Professional Services Staff Nominees for Election to Membership of Senate

Details of the candidates nominated within the Professional Services Staff constituency of Senate, along with a copy of their supporting statements are listed below:

Dr Matt Birch 

Matt has worked in digital education and learning development for over 15 years, leading innovative change projects across higher education and healthcare. Holding a Doctorate in Education focused on professional identity, agency, and HEI digital transformation, as well as postgraduate qualifications in business management practice and educational multimedia, Matt brings expertise in human-centred and motivational design, instructional innovation, and organisational change. Matt hopes to contribute to Senate through a pedagogy-before-technology perspective. Matt advocates for inclusive, evidence-informed approaches that prioritise people over platforms, accessibility over gimmickry, as well as sustainable digital transformation rooted in empathy, authentic collaboration, and educational integrity. 

Aileen Carson 

I am seeking election to the Senate to represent colleagues across Professional Services. Passionate about Queen’s, I bring over 20 years of experience in skills development, employer engagement, and programme leadership, combined with real commitment, strategic thinking, and a proactive approach to everything I do. In my current role as Development Officer, I oversee initiatives supporting student and graduate development and manage doctoral studentships. Previously, I served as Senior Engagement Manager, driving Graduate and Student Enterprise initiatives. I am delighted to be nominated and fully support this opportunity to serve. 

Karen Craig 

I have worked at Queen’s for 21 years, progressing from Grade 2 to my current role as Office Manager (SMDBS). My experience includes undertaking roles as PA to senior leaders, giving me insight into University operations/strategy. I hold a BA Honours Business Degree (Ulster, 2002) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Personnel Management (Queen’s, 2006). I am currently completing the Aurora Programme Women in Leadership. I am committed to supporting equity, diversity, inclusion and leadership. Joining Senate would allow me to represent the Professional Services staff voice and effectively contribute to shaping Queen’s future / achieving Strategy 2030 goals. 

Keith Halliday 

A vote for me brings 'on the ground' management and practical solutions to Senate. My background is Business Management. I worked in large private organisations, managing Public Schools and the PSNI Estate before moving to QUB in 2007. I have been a union member since my student days and have supported many QUB staff in recent times, undaunted to air thoughts to senior management.  

Experienced on several executive committees in the UK Higher Education sector, Institute of Facilities Management NI, and British Institute of Cleaning Science. The latter helped shape the cleaning response to the COVID pandemic within the UK. 

Tim Montgomery 

Tim has been working in Education Technology for the last 8 years, initially at Monash University and now Queen’s. A graduate from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Creative Arts, Tim has forged a successful interdisciplinary career, having worked in various industries including clinical trials, public sector, forensic medicine and education design. 

Tim currently runs the Future Ready Skills Course in 10 schools, working extensively with students and staff across all faculties. Tim is passionate about putting our students at the heart of educational design, brings a global perspective and a creative approach to problem solving. 

Emma Murphy 

Having worked at Queen’s for over four years, I am currently the Government Affairs and Campaigns Officer in the Public Affairs team. I have had hands on experience of sitting on Senate for a year, having previously served as President of the Students’ Union and Education Officer. During this time, I also sat on key University Committees, including Academic Council and the Planning, Finance and Resources Committee to deliver change. I am delighted to be running for a Professional Services Staff role on Senate and would like to represent a wide range of voices when key decisions are being made. 

Jason O’Neill 

The staff of Queen’s have given me the gift of education, opportunities to grow and a place to belong. As a student, I was given support when I needed it, as Students’ Union President, I was given a voice, and as a staff member, I’ve been given opportunities to give back to those most in need. 

As a representative, I aim to repay the staff of Queen’s. I will give you a voice, advocate for your interests and represent your needs. I will work for you to ensure that all staff at every level are properly rewarded, empowered & supported. 

Gillian Riddell 

With 30 years of dedicated service to Queen’s, I bring extensive institutional knowledge and a strong commitment to the University’s values. As a former Athena Swan Co-Champion in a Gold Award School, current member of the University Sustainability Committee, and lead for the Technician Commitment, I champion equity, inclusion, recognition and visibility of technical and professional services staff. I am committed to ensuring their expertise is fully recognised and embedded in strategic decision-making. Through my experience and collaborative approach, I aim to continue contributing to Senate as a constructive, informed, and principled voice dedicated to Queen’s ongoing excellence and success. 

Matthew Wilson 

I am Head of Intellectual Property Management & Commercialisation at Queen's, working across academic and professional services teams to support innovation and deliver institutional impact. I was honoured to receive a Staff Excellence Award in 2022-23 for leadership and resilience following a stroke, and for fostering a positive, inclusive team culture. Living with a long-term disability and as a carer to children with ongoing health needs, I understand the challenges of achieving work-life balance. My experience as a manager and advocate for staff wellbeing places me in a unique position to contribute to Senate's role in shaping inclusive, strategic decisions. 

The proposers of each candidate are available here.

** Please note only members of the Professional Services Staff constituency may vote for Professional Services Staff nominees. **

Voting

Voting will take place electronically, through the ‘Online Voting’ section on Queen’s Online and will commence at 00:00:00 on Monday, 1 December 2025.

Each member of the electorate will have a single transferable vote in the relevant constituency. Voting will close on Sunday, 14 December 2025 at 23:59:59.

For any further enquiries on this process, please contact Mr Damien Corridan, Returning Officer at d.corridan@qub.ac.uk