Hartpury University has made two appointments to its senior leadership team, as part of its continuing focus on the student experience and ongoing investment in employees and facilities.

Dr Becky Taylor is dean of enhancement, focusing on leading and supporting colleagues to improve all aspects of academic provision and associated professional services.

Dr Taylor has gained a wealth of experience from both land-based and university sectors in previous roles, managing a number of strategic projects with a focus on curriculum development and quality enhancement.

Dr Simon Bicknell has been appointed as head of student experience, focusing on student retention, engagement and induction, working across academic and professional staff teams and in partnership with student advisors.

He has held a number of senior academic posts, most recently as senior lecturer in academic work related learning at Newman University.

Alongside a number of major developments on campus, their appointments are another indication of Hartpury's commitment to providing a high quality learning environment for current and future students.

Russell Marchant, vice-chancellor of Hartpury University, said: "We're delighted to welcome both Becky and Simon to the Hartpury family and we look forward to them being part of our exciting journey and supporting our strategic business plans.

"Their experience will make a valuable contribution to ensuring our programmes remain current and relevant and that we provide a positive setting, where students are inspired to fulfil their goals and aspirations."

Hartpury is investing in a range of new facilities, including an enlarged University Learning Hub on campus, to further enhance the student experience.

It has also joined forces with Forest of Dean District Council and Cinderford Town Council to submit a bid for up to £20 million to the government's Levelling Up Fund.

If successful, the bid would include a new University Innovation, Careers and Enterprise Learning Centre at Hartpury and a satellite sports facility for students at Five Acres in the Forest of Dean.