60 SECONDS WITH GAVIN TASH, HEAD OF PARTNERSHIPS AND APPRENTICESHIPS
Tell us about your role at UEA
I oversee UEA’s Academic Partnership (both UK and international) and Apprenticeship provision. My job is very varied and I get to work with people from all different backgrounds and fields. I feel very lucky to work alongside our range of partners and with two such capable, committed and supportive teams.
How has your role changed as a result of COVID-19?
Like a lot of people I spend a lot more time interacting with colleagues through Microsoft Teams and Zoom. As someone whose role used to involve a lot of travel, working at home for over a year now has changed my job massively. I really miss getting out to all our partners and seeing them in person. As we come out of the pandemic I think there will be more of a place for video conferencing etc, but there is still no substitute sometimes for visiting our partners and meeting people to get a sense of what’s going on and building relationships. I can’t wait to get out there again and see people face to face.
What would surprise people to know about you?
I have been a huge Madonna fan ever since I can remember (I think her first single came out when I was three) and have spent far too much money seeing her various tours and shows.
What’s your favourite film of all time and why?
I’m really into films so this is such a tricky question and my answer changes all the time. I’ve recently watched the Back to the Future trilogy for the first time in a very long while so, at the moment, I’d have to say the first of those films. It’s so thrilling, funny and clever. It’s got great characters and you’re not bored for a second. It’s dated a bit but even my eight year old daughter was transfixed by it.
What’s your favourite place to visit?
I’ve only been once, but the Maldives was absolutely fantastic. I’d love to go again someday. So peaceful and relaxing, and some of the underwater sights are amazing. Closer to home I’ve been a Norwich City season ticket holder for years and have many great memories from Carrow Road. I’m desperate to get back there once we’re allowed.
Tell us your favourite joke
I’ll have to go with one of my daughter’s:
What was the snowman doing in the field of carrots?
Picking his nose.
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