Spotlight on James Russell

This week the spotlight is on James Russell, Assistant Press Officer, UCL Media Relations, UCL Communications & Marketing.

What is your role and what does it involve?

I'm Assistant Press officer within the UCL Media Relations team, I primarily look after press and media for the UCL Institute of Education but am also gradually becoming more involved in UCL media activity.

My role involves publicising research projects and publications, usually via the writing and distribution of press releases with the aim of getting media coverage on these. As part of this process, I liaise with academic colleagues to discuss their research and identify the key findings and news angles.

I get involved with providing support in publicising specific campaigns and projects that may run over a longer period of time and be broader than research papers, such as the 'Read Aloud, Get Aloud' campaign mentioned below.

I also write news stories for both the IOE and UCL websites about important stories, events and accolades that are relevant to its audiences.

My role involves dealing with media enquiries for both the IOE and UCL; responding to requests for an academic expert to provide a comment or be interviewed by media - be that for TV, radio or print on a particular issue or subject that is being covered.

A crucial part of the job is also liaising and building relationships with journalists, particularly the specialist education press.

In addition, I look after the main IOE Twitter account - @IOE_London, which is an important outlet for publicising news, research and events from the IOE.

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

Having become a member of staff at UCL following the merger with the IOE last December, I've only actually been at UCL for a year, but was at the IOE for a number of years before this.

I actually started as a temp (for six weeks) in the Marketing and Development department - as it was then - helping with the open day and a number of projects. I initially left after two months, before being asked back about six weeks later to cover the marketing assistant's maternity leave.

She subsequently did not come back, and hence I got the job on a permanent basis. Over time, I gradually became more involved in the press side of things and eventually became Assistant Press Officer - ultimately, a very different role.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

Probably the First World War Centenary Battlefields Tour Project - a joint initiative between the IOE, Equity Travel, the DfE and the DCLG, for which I have been overseeing publicity from the IOE end.

The programme is a five-year project that aims to allow every state school in England to send one teacher and two pupils to visit the First World War battlefields in France and Belgium, in order to promote the legacy of the war.

The programme is a really worthwhile initiative and has received an extensive amount of press coverage. I've been along on a couple of the tours to accompany journalists and have set up major stories in outlets including Sky News and the Independent.

Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of you to-do list?

I'm working on a campaign for the IOE's International Literacy Centre's 'Read Aloud, Get Aloud' initiative, which involves a month of activities in February to help improve literacy in primary school children. We are hoping to get some famous names and celebrities involved to help promote the campaign.

This initiative is supported by 'Save the Children', and already ran successfully earlier this year - including a visit to the IOE by X Files actress Gillian Anderson to listen to children read, a video message by pop band Little Mix, plus the support of footballer Gareth Bale and journalist/presenter Janet Street-Porter.

The campaign, and the work done by the International Literacy Centre, is particularly important as there are still shockingly large numbers of children who struggle to read in this country, and people leaving school without basic literacy skills.

The methods promoted by the team have been proven to have fast and effective results with primary school children - making this such a worthwhile initiative, particularly when you add into the equation how many of those in prison are unable to read and write properly.

If we can ensure that many more children leave school with good reading skills then maybe we can help to reduce problems such as poverty and crime.

What is your favourite album, film and novel?

Favourite album: The Visitors by ABBA.

I have no shame about this one, ABBA will always be my favourite group, their songwriting, production and vocals were impeccable. They were so much more than the cheesy band that they are often portrayed as, with a melancholic slant to many of their songs.

This was their final album, and it sounds a million miles away from 'Waterloo' or even 'Dancing Queen'; recorded in the early 80's it is very electronic, quite dark and atmospheric, and sounds way ahead of its time.

Film: St Elmo's Fire

I love the Brat Pack films of the 1980s, and this one about a group of friends who have just finished college and are struggling to find their ways in their careers and their personal lives is fun, but quite touching at the same time. It has a great cast who are like 'who's-who' of the era - including a very young Demi Moore - and a brilliant soundtrack.

Novel: The Buddha of Suburbia by Hanif Kureishi.

I really loved the TV series of this book in the 90s, and the 70s setting - together with the music and cultural references - really appealed to me.

The book, as is often the case, has further depths to it. It's an exciting story that tells the story of a mixed-race guy growing up in the '70s who escapes his suburban background to become an actor and goes on a journey of personal discovery; but it also highlights quite serious themes such as the racism that was so prevalent at the time.

What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?

I'm useless at remembering actual jokes. I can do the odd impression or make my own wise-cracks but I'm useless at remembering 'proper' jokes. How about this one (someone just told me it!)

"What do you do if you see a space man? Park in it maaaan"

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

Debbie Harry - she's just the epitome of enigmatic cool, and she's always played the fame game and the music business on her own terms.

Rupert Everett - very intelligent and outspoken. I've read both of his autobiographies, which are really indiscreet and interesting - dull he certainly wouldn't be.

Roger Moore - he always seems really funny and self-depreciating in interviews, and like he would just be a really good laugh. He's definitely my favourite James Bond also.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Worry less, just get on and do it.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

That I write, sing and perform music (under the name James Leon). I've released my own material on iTunes and other digital outlets, and gigged quite extensively. I recently released a new four-track EP that is called Zen.

What is your favourite place?

Probably the South Bank in London (when it's not too crazy busy) - London will always be the city for me. I actually love some of the Brutalist architecture down there - such as the National Theatre, and just being by the river when the weather is good is great with the atmosphere and views. The bar at the back of the BFI does pretty good cocktails too!