Professor Susan Lea
Professor Susan Lea is a consultant in strategy development and the delivery of inclusive change processes that realise intended benefits. She serves on a number of Boards in the arena of social justice and remains passionate about securing a more equitable and just society. Susan is a Non-Executive Director on the LimeCulture Board.
Susan has worked in higher education for over 30 years. A psychologist by training, Susan has held a variety of roles in a diversity of universities, including those in the Russell Group and Post-92s. Susan’s academic research focussed on issues of social justice, including sexual violence.
Most recently, Susan was Vice Chancellor of the University of Hull and led a significant successful transformation of the university’s academic performance and financial sustainability. In 2015, Susan approached LimeCulture to assist the University of Greenwich in transforming their response to cases of sexual misconduct. Susan later partnered with LimeCulture, whilst at King’s College London, in conducting an audit of ISVA roles and experiences.
Susan will be the Chair for the SVLO Conference 2023 and will be guiding attendees through the topics covered during the day.
Sarah Bevan – UUK
Sarah Bevan (she/her) is a Policy Manager at Universities UK (UUK), where she has worked for three and a half years. Sarah leads UUK’s work to support universities in tackling harassment and sexual misconduct, including responsibility for UUK’s ‘Changing the Culture’ framework and associated guidance.
Before joining UUK, Sarah worked in the UK civil service for several years, and has also volunteered for Student Minds and the Nightline Association.
At the conference, Sarah will be joining the panel on the changing sector landscape in relation to sexual violence and misconduct. She looks forward to discussing this important issue with the other panellists and conference attendees.
Marco Venturi – University of Greenwich
Dr Marco Venturi (he/him) is the Senior Student Outreach, Participation and Advice Services Manager at the University of Greenwich. He oversees the Report and Support Team, the Greenwich Cares Team and the SVLO service. He also supports the Head of Information, Advice and Participation in their work on the Access and Participation Plan.
In his previous role as Case Manager in Student Services, Marco introduced and launched Report and Support to UoG, also thanks to his experience as a Student Liaison Officer at the University of Warwick. He completed a PhD in Gender and Sexuality Studies at UCL and has experience in the EDI sector.
For the conference, Marco will be presenting on the benefits and challenges of introducing Report and Support alongside an existing SVLO service at UoG, and how to marry the two models to ensure consistent ongoing and trauma-informed support to the student population.