Helen Ticktin-Smith

I started working at the University in 2015 and have held roles in MAH, SBS and R&E.  I’m currently a Senior Research Project Officer in MPS and bring experience of both student-facing and ‘backroom’ roles in a wide variety of office environments and dynamics.  I also have a strong appreciation of the network of colleagues who have helped me to learn and settle here. 

It is so important to our well-being to feel comfortable and included at work and to enjoy the respect and support of colleagues – it would be nice if we could all take that for granted, but it isn’t always the case.  The Dignity & Respect Champions are available to any staff member who, for whatever reason, doesn’t feel as good about their place in the University as we’d all like and expect to.

If that’s the way you are feeling at work right now, I’m here to listen to you and talk through your next steps with you.  Our conversation will be confidential and give you space to say what’s on your mind and think about how it is affecting you and what your options might be.  

David Newman

My role as Tenancy Enforcement Manager requires looking after all the students who reside in university-managed accommodation both on and off-campus. Investigating incidents where students have reported problems and we try to resolve them as swiftly as we can at housing services.

For 14 years I tackled hate crime and antisocial behaviour as a police officer in Sussex Police working with both victims and offenders supporting, and being empathetic to individuals’ needs.

I have been involved with the university for many years as my wife worked and my children grew up at the creche and nursery, they are now off to university themselves!.

Lenka Hrnova

I beieve that we all have a responsibility towards those around us, be it colleagues, family, friends, or strangers. Everything we say or do affects others, and we can choose to show respect, consideration, and appreciation through our everyday actions.

As a Dignity and Respect Champion, I will ensure that those who find themselves in challenging circumstances feel understood and know of their options. It takes courage to speak up, but at the same time, it is the first step towards a resolution.

My background is in English, history, pedagogy, and psychology. I will use my knowledge and commitment to make a difference, support others, and contribute to a kind, inclusive, and safe work environment.

Kristiane Kronsbein

I consider respect for others and for oneself one of the most important human values. I want to help the university to embed respect, pwerfully, within its organisational principles.

In my role as Dignity and Respect Champion, I aim to give people an opportunity to discuss their experiences, be listened to and seek support when needed. To me, it’s really important that everybody is empowered to identify and challenge problematic behaviours in the workplace, and take the appropriate steps to understand and resolve the issues that they encounter.

I hold an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology and have worked with people from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds. I believe that I have both the skills and experiences needed to be of real benefit to colleagues across the university.

Paula Burr

As a member of technical staff at the University for the past 30 years and a Trade Union rep for 26 years, I have had plenty of opportunity to consider the dynamics of working relationships and the far reaching impact on peoples lives as well as the organisation.

As well as assisting others I have appreciated being supported by friends and colleagues in some of the challenging situations which have occurred over the years.

Outside the day job I have undergone training in counselling, been a volunteer mentor for people leaving prison, and continue to work with young people and children’s groups. A key driver in this is safeguarding the well being of others so that they can realise their full potential as human beings in community.

Charlotte Littlejones

I believe we all have a basic expectation be treated fairly - and with dignity and respect. We are all different and, in striving to achieve fairness, we need to ensure we listen to and understand each other.

It is our differences which enable our campus to be a strong, vibrant and successful place to work and study. I am committed to supporting a culture of inclusivity and respect towards each other – which is not compromised by the daily demands of our lives.

My career background is in journalism, communications, change and project management (managing large and diverse teams), and mentoring, I will use my experience to listen, advise, support and signpost people to get the help they need in a constructive way.

Lynne Allen

I applied for a Dignity Champion position because I believe passionately that being treated with dignity is a basic human right, not an optional extra.

Each of us has a responsibility to call out disrespectful and negative behaviours, whether they are happening to ourselves or others, but it can be difficult to find your voice – especially if you are feeling vulnerable.

In this role I will provide advice, and a confidential, non-judgemental ear, to help staff feel listened to and be active participants in the resolution of the issues they are experiencing.

Additionally to this role, I currently Chair our Divisional EDI Working Group, and have experience of volunteering with vulnerable people outside of work.