Joanna Scamp (SFHEA)

About

Joanna is Technical Manager for the Technician Commitment at the University of Kent. She has worked in Technical Services since 2011, with experience spanning technical operations, frontline services, facilities, teaching and research.
She provides strategic technical leadership, supporting the development, recognition and long-term sustainability of technical professionals through delivery of the University’s Technician Commitment strategy and action plan. Joanna coordinates support for technicians across the University and manages a portfolio of projects that strengthen technical skills, career development and the visibility of the profession.
A champion and advocate for technical professionals, Joanna contributes to national conversations, working groups, committees and events, representing both the University of Kent and the wider technical community. She is committed to creating meaningful, inclusive impact for technical staff and for the institutions, learners and researchers they support. In recognition of this work, she was shortlisted for the Times Higher Education Outstanding Technician of the Year Award 2026.
Joanna holds a BA (Hons) and a distinction in the Level 5 Coaching Professional qualification. She combines coaching and mentoring to support others’ growth: using mentoring to inspire through shared insight and experience, and coaching to empower individuals to identify their own strengths, goals and next steps.
An active mentor, Joanna supports colleagues institutionally, through partnership organisations and nationally. This includes mentoring through the Eastern ARC Mentoring Scheme and the UK ITSS Cross-Institutional Mentoring Scheme. She is committed to helping technical professionals build confidence, develop their careers and navigate opportunities across the sector.
Joanna works with organisations and initiatives that promote technical careers among young people and help communicate the breadth and value of technical roles. She has also developed a University programme that enables students to access technical skills and practical experience, supporting their employability and career development.
Other responsibilities, commitments and networks include:
National Technician Development Centre Specialist Advisor
Chair, ITSS UK Technical EDI Network Committee
Co-Chair, Eastern ARC Technicians’ Network
Co-Investigator, EPSRC-funded Eastern ARC T-PIKE programme
Co-Chair, London & South East Technician Commitment Leads Network
Member, NTDC National Education Technical Professional Career Pathway Working Group
Technician Commitment Peer Reviewer Volunteer
Co-Chair and Mentor, Kent Women in IT & Technical Services Network
Advisory Board Member for the EPSRC-funded Strategic Technical Platforms, X-CITED and UK RAS STEPS
Member, Kent Athena SWAN Institutional Self-Assessment
Member, Kent Technician Network, UK Technology Specialists Network and Technical Managers in Universities network
Outside work, Joanna is an artist and enjoys bringing creativity into her professional practice, drawing inspiration between her artistic and technical communities.