A message from David Pattwell, SEED Director of School Operations

28 Mar 2025

Continuing to learn about SEED and looking forward to meeting with many more colleagues in the weeks and months ahead

Dear all 

This is my first update to you as Director of School Operations of SEED. I officially took over from Kay Hodgson in February but due to two separate bouts of illness and some annual leave I feel March has been my first proper month in the role.

From Kay I inherited well developed and highly effective professional services teams supporting the school across teaching, learning, research, social responsibility and our equality and diversity priorities. I have been meeting with each of these individual teams as I get to know them and the work they undertake. I have been struck by the warmth, friendliness but absolute determination to deliver an excellent service to all our students and staff.

Equally I have been meeting with our key academic leaders across the School as I get to know the full breadth and depth of the academic endeavours in SEED. What we do in SEED is truly impressive from inspiring the future teachers of tomorrow, to interdisciplinary research, and the School’s impact on a national and international stage is a testament to the staff past and present.

I look forward to continuing my learning through SEED and hope to meet many more colleagues in the coming weeks and months ahead.

I do have two important matters to highlight this month. The first is to encourage you to complete the Your Voice Matters staff survey before 22 April.  It’ll only take you 5-10 minutes to complete and is an important way for you to help shape our Manchester 2035 strategy. The survey runs until 22 April There’s a twice weekly prize draw of £100 vouchers too– so the sooner you take part the more chances you have of winning.

Speaking of Manchester 2035, phase 2 has launched. Named ‘Making the Leap’,  this includes a pop-up Ideas Lab exhibition in the Nancy Rothwell Building running from 1-11 April, 10am – 4pm daily Team visits are encouraged, or you can visit as an individual. Be sure to take a look at the ideas forming following Phase 1 consultations.

Thank you for the warm welcome I have received from everyone I have met so far. In someways I already feel part of the School but I know there is so much for me to learn and understand and that is exciting. If you wish to speak to me about anything, please do drop me an email or message me on Teams.

With best wishes 

David 

Director of School Operations  

School of Environment, Education and Development