Prof Andrea Russell

Professor Andrea Russell (Deputy Head of Chemistry)

"I moved to the University of Southampton in 1997 and became a Senior Lecturer in 2001. Two years later, I was supported and encouraged to apply for the post of Reader, both by senior colleagues in the department and by the University through an initiative aimed at women at the Senior Lecturer/Reader transition, which consisted of the formation of Action Learning Sets. These were professionally facilitated networks of approximately ten women from across the University who helped each other to overcome any real or perceived barriers to promotion; I still consult these colleagues in matters of career development today.

In 2004, I was given the opportunity to take part in the University's Senior Management Development Programme to develop my leadership skills and learn more about how the University is run. This allowed me to get to know colleagues from across the University Departments and Professional Services and has provided lasting benefits to my career, especially in my current role as Deputy Head of Chemistry (Education).

In 2006, I was encouraged to apply for promotion to Professor and was supported throughout the process by the department and was successfully promoted in the spring of 2007. At the same time, I took part in another peer-support group set up by the University to support senior women. I am very fortunate to work in such a supportive environment at Southampton. In turn, I endeavour to continue the good work by mentoring junior colleagues and take part in the Women into Leadership programme for senior female staff."