Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Accept all cookies Reject all non-essential cookies Find out more

Who we are

The MPLS Resolution Team is a group of internal trained resolvers who have volunteered to support people in conflict. Team members have completed the National Certificate in Mediation Skills for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, accredited by the National Open College Network, and provided by Steve Hindmarsh Ltd.

Service Leads for the Resolution Service (listed alphabetically) are:

  • Amy Hinks, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Data Analyst and Athena Swan Coordinator
  • Daisy Hung, MPLS Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
  • Pam Rodgerson, MPLS HRBP Team Lead

These Service Leads are the initial points of contact for people reaching out to the Resolution Service, and are the only ones with shared access to the resolution@mpls.ox.ac.uk inbox as well as the Self-referral form and Referrer form. Information shared will be treated confidentially. If necessary, you can also contact the Service Leads individually for support.

Trained resolvers

These resolvers (including the Service Leads) are part of the internal MPLS cohort available to support people in conflict with facilitated conversations. Two resolvers will be selected for each situation, and they will be external to the department(s) involved. They will not have access to confidential matters arising in other cases to which they are not assigned. Resolvers have been trained to facilitate structured conversations in a fair and balanced manner, maintaining confidentiality, and supporting people to reach voluntary, mutually agreed resolutions. Our resolvers are listed alphabetically below.

To confirm, this Service is completely separate to HR and other University processes. While a number of HR professionals make up our Resolvers, this is in a separate capacity to their HR role. Resolvers do not discuss any case or details with Resolvers. You will never be assigned a Resolver from within your department (unless you specifically ask for them), and you are able to request any Resolver that you would like or wouldn't like to have support your case.

 

Amy HinksAmy Hinks (she/her)

Athena Swan Coordinator and Data Analyst, MPLS

I am the Athena Swan Coordinator and Data Analyst for the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team in the MPLS Division. I assist departments in their work to improve gender equality for staff and students, supports returning carers and working parents and contributes to the broader work of the EDI team in the division. With a background as a DPhil student and then PDRA, I have an insight into the pressures students and researchers may encounter. Furthermore, I balance work with raising two young children and can relate to the pressures of maintaining work momentum after a career break.

 

Victoria Hudson

Head of HR, School of Geography and the Environment

Hello! I've been working at the University of Oxford in HR roles for 20 years, and most recently was the HR Team Leader at the Department of Chemistry before moving to my new position as the Head of HR for the School of Geography and the Environment in March 2024. I'm really excited to be part of the resolution service, and to support people to have proper, honest conversations in a safe and supportive environment.

 

Daisy HungDaisy Hung (she/her)

MPLS Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

I have been advancing ED&I in the MPLS Division since 2015, starting as an Athena Swan Facilitator before expanding across ED&I areas, and I now lead a team to embed ED&I in all that we do. I focus on the strategic development and oversight of our ED&I priorities, working with our departments and central University teams to create a culture of inclusion and collaboration. Before joining the University, I worked on diversifying the legal profession and was a practicing lawyer in California specialising in domestic abuse, family law, and immigration. I love creating new initiatives and am always learning and trying to do better. 

 

Jo KnightsJo Knights (she/her)

MPLS Communications and Engagement Officer

Hello! I provide communications and engagement support both in the MPLS Divisional Office and to support strategic priority projects across departments. As a Mental Health First Aider, I am looking forward to using my mediation skills to better support colleagues in the division.

 

Photo of Emma SmithEmma Smith (she/her)

Deputy Head of HR, Department of Physics

I am the Deputy Head of HR for the Department of Physics. I take a lead role in HR projects, the development of HR initiatives and bringing forward ideas for improvement and efficiency. The HR function in Physics looks after over 600 staff, divided into different staffing groups. l deputise for the Head of HR with day-to-day management of the HR function, providing support and guidance to the 5 team members that I line manage as required. I take the lead on individual employee cases and provide guidance to line managers in the management of complex casework in conjunction with the Head of HR.

 

Kerry SmithKerry Smith (she/her)

Head of HR, Department of Physics

I am the Head of HR for the Department of Physics and have worked for the University since 2020 and had a career in HR for 20+ years. Meeting people is a key part of my role and it is much easier now that we are more site based and can meet in person. I joined the University just before the pandemic and it was a really challenging but rewarding time supporting staff during this period. I then went on to support HR related projects within MPLS before joining the Department of Physics. I am really pleased to have been given the opportunity to complete the mediation training and look forward to supporting working relations between staff and helping them to find the tools to foster more positive working environment.