1) Tell us a few words about you. When did you first become affiliated with SPP?
I became affiliated with SPP the day it was created: 1st September 2018. Before that, I worked in the SPP’s predecessor institute since January 2014, the Institute of Public Affairs which operated the MPA programme (there was no MPP or double degrees in those days). In between, the IPA grew, contracted, and then grew again.
2) What were your expectations when you first joined?
They were not necessarily high. I remember coming home on my first day and complaining that not very much had been set up prior to my arrival. I had no computer, no desk phone (important in 2014). In fact, on day 1 I even did not have a pen and paper to make a list of the things I was missing.
3) What was the best part of your job?
It’s a cliché, but it’s the students. Their intellectual energy, curiosity and endless source of ideas has been an inspiration throughout. I have friends and colleagues who complain that their jobs are boring. From 10 years in post, I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of days I have been bored.
4) What has been the most memorable moment during your time at SPP?
I'll cheat and say that there are two. Number one: the day that LSE's Academic Board approved the creation of the SPP. I had written the business case for the creation of the SPP; it was the closest I will get to watching a bill that you have worked on passing through a legislature.
Number two: the GPPN conference, 29 February 2020 in London – just days away from lockdown. We were right to go ahead (just!), but we had no idea of course what was to follow.
5) What is the best advice you have been given?
It's from Tony Travers (who else). When you want to do something new, people can say "yes, and…"; "yes, but…"; "no, but…" or "no, and…". All you have to do is convince people not to say "no, and" - all the rest are forms of support.
6) What will you miss the most?
Colleagues and students. I am very proud of my SPP team, who apply intelligence and collegiality to achieve remarkable things. I consistently hope that they are proud of what they do, because they should be. Fortunately, the Law School is but a short walk away.
Thank you Paul for sharing these fond memories with our SPP community! We wish you all the best in your exciting new role at the LSE Law School!