Carla Anderson
Currie
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven professional with a strong focus on student-centred leadership and wellbeing-focused decision making. Expertise in governance and risk management, quality assurance strategies, and strategic planning ensures effective operational delivery. Proven track record in service transformation initiatives through cross-functional collaboration and data-informed insights. Committed to continuous improvement practices, staff leadership, and coaching, fostering a culture of emotional intelligence. Skilled in complaints oversight, complex case management, and EDI advocacy. Resilient under high-pressure situations with a dedication to crisis leadership.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work history
Senior Manager, Student Support Operations
The Open University in Scotland
Edinburgh
05.2019 - 08.2025
- Led operational strategy and delivery across multiple student-support portfolios within one of the UK's largest and most diverse higher-education institutions. Ensured services were inclusive, accessible, and aligned with widening-participation priorities.
- Provided senior leadership centred on student success, wellbeing, and belonging in all operational decisions.
- Translated institutional priorities into clear, student-focused operational plans that improved support outcomes.
- Directed teams through major service changes, embedding emotionally intelligent leadership and strengthening culture, cohesion, and psychological safety.
- Strengthened quality assurance and regulatory compliance across student support.
- Led complex complaints, appeals, and high-risk cases with sensitivity, fairness, and a commitment to positive student outcomes.
- Used data insights to identify barriers to student progression and drive targeted improvements.
- Built strong cross-functional partnerships with academic colleagues, central services, and external agencies to enhance the student experience.
- Improved systems, workflows, and triage models to ensure timely, effective support for students at risk.
- Managed staffing budgets and resource deployment to ensure sustainable, high-quality service delivery.
Operations Manager, Student Support
The Open University in Scotland
Edinburgh
12.2012 - 04.2019
- Managed large-scale student support operations, ensuring high-quality, compassionate, and consistent service delivery.
- Oversaw recruitment, development, and performance of multidisciplinary teams, fostering a supportive and student-centred culture.
- Led resource planning and capacity modelling to ensure students received timely support during peak periods.
- Managed complex casework, complaints, and appeals with strong policy awareness and a commitment to fairness and student wellbeing.
- Collaborated with practitioner groups to co-design service improvements that enhanced student experience and retention.
- Assessed performance metrics and quality indicators to drive continuous improvement.
- Strengthened relationships across academic units to ensure joined-up support for students with complex needs.
Senior Manager (Secondment)
The Open University (UK-wide)
Edinburgh
02.2017 - 06.2017
- Provided interim senior leadership during a high-risk operational period across UK-wide student support centers.
- Coordinated Operations Managers across the UK to deliver integrated exam and assessment services.
- Introduced process improvements in partnership with internal stakeholders and external consultants.
- Ensured operational continuity and strengthened leadership capability during a period of significant pressure.
Education
The Open University
Skills
- Student-centred leadership
- Wellbeing-focused decision making
- Governance and risk management
- Quality assurance strategies
- Strategic planning and operational delivery
- Service transformation initiatives
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Data-informed insights and performance reporting
- Continuous improvement practices
- Staff leadership and coaching
- Culture-building and emotional intelligence
- Complaints oversight and appeals management
- Complex case management
- EDI advocacy and participation commitment
- High-pressure resilience and crisis leadership
Additional Development
- Advance HE Aurora Women in Leadership Programme (2019)
- Extensive training in leadership, Lean methodology, EDI, and operational excellence
Timeline
Senior Manager, Student Support Operations
The Open University in Scotland
05.2019 - 08.2025
Senior Manager (Secondment)
The Open University (UK-wide)
02.2017 - 06.2017
Operations Manager, Student Support
The Open University in Scotland
12.2012 - 04.2019
The Open University