all aspects of small business management, from strategic planning through to financial monitoring, marketing and client liaison.   

Nicola has always combined her consultancy work with academic study. She gained an MA in Human Resource Mangement in 2002 and then pursued professional training as a Chartered Psychologist. She is now nearing completion of a Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology at Staffordshire University.  Her professional practice, over recent years, has been wide-ranging.  She was fortunate to work on placement at Wythenshawe Hospital for two years, where she contributed to patient involvement and the implementation of interventions that promote psychological adjustment and behaviour change.  In addition, she has used Behavioural Science insights to design and deliver communication skills workshops and personal resilience training within the financial services, retail, health and education sectors.

Nicola’s research studies have utilised qualitative and quantitative methodologies to investigate chronic condition management within organisational contexts. She has also explored the role of peer support as an enabler of behaviour change.   Going forward, Nicola is interested in undertaking further research in the areas of ageing and health and wellbeing in the workplace. 

Nicola is using her skills and experience to support cross-School activities relating to developing students’ professional and academic skills at PG and UG levels. She is also contributing to external engagement, providing support to the Degree Apprenticeship programmes and building up the School’s consultancy profile.