Hapsis Director Dr Robert Allen is an organisational psychologist and experienced business manager with a PhD and MBA amongst other qualifications. He holds certification in Performance Coaching, PRINCE2 and MSP, is a member of the British Psychological Society and the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs and an associate with NEREO.
Robert has over 15 years experience in education, training, development and research, primarily in the fields of innovation and change programmes, and particularly the use of new technology within organisations.
He has worked with many organisations including numerous universities and colleges, public libraries and local authorities, small and large businesses and business support bodies. Internationally he has been involved in projects including with the British Council in Sri Lanka, and the European Trade Union Association in Florence and Stockholm.
He has helped organisations improve their effectiveness through a wide range of work areas including motivation and performance, leadership, team building, creativity and problem solving and organisational innovation.
Originally studying Microelectronic Systems Engineering at Manchester University under a sponsorship with ICL (International Computers Ltd) he went on to take a PhD in Computing Science at Newcastle University, followed by an MBA and MSc Organisational Psychology in later years along with certification in PRINCE2 project and MSP programme management. He is a member of the British Psychological Society and Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs, with certification in enterprise mentoring from SFEDI and in Performance Coaching from the Centre for Coaching (BPS approved).
Robert is a mentor at Newcastle University, and provides guest lectures and seminars at Newcastle University Business school on topics including organisational change and leadership.
After a brief spell continuing his academic research, he became involved in training and development in the early growth of Internet technologies and the Web. Moving into the management of Netskills, an entrepreneurial venture within Newcastle University, he became business development manager then Deputy Director. Working with the national body JISC as Business and Community Engagement Manager, he became responsible for a multi-million pound suite of activity within a change programme. This explored how use of new technology can enhance interactions between universities and business and community organisations.
With a diverse remit covering entrepreneurship, innovation, public and cultural engagement and research impact, he was responsible for a wide range of projects. These included an online international community of photojournalists and students, support for small business networks and cross-university collaboration in knowledge transfer and innovation.
An accomplished musician, having performed internationally in his youth and at prestige venues including the Albert Hall and television appearances, he believes passionately that creativity is not just for an artistic minority, but a key part of every day lives and business for everyone.