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Jill Pye

(She/Her)

Head of Research Excellence

Research and Innovation Office

  • Head of Research Excellence
    Research and Innovation Office

BIOGRAPHY

Jill Pye is Head of Research Excellence within the Research and Innovation Office. She plays a key role in supporting the effective planning, coordination and delivery of research-related activity across the institution, with a particular focus on systems, data quality and operational best practice.

 

Jill leads a specialist team responsible for workload planning, research data management, research information systems, and the coordination of major institutional exercises including the Research Excellence Framework (REF). She works closely with academic colleagues and professional services teams to support research development, monitor performance, and ensure compliance with external and internal requirements.

 

Jill is known for her collaborative and inclusive approach, and for turning complex information into clear, practical insight that supports informed decision-making. With experience spanning research development, REF support and institutional project delivery, Jill brings a strong understanding of the research environment and a commitment to enabling academic staff through effective processes, guidance and support.

UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER APPOINTMENTS

  • Head of Research Excellence
    University of Chester, United Kingdom1 Jun 2024
  • REF and KEF Manager
    University of Chester, United Kingdom1 Sep 2021 - 31 May 2024
  • Research Grant and REF Development Writer
    University of Chester, United Kingdom5 May 2020 - 31 Aug 2021
  • REF Data Officer
    University of Chester, United Kingdom24 Sep 2018 - 4 May 2020

DEGREES

  • Masters (Ongoing), Educational Leadership
    University of Chester, United Kingdom
  • PGCE, Primary Education (Early Years)
    University of Chester, Chester, United Kingdom
  • BSc, Human Communication Sciences
    University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom

CERTIFICATIONS

  • Qualified Teacher Status
    Teaching Regulatory Agency
  • PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certification Training
    The Knowledge Academy
  • Project Fundamentals
    Association for Project Management
  • SciVal Certification Program
    Elsevier
  • Scopus Certification Program
    Elsevier
  • Managing Safely
    Institution of Occupational Safety and Health
  • Mental Health Awareness
    Mental Health First Aid England
  • Aurora Women's Leadership Development Programme
    Advance HE
  • Work and Personal Development Training Programme for Women
    The Springboard Consultancy (United Kingdom), Kettering, United Kingdom
  • European Computer Driving Licence
    University of Chester, Chester, United Kingdom

RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE INSTITUTE

  • Culture and Society Research and Knowledge Exchange Institute
  • Health and Wellbeing Research and Knowledge Exchange Institute
  • Sustainability and Environment Research and Knowledge Exchange Institute

RESEARCH & INNOVATION ROLES

  • Research Management Group Member
  • Research & Knowledge Exchange Committee Member