Overview

I worked as a planning policy officer from 1998-2012 during which time I undertook an MA in Town & Country Planning by distance learning. From 2006-2009 I was the senior planning policy officer for Penwith District Council, based in Penzance. I worked on all aspects of policy development for the area, including housing, transport, energy and the environment. I also developed the Council’s Statement of Community Involvement which set out how the Council would engage with local communities over planning issues.

In 2009 with the emergence of Cornwall Council, I transferred to Truro and became a principal policy officer for the whole of Cornwall. I worked on the Local Development Framework, which set out where development would take place and at what scale within the county.

In 2013 I came to work at Penryn campus for 12 months as the travel plan coordinator. During that time I had responsibility for tendering the Universities bus contract as the previous contract with First was due to expire. I also worked on other schemes promoting sustainable travel for the campus, including electric vehicle charge points and a fleet of electric vehicles for the Estates team. I was shortlisted in the Best Newcomer category for the Green Gown Awards in 2013.

In my spare time I set up and managed the Helston & Lizard foodbank in conjunction with the Mustard Seed charity in Helston.

Broad research specialisms:

My particular interests are in all aspects of social policy – affordable housing, social inclusion, fuel poverty, health and crime. I am interested in community engagement and working out how the ‘big pictures’ affect smaller communities.

My current research looks at the policies and regulations governing electricity markets in the UK and seeks to unpick what needs to change to enable the development of a local energy market.

Qualifications

MA Town & Country Planning, BA (Hons) Humanities