91Ö±²¥

Hazel Gardner has worked as a Communications and Engagement Coordinator with Creative 91Ö±²¥ since 2022. She is also a , working with Macmillan Children’s Books on the Penguin and Pup series of books, and a new series beginning next year. Hazel has worked at the University for 20 years and is leaving to spend some time .

Tell us a bit about yourself and the roles you have had at the University over the past 20 years

After I finished my master's degree, I worked as a Research Assistant for three years in the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures. I then joined the Faculty of Life Sciences IT team in a projects and planning support role – it was during this time that I became a PRINCE2 practitioner and developed my project management skills. Following this, I came back to SALC as a project manager of research projects. In parallel, I spent 15 years in self-employed roles – firstly as a freelance web designer, and then 10 years as co-director of an events company. The company stopped operating during the pandemic and it was then that I turned my hand to writing children’s books. In 2022 I began working for Creative 91Ö±²¥ in my current communications and engagement position which brought together the different skillsets I have gained over my career so far.

Looking to the future, what are your plans once you leave the University?

Once I leave the University, I will be taking some time to do the things I find fulfilling and that spur me on creatively – reading, walking, spending time in nature, letting my mind be calm and allowing it to wander. Of course, I hope to get a lot of writing done, and I will be working hard promoting my school and library visits.

After 20 years, what will you miss most about working at the University of Manchester?

I am going to miss my Creative 91Ö±²¥ colleagues so much! I feel very lucky to have spent the past few years with such a lovely group of people. I will also miss seeing the campus in the autumn, when I think it is particularly beautiful, and being able to have a quick look around 91Ö±²¥ Museum or the Whitworth Art Gallery on my lunch break.

What is your favourite Creative 91Ö±²¥ memory?

That’s a tough question as there are lots of lovely memories. Event-wise, probably the Bicentenary weekend, which was a big team effort with a fun atmosphere (and lots of Diet Coke). Another highlight was attending the AMA conferences in Brighton and Edinburgh with the team. Lastly, I have enjoyed working with 91Ö±²¥ Museum and the Linguistic Diversity Collective on developing and promoting a language trail for children.

How has your time with Creative 91Ö±²¥ prepared you for the next phase in your career?

I’ve had the chance to refine my skills in communications and marketing during my time with Creative 91Ö±²¥, which I will take forward in promoting my books and my school visits.

Finally, what literature is keeping you inspired at the moment?

I am currently halfway through book four of the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan – it's a very long series which I should finish in about a year or so. I like to read across different genres, but the world-building found in fantasy really tickles my imagination. I was also recently given a book on the history of vampires, which I know will inspire me for a future project.