Meet the Women in Professional Services Network Officials

The following members have taken on key roles within the network:

Cath Dishman, Network Co-Chair

Cath is an Open Research Librarian (Scholarly Communications) with The Library.


I have worked at LJMU for over 25 years in the library service doing a variety of different roles and for a number of years was the Women’s (and latterly Equalities) Officer for the LJMU branch of UNISON. I wanted to bring my experience of working in professional service and my union work to the role of co-chair.

I got involved in the network because I feel like it is important for women in professional services to have a voice. We make up a large proportion of the workforce and so collectively have strong bargaining power, and our achievements should be celebrated.

I also want to continue the work the network is doing jointly with the Women Academics Network, including joint events and initiatives and provide opportunities for women in professional services to support and uplift each other.

Holly Keenan-Fallace, Network Co-Chair

Holly is a Multi-Media Technician and Production Lab Manager with The School of Art and Creative Industries.


Before I joined the Women in Professional Services Network, I was the Co-Chair for the LGBTQIA+ Staff Network - a role I really enjoyed. I took a step away from this to focus on starting and running staff women’s football sessions.

Once that got off the ground, I saw an advertisement for becoming a co-chair of the WIPS Network. I was so happy to become a part of the network, and the brilliant work done before I joined had set the foundations for one of the most active and organised staff networks.

I am really enjoying my role, I have met so many new people and have taken part in events around the university. I am proud to work alongside these brilliant women.

Nia Prys-Williams, Network Co-Chair

Nia is Head of Environmental Sustainability and Energy Services with Estates Development.


I am passionate about meeting new people which I often find educational, inspiring, and joyful. That motivation led me to get involved with the Women in Professional Services Network, where I wanted to connect with and learn from women across LJMU.

Since becoming a WIPS co-chair in 2024, I have relished the role and gained a deeper understanding of both the university and the remarkable women who work here. I am incredibly proud of the engaging meetings and events the network has delivered so far, and we are excited about the many ideas still to come.

If you haven’t yet joined us, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to get involved, you have nothing to lose, and potentially so much to gain.

 

Ella Lynch, Network Co-Ordinator

Ella is a Communications Office with Corporate Communications and Stakeholder Relations.


I’ve had the pleasure of being a member of the network since joining LJMU in 2022 and I’ve benefited first-hand from the many events, initiatives and development opportunities promoted through the group.

I was delighted to be invited to apply for a role as a network official and I am keen to inspire and support others. Particularly those who, like me, wouldn’t necessarily define themselves as ambitious or confident – to be empowered and to see themselves through a different lens thanks to the variety of development activities they could be encouraged to undertake through support and initiatives championed through the network.

Network officials’ roles and responsibilities

All network officials will be expected to:

  • positively represent the network
  • support the network and members who have taken on additional key roles as network officials (inclusive of note-taking responsibilities during meetings, where necessary)
  • help champion network and LJMU Diversity and Inclusion priorities

Co-chairs

The chairperson(s)/co-chairs, have a strategic role to play in representing the vision and purpose of the network. The chairperson(s)/co-chairs ensure that the network functions properly, that there is full participation at meetings, all relevant matters are discussed and that effective decisions are made and carried out.

Co-ordinators

Work with the chairperson(s)/co-chairs to organise and coordinate events for the network, supporting the arrangement of logistics and hosting of events.

In conjunction with other committee members, they look for networking or engagement events and opportunities within LJMU and the local community. Co-ordinators work with other network officials to create and disseminate information about the events and opportunities with the network and support the design of related LJMU Staff Network webpages by providing relevant content.

They also positively represent the network by championing network and university-wide Diversity and Inclusion priorities by leading on projects/initiatives.

Diversity and inclusion support

The Diversity and Inclusion team provides relevant information on equality, diversity and inclusion related issues and data which relate to network activities and initiatives.

  • Moni Akinsanya (Associate Director - Diversity and Inclusion)
  • Phil Bakstad (Diversity and Inclusion Manager)
  • Helen Cooper (Diversity and Inclusion Advisor)