This week marks a significant milestone as we celebrate Tamsin Mann’s 10th anniversary with PraxisAuril. From her beginnings as a Policy Officer in 2014, through her role as Interim Managing Director, to her current position as Head of Policy and Governance, Tamsin has been a driving force behind the organisation's growth and success.
A Decade of Dedication and Leadership
Tamsin’s journey with us began as a Policy Officer, where she supported PraxisUnico's advocacy activities, working closely with the Advocacy Committee to represent the values of the knowledge transfer profession. Her dedication to engaging policymakers and responding to sector consultations helped establish PraxisAuril as a key voice in higher education.
By June 2017, Tamsin’s expertise led her to the role of Head of Policy. In this capacity, she spearheaded PraxisAuril’s policy and advocacy work, ensuring the organisation's active participation in debates on knowledge exchange (KE) and commercialisation. Her efforts raised the profile of good practice among members and promoted the vital role of the UK’s KE professionals.
In April 2020, Tamsin took on the additional responsibilities of Head of Policy and Governance. Here, she led PraxisAuril’s engagement with stakeholders across the UK and internationally, influencing KE policy and implementation as part of the organisation’s mission to develop, promote, and connect the UK’s knowledge exchange community.
Tamsin’s leadership was further recognised in October 2022 when she stepped in as Interim Managing Director during a transitional period and guided the PraxisAuril Executive team through change, ensuring continuity and stability following the departure of the longstanding CEO.
An Impact Beyond PraxisAuril
Tamsin’s influence extends beyond PraxisAuril. She is a respected figure in the sector, known for her expertise and commitment. As Stuart Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer at PraxisAuril, expressed:
“Tamsin has been a great collaborator and now a colleague of mine over her years at PraxisAuril. Her knowledge of the sector and passion to help Knowledge Exchange make a difference is longstanding and impactful. Tamsin's time at PraxisAuril has seen constant evolution and change in the sector, and our organisation, as the significance and role of KE has become more central to Universities and policy makers. In navigating and helping others to navigate those changes, she has made significant contributions to the sector.
As we look forward to that continued evolution as PraxisAuril becomes Knowledge Exchange UK, I have no doubt that Tamsin will continue to help us, our stakeholders and partners to shape policy and ultimately help KE to be more effective and impactful.”
Amanda Selvaratnam, Chair of the Board, also said:
“It’s fantastic to be celebrating Tamsin Mann’s 10th work anniversary with PraxisAuril! Over the past decade, Tamsin has been a driving force behind the success and growth of PraxisAuril, contributing her expertise and passion for all things HE.
Her work has not only helped PraxisAuril move forward but has also had a lasting impact on the higher education sector. Tamsin has helped shape the way we connect with each other, influence HE policy and grow as a community and has helped shape the future of knowledge exchange and research commercialisation.
Thank you, Tamsin, for your incredible contributions and for being an inspiring leader in our community, it’s been great working with you. Here’s to the next 10 years of success and impact!”
Reflections from Colleagues
“It's been a bit of a ride over the past couple of years, but I’ve been lucky to have you as a teammate and friend. You're the KE oracle - always able to answer whatever obscure questions are thrown your way! We've been lucky to have you at PraxisAuril, and now Knowledge Exchange UK.” - Julie Coombes, Office Manager
“Tamsin is extremely knowledgeable and approaches her work with others in an extremely respectful manner, even where their understanding is far below hers!” - Andrew Burrows, Membership Officer
“Tamsin has helped me enter a new level in a very big and scary sector with a thoughtfulness and drive that I am very grateful for!” - Arnie King, Social Venture Building Community of Practice Coordinator
"Tamsin has been an incredible mentor—always open to new ideas and eager to experiment with new approaches. She is my Knowledge Exchange Dictionary, and it's an absolute pleasure to work with her and learn from her expertise. Plus, she brings a great sense of humour to everything she does." - Rita Teixeira, Digital Communications Officer
“Tamsin is personable, professional and welcoming. I appreciate her dedication to KE and the organisation.” - Ranbir Jabanda, Project Manager
Looking Forward
As we celebrate Tamsin’s remarkable decade with PraxisAuril, we also look forward to her continued contributions.Tamsin has helped shape the way we connect, influence policy, and grow as a community, leaving a lasting legacy in the knowledge exchange sector.
Thank you, Tamsin, for your unwavering dedication. Here’s to the next 10 years of success and impact!