Spotlight on John Draper

What is your role and what does it involve?

I'm Head of Administration for the Division of Psychology & Language Sciences. PALS is a large division based on a number of sites across UCL and my role involves responsibility for leading its administration and support teams. I also act as Exams Officer for the BSc Psychology.

How long have been at UCL and what was your previous role?

I've been here 20+ years. For many years I was the Departmental Administrator for Psychology after having previously worked a year in the Registry. Before joining UCL I spent a few years exporting clothes of dubious fashion to the Middle East.

What work achievement or initiative at UCL are you most proud of?

Recently I would say its being short-listed for the THES Outstanding Departmental Administration Team which is testament to the excellent PALS admin team. We'll find out if we've won in mid-June. Its also a sign of the strong relationship that exists in PALS between academic staff, support staff and students. Alongside excellence in research, teaching and administration, we've tried to create an enjoyable environment evidenced by the latest annual Xmas Show and video. Special mention here should go to one of our PhD students, Jake Fairnie, who directed the video.

What are your interests outside work?

Despite my advancing years, I'm still regularly playing football for the Psychology Allstars aka the Psychos who were formed in the 90s. Rumours of our demise a few years ago proved to be short-lived and we're now playing in a weekly league as well as going on the occasional tour, mainly to Spain although Berlin is next up. The Psychos are now an eclectic mix of younger players who do most of the running, and the more 'mature' ones who show their experience through positioning and shouting at the younger players. I'll leave you to judge to which group I belong…