Helen joined UCAS in November 2010, taking on the new role of Director of Policy and Research.

With a degree in biology from the University of York, Helen began her career working on pesticide regulation and food safety research for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

After joining the Natural Environment Research Council as Head of Evaluation in 1997, Helen developed extensive higher education policy experience working in a number of Research Council roles. She led the Research Councils UK team for 5 years from its inception and established and led the Research Councils UK Office in the United States, strengthening collaboration between UK and US universities.

She was awarded an MBE in 2007 for services to the administration of science. Helen joined UCAS from the Russell Group of Universities where she was previously the Head of Policy (Research) and Head of Operations, with policy responsibilities covering the student experience, postgraduate provision, and research funding. Helen lives with her partner in Wiltshire.