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.  

Nicola has always combined her consultancy work with academic study. She has an MA in Human Resource Mangement and an MSc in Health Psychology. She completed her Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology with Staffordshire University in 2019 and was awarded Chartered Psychologist status in January 2020.    Her professional practice, over recent years, has been wide-ranging. She worked on placement at Wythenshawe Hospital for two years, where she contributed to patient involvement and behaviour change interventions.  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 the School’s consultancy profile.