Dr Ceri Sims

Before joining Buckinghamshire New University in 2013, I was a senior lecturer for several years at Middlesex University. Earlier in my academic career I worked as a research scientist and researcher at the Medical Research Council’s former Cognitive Development Unit. I began my lecturing experience in the mid 1980s at Durham and Newcastle universities.  

I studied for my PhD at Durham University and my research specialities have been in psychological development for children and adults, atypical developments, leadership, personality and coaching. I have an invested interest in developing the wellbeing and achievements of people and promoting inclusive and transformational leadership through coaching and this is reflected in my passion for teaching and commitment to research and enterprise within HE. I am a psychologist chartered by the British Psychological Society and an accredited Coaching Psychologist with the International Society of Coaching Psychology.

My specialist knowledge has led me to work with a diversity of university staff and students of all ages and backgrounds. Over the years I have be very fortunate to work with developing leaders in NHS trusts, school leaders, children and young people and their carers and medical professionals both in the UK and overseas. 

My career highlights are the ones that have made a noticeable difference to others’ lives. Training children with developmental disorders and seeing gains in their confidence is second to none; Producing pioneering research in second wave positive psychology coaching and producing the first UK course in positive psychology in coaching is a big highlight; Collaborating with NHS trusts to support staff to apply knowledge and experience of coaching, teamwork, resilience, teamwork and leadership to make improvements in their own roles as leaders in healthcare is a key example of what continues to give me passion in my rewarding career.

View my Research Repository here.

• Associate Professor
• Course Co-Leader for MSc Applied Positive Psychology