Meet the SWWDTP team

Simon Potter, Director

Simon is Director of the SWWDTP and Professor of Modern History at the University of Bristol. He was involved in the management of the SWWDTP in its early days, before taking on roles as Head of History and Chair of the Faculty of Arts Research Ethics Committee at Bristol. He also works closely with colleagues at the SS Great Britain Trust. His own teaching, research and doctoral supervision focuses on imperial and global history and the history of the mass media. His publications include a centenary history of the British Broadcasting Corporation, This is the BBC: Entertaining the Nation, Speaking for Britain? 1922-2022 (Oxford University Press, 2022).

Email : simon.potter@bristol.ac.uk


Chantelle Payne, Manager

Chantelle Payne, Manager

Chantelle is responsible for providing operational leadership and management to the DTP and is the main point of contact regarding operational policy and collaboration. Chantelle has worked in Higher Education, specifically within collaborative projects for 9 years and prior to this, worked in relationship management in the private sector in both finance and Software As A Service. When not working, Chantelle can be found enjoying downtime with her small son and when she gets the chance, reading.

Email: chantelle.payne@bristol.ac.uk


Luke Thornberry, Hub Administrator

Luke Thornberry, Hub Administrator

Luke provides administrative support to the SWWDTP programme activities, acting as a contact point for students and colleagues within the consortium and for potential applicants to the programme.  

Luke brings a wide range of experience within the Higher Education sector to the role, having previously held positions at the University of Bristol, University of Reading, and Oxford Brookes University. Luke is an occasional runner, and can be spotted training around Bristol, but is equally content curled up with a book and a mug of hot chocolate. 

Email: swwdtp-enquiries@bristol.ac.uk


Anona Williams, Training & Collaboration Facilitator

Anona Williams, Training & Collaboration Facilitator

Anona joins the SWWDTP team from the School of Accounting & Finance at the University of Bristol where she was working as their Research Manager. Prior to this, she was based in the Faculty of Arts as the Research, Events and Communicatinos Coordinator. Anona has worked alongside many researchers across a wide range of specialism to deliver events with impact, publicise research and ensure that funding opportunities aren’t missed. She has also some experience of working outside of HE in the BBC’s Natural History Unit as well as for Dyson in their Communications team. Outside of work, Anona is a bit of a film fanatic and also enjoys hiking and attempting to make pottery!

Email: anona.williams@bristol.ac.uk


Lucy Barnes, Marketing & Inclusion Coordinator

Lucy is the Marketing & Inclusion Coordinator for the SWWDTP, leading on marketing campaigns, and ensuring that diverse student voices are represented in our services and communications. She has enjoyed a varied career in marketing for purpose-driven organisations, everything from film festivals to concert halls, to universities and global environmental charities. Outside of work, Lucy can be found being a typical Bristol dweller – attending concerts at one of the city’s many independent venues or at a yoga class.

Email: lucy.barnes@bristol.ac.uk