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Originally a Science graduate with a degree in Geology, Debbie Saunders’ qualifications also comprise a Postgraduate Diploma in Housing, and an MBA.   Not content with those terrific achievements under her belt, she’s about to complete the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development’s professional qualification, proving that her work ethic is second-to-none.

Starting out in the Housing Department of City and County of Swansea, Debbie worked in a number of customer facing roles, where she honed her skills in providing advice and assistance to those who needed it. 

Working her way through the ranks, Debbie then took a job in Swansea University as the Assistant Accommodation Officer – a job which found her providing private housing advice, and leading the expansion of the University’s managed property portfolio. Her skills later made her an easy choice for the role of Assistant Head of Residential Services, where was responsible for strategic, financial and policy development, as well as project management.

Initially brought into the Department of Research and Innovation to work on the University’s skills brochure, Debbie moved into Pre-Award earlier this year to support CHIRAL in the School of Medicine, the School of Arts and Humanities, and the School of Human Sciences in their bids for research and consultancy funding.
Debbie explains her role further…

“As an External Funding Officer I provide support, advice and guidance to researchers preparing funding applications, from their conception, through the application stages to the point of award and beyond.

“In addition I support researchers to manage, develop and diversify their research activity and to ensure any Intellectual Property management considerations are adequately and appropriately managed/ handled.  In particular I:

• Identify relevant funding opportunities for individuals, Schools and interdisciplinary research
• Advise on the preparation of applications for research funding
• Ensure projects are properly costed and priced
• Coordinate the approval and signing of project applications
• Lead on contract negotiation and acceptance
• Provide guidance and advice to Principal Investigators and Schools on project planning.
• Ensure projects conform to Ethics and Research Governance criteria and alert Pi’s and Schools to potential issues at the earliest possible stage.
• Ensure funding applications comply with University, funder, and UK and EU legislation and requirements.
• Identify projects requiring risk assessment and leading PI’s through the risk assessment appraisal process.

 “My background has given me a comprehensive understanding and sensitivity of the needs and demands of working in Higher Education, together with strong commercial and customer care skills.

“In addition carrying out my own research as part of my MBA and professional studies I developed an interest in research and have been keen to link together all three areas of my background which I hope to do through this role.”

One thing is for sure, we know that Debbie works hard to get what she wants, and we’re confident that you’ll see this for yourself should you ever work with her.

If you’re from one of Debbie’s assigned schools in the University and you’d like to contact her, please call 01792 602094 or email d.e.f.saunders@swansea.ac.uk.