Here are some examples of my work:
Impact case studies
University of Sheffield
Context
University research in the UK is publicly funded, so universities have to show that the money is being well spent. Sheffield needed several clusters of case studies for different funders that demonstrated the real-world impact of diverse research projects, including in healthcare, environmental sciences, statistics, and engineering. As many of the projects were collaborative, they had to highlight the business partnership too.
Challenge
Distill the essence of the research from the complex scientific information. Academic research contains a lot of detail and many threads, often with the involvement of many partners from different disciplines. I had to understand the whole, so I could communicate the value (in 400 words).
Process
After gathering as much background information as possible, I interviewed the project leader for each case study. I guided our conversation to help them reveal why their research mattered. They then were able to review several drafts in an iterative process to ensure accuracy.
Outcome
Through this collaborative process I developed a summary that satisfied both academic precision and marketing brevity, and spoke in the authoritative voice of the university. Below are just a few examples of what resulted from the work.
Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment in FE
Desq digital learning design
Context
Staff in Further Education (FE) colleges needed an accessible online course to help them navigate the complex legal requirements, processes and procedures involved in protecting young people and vulnerable adults. In 2010, I worked with digital learning design company Desq to develop this e-learning resource for their client, government body the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) (now the Education and Training Foundation).
Challenge
Make it engaging, while being accurate and comprehensive. Safeguarding is a legal requirement for FE institutions, and the training is compulsory for staff. The issues involved are complex and sensitive, so the tone had to be interesting and warm but also serious.
Process
I formed part of a small team focused on developing this resource. Through close contact with a subject matter expert and the producer at Desq, I helped design the structure of the course and turned the raw information into useful learning content.
Outcome
We delivered the final product on time to the client and it met their needs. I went on to work as the writer on other projects with Desq, including for BP and the BBC. A 2019 version of Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment is still available online. However, as it’s only available to FE staff, I can’t say how much of my content remains ;), so below is a development document with the content for one of the original modules.
More coming soon. In the meantime, see some examples of my work with briefer descriptions.