Dr. Diane Nutt works closely with a range of staff across the institution to develop more holistic and systematic approaches to retention.

She has led two major projects on retention, funded by the European Social Fund: the first - a research project - highlighted a number of recommendations for enhancing the student learning experience; the second, an implementation project, examined strategies in practice. The work of the Retention Team at Teesside, which Diane set up, has been commended by HEFCE and the National Audit Office.

Diane has provided consultancy support on retention and first-year experience to several institutions across Europe, and in this context supported institutions in establishing their own approaches to these issues.

She is chair of the European First Year Experience Conference Organizing Committee; set up the European First Year Experience Network; and is co-editor of “International Perspectives on the First Year Experience”.