All Staff Members | Gemma Howlett | University of Cumbria

Biography

Gemma is the Head of Teaching, Learning and Student Experience in the Institute of Health, and is part of the institute’s senior leadership team. Gemma is responsible for the overall leadership in the attainment of excellence in learning and teaching. Gemma first joined the university of Cumbria as a Principal Lecturer in the Centre of Excellence for Paramedic Practice helping to lead the launch and delivery of the UK biggest Paramedic Apprenticeship programme. 

Gemma has a breadth of experience in healthcare education and is also a registered paramedic. Previously Gemma has worked at University of Worcester, University of West of England (UWE) and the University of Gloucestershire in a variety of roles including programme lead and admissions lead for undergraduate programmes. 

Gemma is currently completing her PhD in Social Justice and Education at Lancaster University, focussing on sexual harassment in the ambulance service and how to tackle the problem. Gemma's work in this area has led to her being on the NHS England Sexual Safety consensus development group which developed a series of resources and the sexual safety charter which was mandated to be embedded and implemented in the ambulance services. Gemma is now on the National Ambulance Sexual Safety Community of Practice helping the UK ambulance services implement the Charter and deal with these issues in their organisations. 

Qualifications and memberships

BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences 

FdSc in Pre Hospital, Unscheduled and Emergency Care 

PG Cert in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education 

MSc Advancing Clinical Practice 

Senior Fellow HEA

MCPara 

PhD Candidate 

Academic and research interests

Sexual harassment 

Gender Harassment and Misogyny 

Paramedic Education 

Social Justice and Education 

Widening Participation 

Organisational Culture

Publications

Howlett, G and Davidson T (2022) Undertaking Culturally Inclusive Paramedic Research, in Paramedic Research Textbook. McGraw Hill.

Howlett, G (2022) Patient Centred Communication. In Robertson, D and Roberston, C (eds) (2022) Care of the older Adult. Class publishing, Bridgewater. Submitted to Editor.

Howlett, G (2022) Paramedic Degree Apprenticeships. In Blaber, A (2022) Paramedic Survival Guide (Second Edition).

Howlett, G and Bridge, J (2020) Neurodiversity – unique attributes, powerful assets, opportunities needed! College of Paramedics, Insight Magazine

Howlett, G and Carter, I (2020) Corona Virus, A Health Inequalities Pandemic. Equality and Diversity Series. College of Paramedics, Insight magazine.

Howlett, G (2020) Different can make a really positive difference. Equality and Diversity Series. College of Paramedics, Insight magazine.

Howlett, G (2019) The only black face at the conference. Equality and Diversity Series. College of Paramedics Insight magazine.

Howlett, G (2019) Student paramedics perceptions of reflection and their intended use. Journal of Paramedic Practice.

Presentations and Conferences

EEAST Education Conference (2023) Power dynamics and Bias: Considerations for the practice education and student relationship. Invited Speaker.

WAST Voices Network (2023) The rise of Incel Activity and Extreme Misogyny. Invited Speaker.

College of Paramedics Equality and Diversity Conference (2023) Retention, what must we do, what can we do? Invited speaker and workshop facilitator.

Air Ambulance UK, Annual Conference (2022) The Benefits of Diverse organisations. Invited speaker. Main stage.

The Future is Bright – College of Paramedics – August 2022 – presentation “Exploring the link between diversity and inclusive practice in education and mental health and wellbeing support for students. Invited speaker. Main stage.

National Conference – College of Paramedics – June 2021 – presentation “You are not biased but your face is”. Invited speaker. Main online channel.

University of Gloucestershire Festival of learning June 2020 – Online conference – “Women negotiating Academia: Empowerment and Challenges. An informal discussion hosted by the women Professors’ group and the UoG Women’s network.

Poster presentation at College of Paramedics research conference. Student paramedics perceptions of reflection and their intended use in the future.

Awards and accolades

Winner of Most Inspirational Lecturer 2020. Student Led Staff Awards. Students said “She demonstrates and strongly advocates equality, inclusivity and diversity in all she does and says, inspiring others to do the same. She’s a true inspiration, leader and role model”

Winner of Wow Awards 2020 University of Gloucestershire for Excellent Delivery and Service.

Recent external roles

National Ambulance Sexual Safety Community of Practice

NHS England Sexual Safety Consensus Group

Vice Chair, College of Paramedics, Diversity Steering Group

HCPC, Lead Visitor, Education Team

Glasgow Caledonian University External Examiner

ESFA Paramedic Apprenticeship Task and Finish Group