Admissions Conference 2021

Following an extensive career in UK universities, Sally joined Cardiff University in October 2016 as Head of Admissions, having previously been the Head of Admissions, Student Records, and Immigration Compliance at the University of Exeter (2014 to 2016).

Sally originally joined the University of Exeter’s International Office in 1999, working with external agents to enhance the university’s overseas recruitment, before continuing to a career in administration and admissions at the University of Exeter, and the Faculty of Art, Design, and Architecture at Kingston University. In January 2013, alongside her role as International Admissions Manager, Sally took on responsibility for immigration compliance, setting up a new unit to ensure the university was able to follow and meet all challenges that HE providers face in ensuring UKVI compliance. In November 2014, Sally took on the role of Head of Admissions, Student Records, and Immigration Compliance, taking responsibility for the university’s admissions practices, alongside HESA and UKVI reporting.

Since joining Cardiff University, Sally has been a lead on a project on admissions and recruitment, focusing on applicant-centred services and clear, fair, and transparent admissions. This project has concluded in Sally leading the creation of an enhanced admissions team, responsible for viewing and making decisions on the majority of applications for taught programmes at the university (using agreed entry criteria), and establishing a data team to look at entry to the university, with a current focus on contextual admissions.

Alongside her work at Cardiff University, Sally has also worked with UCAS to support and promote guidance and best practice in relation to applicants applying with criminal convictions. This work has led to Cardiff University being invited to work with Unlock (a charity supporting those with convictions) on a pilot project, supporting the implementation of good practice on this aspect of admissions.