Q&A with Principal Jenny Higham

Published: 23 April 2020

St George's, University of London is led by our Principal, Professor Jenny Higham, who is also a practising clinician. We spoke to her about how she is adapting her work during this lockdown phase. 

How has the coronavirus outbreak changed the way you work? 

As a leader and manager, the location of where I work has changed dramatically. For someone who is out and about all day and most evenings, it is strange to be at home.  Our priority as a university is to respond to the challenges the coronavirus outbreak poses and ensure that we adapt the way the university operates to continue to deliver its core functions around education, research, enterprise and community involvement.  

My small NHS clinical practice as a consultant gynaecologist at St George’s continues on Monday afternoons - I could not help being struck by how quiet it was on the site when I have been there, with the vast majority of the university operating remotely. I enjoy the interaction with patients and NHS staff that comes with this role, although at the moment, some patients seem fearful of attending hospital sites, there were enough needing hysteroscopy [viewing inside the uterus] to make my visit worthwhile.   

What is the biggest challenge about this new way of working, and what has helped overcome this?

The biggest challenge is the move from being at the university to working remotely, especially as I am a gregarious person, who loves the social interaction with others. Having over 4 years of experience in the role of Principal is a huge advantage in the current circumstances, as you have already built up relationships and trust with your colleagues, helping some fantastic team working. I also know the ethos and breadth of how the university operates which helps enormously.  Finally, I have the advantage of being a board member of a number of influential external bodies in the sector that give me invaluable national and international perspectives. 

What helps you stay positive during this challenging time? 

I am naturally an optimistic person - we cannot change the situation we are in, but while it is a challenge, we must approach it with realism, pragmatism and be constructive.  Although there are many unknowns, within the parameters of what we can do, I attempt to give clear direction and leadership [but, like everyone else, I am never going to be 100% successful!].  

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am very grateful to all of you, whatever your role in the response to this pandemic.

Do you have any advice or a message to others responding to the coronavirus outbreak?

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am very grateful to all of you, whatever your role in the response to this pandemic. We are all part of the St George’s family. Relationships are often measured by how we react in times of pressure, and I am proud of all that our community is doing to support the University and each other.