Michaela O'Connell
Head of Programme
Our core team deliver a menu of HE outreach activities in schools and colleges across the Liverpool City Region. Delivery typically takes place in schools and colleges but we can also arrange visits to any of our partner HE institution campuses.
In addition to our core staff, we are supported in many activities by widening participation and outreach staff from our partner universities and colleges, who help to deliver various aspects of Shaping Futures projects, alongside work on their own existing projects and programmes to support young people in accessing Higher Education.
Please see below for further information about our core team, or contact christine.canavan@liverpool.ac.uk for assistance, or talk to us here
Head of Programme
Head of Programme
I joined Shaping Futures team as Head of Programme, in October 2019. This role involves maintaining strategic oversight of the work of our team; ensuring that we are delivering high quality, impactful and value for money programmes. Another large focus of this role will be utilising our strong relationships with our partners and other local organisations, to create an Outreach Hub that supports schools in the Liverpool City Region to access opportunities to explore Higher Education.
I have worked in Widening Participation since graduating from the University of Liverpool, where I studied Anatomy and Human Biology. Previous to this role, I was the Partnerships Manager for the Widening Participation department at King’s College London. Here I was responsible for building and managing the department’s strategic partnerships with key external groups, such as IntoUniversity, Realising Opportunities and The Brilliant Club. Outside of work to better understand the structural inequalities within our education system, I undertook a part-time MA in Education, Policy and Society at King’s College London.
Contracts Manager
Contracts Manager
I joined the Shaping Futures team in November 2017 and my role, as Contracts Manager, involves supporting the effective governance of the programme, ensuring value for money and contract management of partner and grant funded activity, and overseeing the monitoring, evaluation and communication aspects of the work that the partnership undertakes across the Liverpool City Region.
Prior to this role, I had an extensive career within custodial and detention services including operational roles such as Head of Safer Custody at a prison in Liverpool and Head of Custody which entailed responsibility for the contract management of a number of police custody services across the UK. I have also provided operational input into a number of large scale bidding competitions on behalf of the organisation I worked for.
I am proud to be part of the Shaping Futures team and part of a fantastic programme which encourages learners across the Liverpool City Region to raise their aspirations in terms of Higher Education opportunities.
Outreach Manager
Outreach Manager
After studying history at university I spent a year teaching English in China. My positive experiences at university and teaching English inspired me to pursue a career within education. When I returned I was lucky enough to secure a job at the University of Liverpool’s Widening Participation team. After a couple of enjoyable years at the University of Liverpool I took up the opportunity to further my experience by taking a job at the University of Chester.
In my current role within the Shaping Futures team, as Outreach Manager, I am responsible for building and maintaining relationships with all of the schools across the Liverpool City Region. More importantly, working closely with the Higher Education Progression Advisers to develop fun & engaging curriculum of activity that will inspire and inform all of the young people that we work with.
Outreach Hub HEPA
Outreach Hub HEPA
I am the Outreach Hub Lead for Shaping Futures, supporting our Outreach Hub schools to find out about, and access outreach activity available in the Liverpool City Region. I also work with our partner institutions and other strategic partners in the region to better understand the educational landscape and work in collaboration to develop innovative activity which is locally tailored to meet the needs of our students.
Previously, I was a Higher Education Progression Adviser with the Shaping Futures team looking after 9 Liverpool schools and leading on projects such as Through the Eyes of Boys, Through the Eyes of Girls, the Shaping Futures zone at Big Bang North West and work with local NHS Trusts.
I have worked in widening participation since graduated in 2014 with a BA Hons in English, Media and Cultural Studies from Liverpool John Moores University. I joined the University of Liverpool’s Widening Participation and Outreach team as a Pre-16 Graduate Advocate, progressing to an Assistant Project Officer post with responsibility for campus visits, the Dangerous Science Summer School and print, digital and social media communications for the team, joining the Shaping Futures team in March 2017.
Higher Education Progression Adviser
Higher Education Progression Adviser
I am a Higher Education Progression Advisor for the City of Liverpool College supporting students with Higher education advice and guidance. Aside from my main role, I also lead on a number of projects including our Inspiring Future Females project working with local girls schools and partnering with Culture Liverpool. Another project I lead on is our Shaping Futures Community Engagement where we work with our partner HE providers in bringing information and inspiration across the Liverpool city region.
My experience of working with young people spans over 20yrs as I have worked as a teacher, trainer, mentor, youth and community worker. In 2013 I completed my MA (Practice as Research) at Edge Hill University, where I also completed my PCET (Post Compulsory Education and training) in 2010. My first degree was at Hope University in 2003 in Creative and performing Arts.
Understanding young people’s needs and supporting them in overcoming barriers has always been a part of the work I deliver. Through the Shaping futures projects I am able to share HE opportunities and information in an innovative and creative way that can be the catalyst in helping to shape a young person future pathway.
Higher Education Progression Adviser
Higher Education Progression Adviser
I am currently a Higher Education Progression Adviser for Shaping Futures and work within schools in Halton. I graduated from the University of Liverpool studying Psychology whilst working as a Student Advocate for the University of Liverpool’s Widening Participation team as well as founding an outreach society called EdPsych.
After graduating I was a Project Assistant for Shaping Futures in which I assisted in the delivery and development of sessions for the core school programme working with Knowsley and St Helens schools. I also assisted on the Through the Eyes of Boys programme as well as work with the NHS.
Within my current role, I hope to work with the Halton schools to develop bespoke activity plans for each school to suit their needs and to fully support their students. I will continue to work on additional projects such as Bright Sparks and Use Your Voice.
Higher Education Progression Adviser
Higher Education Progression Adviser
I joined the Shaping Futures team in October 2018 as a Higher Education Progression Adviser, which involves working with priority schools across Wirral and Liverpool, forging effective partnerships with teachers, students and parents alike to engage in a programme of activities and ‘one to one’ guidance interventions aimed at raising aspirations through Higher Education opportunities.
As a professional Careers Adviser with over twenty years’ experience of delivering quality guidance services to young people within numerous educational institutions across the wider Liverpool City region, I pride myself on my drive and commitment to raise awareness of opportunities for all and I continue to strive to promote a supportive environment that individuals seek to access time and again.
Higher Education Progression Adviser
Higher Education Progression Adviser
I work as a Higher Education Progression Adviser within the Shaping Futures Team. I work closely with colleges and priority schools in St. Helens.
After graduating with a degree in history, I worked with students studying English as a foreign language at the University of Glasgow. This was a great introduction to the Higher Education sector and inspired me to study for a TEFL qualification and teach abroad. After returning to the UK, I was able to put my teaching experience to use in a different setting, working for two years with an employability service supporting vulnerable young people into employment, further education or training. Following this position I moved to Liverpool, returning to Higher Education to study history at postgraduate level.
Now at Shaping Futures, I have the opportunity to combine a passion for Higher Education, and the benefits it can bring, with experiences working in education and guiding young people in their future choices. As a Higher Education Progression Adviser I work to build strong relationships with schools and colleges, providing tailored delivery and one-to-one guidance sessions.
Higher Education Progression Adviser
Higher Education Progression Adviser
I am a Higher Education Progression Adviser based in several schools within the Liverpool City Region. I studied a degree in Educational Psychology at Edge Hill University. Since graduating I have worked in a number of roles which have involved providing support to students, beginning as a Mentor for students with disabilities and mental health conditions. I then worked within the Student Recruitment Team at Edge Hill University as an Education Liaison Assistant for Merseyside and the Isle of Man. Following on from this I worked within the University library providing students with academic support.
I am passionate about raising attainment to higher education by sharing my own experiences on the positive impact it can have. I have a long term illness and so I am aware of the barriers that some people may face on their educational journey. That said, I am also an ambassador for breaking down these barriers and striving for success, regardless of a person’s ability or background.
As a part of the Shaping Futures team I hope to engage with and inspire the next generation whilst providing them with the information they need to make an informed choice about their future.
Higher Education Progression Adviser
Higher Education Progression Adviser
I have recently joined the Shaping Futures project as a Higher Education Progression Adviser (HEPA). I work with several schools across the Liverpool City Region to coordinate and deliver a wide range of inspiring activities to their students. I also work with Cronton and Riverside College to focus on more one to one IAG for their level three learners.
I graduated back in 2004 with a combined degree in Fine Art and Education Studies and then was successful in gaining a sponsorship to go on a complete a postgraduate in Careers, Advice and Guidance.
I have previously worked for many years as a Careers Adviser within schools and sixth forms across the Merseyside region. I aim to create further networks within education to build relationships within schools and colleges as a HEPA to provide innovative ways of sharing the many benefits of higher education with their students. I’m passionate about ensuring that young people of all backgrounds have access to the information they need to make informed decisions and are able to benefit from Shaping Futures with the aim of encouraging and inspiring them to consider HE pathways and open up exciting possibilities for their futures.
Higher Education Progression Adviser
Higher Education Progression Adviser
Project Assistant
Project Assistant
I am a recent graduate from the University of Liverpool with a degree in Sociology and Criminology, born and raised in Liverpool with a passion for learning and outreach. During this time, I spent two years as a student advocate working for both the Widening Participation team and the Shaping Futures team, supporting on the Liverpool Scholars programme, the Professor Fluffy Programme and Through the Eyes of Boys. My involvement in these programmes provided me with experience of the reality of higher education and barriers for young people today, and led to my commitment to helping young people achieve despite boundaries they may face.
I have recently joined Shaping Futures as a Project Assistant, working to support the development and delivery of projects from the team. I feel fortunate to be a part of such a crucial project, and I look forward to continuing to support as many young people as possible.
Project Assistant
Project Assistant
I am a Project Assistant for Shaping Futures and joined the team in 2019. I attended The University of Liverpool, graduating with a degree in Psychology in 2018. During my studies, I worked for The University of Liverpool as a Student Advocate from 2016-2018. I loved the programmes Shaping Futures provided, the collaborations with its partners and the young people who are supported. As a Project Assistant, I assist HEPA’s in the development and delivery of programmes. The projects we offer aim to raise aspirations and increase underrepresented young people within higher education. I have experience working in schools, colleges, universities and with the wider community and am passionate about contributing to positive social change through encouraging awareness of higher education.
Project Assistant
Project Assistant
I joined the Shaping Futures team as a Project Assistant in September 2019. Prior to this I worked as a Teaching Assistant in London and then moved to Liverpool to train as a Secondary PE Teacher at Edge Hill University. During my PGCE year I worked at Rainhill High School and North Liverpool Academy, before working at The Prescot School the following year as a teacher of PE, Maths and Science.
My desire to teach always stemmed from a passion to work with young people and help aid their development into adulthood, so I was delighted to have the opportunity to do so at Shaping Futures by improving awareness and promoting the benefits of Higher Education. My role as a Project Assistant includes the delivery and development of our programmes and projects as well as to assist HEPA’s in any way possible to achieve the overall goals of Shaping Futures.
Contract and Communications Officer
Contract and Communications Officer
I joined Shaping Futures in April 2018 as a Project Support Officer. I supported the collection, inputting and reporting data from the events carried out by my delivery colleagues to ensure that the Office for Students have monitoring data. I am currently the Contracts and Communications Officer and this involves liaising with the HE partners and delivery partners to support Yvonne as Contracts Manager. In addition to this I manage and co-ordinate the Shaping Futures communications, including social media posts and updating the website.
My work background is secondary school based where I developed my skills within education for 13 years. I began my school working life as a lunchtime assistant, worked towards becoming a classroom support assistant and finally a Pastoral Head of Year for Sixth Form, in the meantime completing a BA in Learning, Development and Support with LJMU. I have always actively encouraged all pupils within my cohort to be the best version of themselves. I have enjoyed seeing pupils develop grow, both academically and emotionally and take great pride, in any role I have taken, to ensure future success for those pupils. Being involved with the Shaping Futures teams, ensures that I continue to be part of the successful future of the young people of the Liverpool City Region.
Evaluation and Partnerships Officer
Evaluation and Partnerships Officer
I joined the Shaping Futures team as Evaluation and Partnerships Officer in January 2020. This means that I work with the team and the partners to make sure that the programme is effective and we are providing activities that are useful and fit the aims of the programme.
I previously worked with the Career Development Service and Student Success Team at the University of Leicester to evaluate the effectiveness of careers and student retention activities. Prior to that, I worked as an analyst, reporting on student engagement and satisfaction with careers activities.
I am passionate about Higher Education and ensuring that everyone has the same opportunities to succeed and am looking forward to seeing how Shaping Futures allows young people to find the best path for them.
Project Support Officer
Project Support Officer
I joined the Shaping Futures team in December 2019 as a Project Support Officer. My key duties involve assisting with administrative tasks for all aspects of the programme, including collation, input and reporting of data retrieved from delivery staff and partners to ensure that there is a clear indication of what has been achieved by the programme.
I graduated from Birmingham City University with a Social Work BSc (hons), which led to various health and social care roles. I later made the decision to enrol into further educational development, completing a Business Administration NVQ and Text Processing Diploma – which led to my first administrative role at the Public Health Institute, LJMU.
With a background in social work and the health care industry, I feel I have an insight into the benefits of seeking and securing education opportunities in order to change personal circumstances. In my third-year university placement I worked at a school for adolescents with statemented needs for social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEBD) and witnessed first-hand the positive impact of achieving educational milestones in helping to lift young people out of sometimes difficult home lives. I am extremely proud to be a part of a team that provides guidance and advice to young people which can help to change their lives.