Oliver is currently a Lecturer in International Relations with over ten years’ experience of promoting international collaboration in the fields of politics, business, education, culture, and sports. This notably included various public and private sector roles facilitating bilateral relations between the UK and China. Most recently, as a Trade and Investment Manager for United Kingdom Trade and Investment (UKTI) at the British Consulate in Shanghai where he oversaw a range of strategic partnerships and high-profile collaborative projects in the ICT, healthcare and life sciences, and education sectors. He is also an accredited coach and has designed and delivered programmes to bring coaching skills into the higher education sector. This includes its application to academic supervision, as a research skill for students, and to enhance the leadership qualities of academic staff.