Meet the AWRC Leadership Team
Welcome to our new blog series that will introduce you to the academic and professional services teams working across the AWRC. Over the next few weeks, you will meet our strategic pillar, research theme and programme leads, but what better way to kick off than with a chat with our Leadership Team.
The AWRC Leadership Team is comprised of Prof. Rob Copeland, Director, Jason Brannan, Deputy Director and Clare Boot, Strategic Portfolio Manager. Let’s jump straight in!
So first of all, tell us a bit about your role at the AWRC
Rob Copeland: I am responsible for creating the culture at the AWRC and providing the centres strategic direction. This involves developing business plans, reviewing progress towards our vision and mission and horizon scanning to identify future opportunities. I also lead and support others with programmes of research in physical activity.
I spend lots of my time presenting the vision, mission and work of the AWRC to local, national and international audiences and do lots of pointing, hand-waving and nodding in meetings. I am supported by a brilliant team of professional services staff and researchers from across the University.
Jason Brannan: My role is focussed around the creation and implementation of strategy for the AWRC. As well as this I Chair the R&D for Business Pillar and deliver the strategic implementation for this area of the AWRC. The relationship with business in this area is important, as it allows us to apply the research we do to real world solutions that can positively influence the health and wellbeing of the nation.
External relationship building across the Advanced Wellbeing and related sectors is also an important part of my role, including the areas of regional government, industry, academia, clinical delivery and wider sector bodies. This is done on a leadership level and includes a focus on AWRC as well as the wider institution.
Clare Boot: I provide leadership and direction across the AWRC portfolio, taking responsibility for the development and delivery of the organisational management that incorporates research, innovation, education, and health services. As a member of the AWRC leadership team, I lead strategy and oversee the implementation of resources across the AWRC portfolio including being responsible for a high performing building and infrastructure function. I work closely with leaders internally across the University, externally across the health sector and within business and industry. Basically put, I have sight of all the jigsaw pieces and make sure they are all aligned so we can complete the picture.
And what do you enjoy most about working at the AWRC?
Rob Copeland: Collaboration is at the heart of the AWRC and therefore working with so many fantastic people, from a range of backgrounds and skills is what I enjoy most about the AWRC. From porters to professors, receptionists to researchers, clinicians to external collaborators, the AWRC works because of the commitment of the people within it to making it the best it can be. Sounds cheesy I know, but I think the people that work at or with the AWRC genuinely care about what we are trying to do and importantly know that the role they play makes a difference.
Jason Brannan: The most succinct way to describe this would be ‘purpose’. What gets us out of bed in the morning, is the ability to make a difference to the society around us and beyond, as well that of generations to come. The team at the AWRC stand alongside this, it is simply full of good folk that understand what we’re trying to achieve.
Clare Boot: The AWRC vision excites me, the people inspire me and the environment and culture that is being built makes me proud to be a part of the team. I truly believe that the centre will achieve its vision to transform lives!
And finally, what do you enjoy doing when you’re not at the AWRC?
Rob Copeland: I love riding my bike and can most often be found in the peak district on two wheels. I’ve also recently started rock climbing and it’s been great to learn a new skill and be presented with a new challenge.
Jason Brannan: Coaching my U16 football team gives me nearly as much fulfilment as my role at the AWRC. Alongside that running down and (mostly) walking up mountains is currently taking up a lot of my spare time.
Clare Boot: Outside of work I love to be active whether that be walking in the fresh air with my family and dogs or going to the gym. I am a rugby union player, who played at county level on many occasions and North of England (once, but it’s worth the mention!).
Thanks for your time, Rob, Jason and Clare!
Find out more about the AWRC at our website www.shu.ac.uk/awrc or follow us on Twitter @SHU_AWRC