5 minutes with David Bailey

Tell me about your role at the University?

It’s my role to make sure the international team has the resources and the motivation to give our international applicants and our global friends the best possible service.

What are your favourite tasks / areas of responsibility?

I've been in this job for 13 years and I've seen lots of our students make the journey from excited and nervous applicants to becoming confident successful professionals who are happy to share their stories and tips to the next generation of students. That’s my favourite bit. It reminds me why we all do what we do.

What is your favourite place on campus and why?

There’s no particular place; it’s the whole variety of places that are available to students and colleagues to work and play that I like. Whether you want to socialise, or find somewhere quiet to work, if you want to exercise or grab some food, there’s a place for you on campus.

When you were growing up what did you want to be?

When I was little, I never really wanted to grow up, I liked being a kid and thought grown-ups were missing out on all the fun.

Do you have a New Year’s resolution?

Only to follow funny people on X and unfollow all the political commentators. So far it’s working really well... I’m watching hundreds of dog videos!

What is your perfect weekend?

For the early part of my career I worked as a chef so I didn’t have weekends, and consequently I now think every weekend is perfect!

But here’s what I’d really enjoy... It would be a lovely British weekend in the summer. We’d spend Saturday getting loads of fresh air with a walk along a beautiful coastal footpath. In the evening my son, Sean, and I would barbecue loads of fantastic food on the beach while my daughter, Bronagh, plays her guitar. On Sunday we’d do one of my absolute favourite things which is to go for a long swim down a river then we’d finish the day in the garden of a riverside pub drinking a glass or two of perfectly smooth British ale.

Who would be your dream dinner party guests?

I’d like to have a dinner with everybody who has ever worked in the international team over the last 13 years. It’d be fascinating to see how people have changed and how everyone remembers the IDO. Most importantly the guys who still work in the team would be there too, as they are the best dinner party company possible. Our Christmas parties are amazing!

Do you have a favourite meal?

I’d like to think I haven’t found my favourite meal yet. I often like to order something off the menu that I’ve never tried before. Anything with loads of chillies is a great start though!

Current favourite song, film, book, podcast?

Currently re-reading Quirkology which is a really funny and readable book written by Richard Wiseman, a Professor of Psychology, about some of the brilliantly strange experiments that people have done over the years and what they tell us about ourselves. For example, some psychologists reckon they have found the world’s funniest joke. (I’m waiting for the perfect time to use it in one of our team meetings!).

Favourite podcast: When it hits the fan. It’s all about PR disasters and how to handle them.

My favourite film is Spinal Tap. It came out when I was at school and it’s made me laugh for the last 40 years.

Have you made any holiday plans for 2024?

My partner and I quite fancy inter-railing around Europe this year. Our kids are older now, so we have the freedom to travel light and not plan ahead quite so much. I know for sure there’ll be some great food involved though wherever we go.