In memoriam: Jill Smith

We report the sad passing of Jill Smith, an administrator in Liverpool Screen School, who was well-known across the university as both a colleague and a friend.

Jill was a true character with a great sense of humour, always friendly, approachable and willing to help others.

She worked in the Business School and Law before joining the former School of Media, Critical and Creative Arts in the Dean Walters Building, the school latterly became the Screen School and from 2012 Jill worked in the new Redmonds Building where she worked supporting Creative Writing, Drama, Film Studies and Journalism as a senior programme administrator.

Jill played an active role in the university community, in particular through her health and safety roles – first aider, fire warden, fire evacuation officer and H&S officer for LSS. Never shy to call something or someone out, Jill made a huge contribution to ensuring the faculty provided the safest environment. She also worked as a Unison steward for many years.

When programme teams arranged field trips, Jill would be persuaded to go as first aider or admin support, often sacrificing her own weekends to ensure things ran smoothly. During such visits to London (with Journalism), Warner TV Studios or Gregynog Residentials (Creative Writing), she developed a good rapport and friendship with many students who often kept in touch with her after graduation.

During 21 years at LJMU, Jill developed a great network of contacts and friends both within the faculty and in central service teams. She was well-known and respected by many and will be very much missed by all those who had the absolute pleasure to work closely with her.