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Here are the biographies of current members of the Harassment Peer Support Network.

Read through and contact a volunteer from the network if you would find it helpful to talk to someone.

Ellie Biggs

I am a Digital Change Analyst for the Digital Portfolio Team in DTS. My role requires me to implement IT change projects across the University and I have received training in change management.  Since joining ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø in 2016, I have worked with a broad range of colleagues and have experienced in a lot of University departments.  I started as an Administrative Officer for Academic and Governance Services after a year of work and travel in Asia, Australia and New Zealand, and have since progressed to roles in Students Services, Marketing and Campaigns and Henley Business School before joining DTS in 2022. My roles have taught me about the structure of the University and I have witnessed the different work cultures firsthand. I understand and appreciate that each role in the University comes with its own stressors and would be happy to speak with someone effected by challenging work relationships or environment.

Outside of work I am an outgoing, sociable and outdoorsy type, who enjoys meeting friends, going on adventures and travelling.  I meet new people often and draw energy from helping others as I am empathetic and kind.

For friendly, impartial advice on any issues you may be having, please contact me on Teams or by email at e.biggs@reading.ac.uk

Maria Broadbridge

I joined the University as part of the Academic Computing Team in DTS in June 2016. My role as a Specialist Teaching and Research Support Analyst involves supporting the computing needs of students and staff in the Meteorology Department. Prior to this I’ve obtained my BSc in Meteorology from ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø in 2007 and my PhD in Ocean Modelling from the University of Southampton in 2012. Just before joining the University in my current role I’ve been a postdoctoral researcher at Imperial College London in Regional Climate Modelling. Because I have moved around quite frequently in my career and often changed teams, I am very familiar with the challenges of new working environments and adapting to new roles. I am also a working mum and I focus on and try to maintain physical and emotional happiness in a very busy lifestyle!

I have a very relaxed, tolerant and non-judgemental approach to any kind of query or concern and I’m always up for an informal chat and giving advice and support where needed. I am an LGBT+ Ally. I can be contacted via email at m.b.broadbridge@reading.ac.uk. 

Sue Glover

Following my Masters of Research, I have worked in the Civil Service for over 15 years in a variety of roles to do with policy and environmental research.  I had a substantial career break and returned to work part-time in March 2022 at ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø as a Researcher Development Project Officer in the Doctoral & Researcher College where I provide support for early career researchers.  During my career I have experienced many organisational changes (reorganisations, ring-fenced job applications, redundancy etc) and some challenging personal and professional situations.  I have experienced first hand the impact of good support and the difference that can make.   

I have a particular interest in neurodiversity, attachment and trauma.  I am also a working mum and a part-time carer for my father, so I understand that life is a constant juggle of priorities!  I hope that I am easy to talk to, open-minded and would be very happy to chat with you about your situation, or even meet and grab a coffee.  Please feel free to contact me either via email s.c.glover@reading.ac.uk or direct on Teams. 

Evangeline Gowie

I joined the Psychology department in September 2023 after four years working in mental health charities. My previous role involved facilitating open communications between management and frontline staff in hospitals and prisons. Here, I work to understand researcher’s challenges in engaging in open research, and apply this to policy and training development. These roles have made me pretty good at understanding multiple sides of the same situation.

Workplace harassment/bullying is intimidating to talk about, which can feel very isolating. I’m happy to help you work out next steps, or just be an ear to vent to. I’ve also acted as independent support for an employee who was accused of sexism by another team member. I don’t believe that many people intentionally create toxic workplaces, but unders