Meet the HAF: Fernanda Haswell-Martin
Fernanda has been Head of Administration and Finance in the Department of Materials since October 2023.
What have been the highlights of the role so far?
I love my job because it’s so versatile and dynamic. Every day presents a new challenge, and the opportunity to support the academic mission by working closely with our academic leaders and our professional and technical services teams is both inspiring and fulfilling. It keeps me engaged and continuously learning. Being part of something that has a real impact on Oxford’s success and the HE Sector as a whole, from strategic planning to operational execution, is incredibly rewarding.
What might surprise people about your role?
The sheer diversity of the role might surprise people. As a Head of Administration and Finance, you need to keep a close eye on the fine details—whether it’s something like managing parking requests or overseeing ambitious, multi-million-pound capital investments. The scope of the role is vast, ranging from operational logistics to high-level strategic initiatives. It’s this balance of precision and big-picture thinking that makes the role so exciting.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about becoming a HAF?
Determination, a clear vision, and a positive mindset are essential in this role. Courage is equally important—you need the confidence, backed by experience and training, to make sound decisions, have honest and supportive conversations, take initiative, and lead with purpose. People are at the core of the HAF role, so earning their trust, supporting their success, and creating an environment where everyone thrives together is crucial. I would also advise anyone aspiring to this role to connect with current HAFs, seek out shadowing opportunities, and learn from their experiences. HAFs are stronger when we work together, sharing ideas and removing barriers to develop better ways of working. Most importantly, building strong, professional relationships with academic colleagues and gaining a deep understanding of the academic mission is key. Always keep that mission at the forefront of everything you do.