Jo is responsible for the development, implementation, maintenance and oversight of GJE’s business operations policies and processes. She ensures that the firm’s administrative systems and procedures are efficient and reliable, guaranteeing that clients receive a first-rate service. This involves working closely with the IP Support Managers to ensure their teams work to the standards and procedures required.
Jo’s role covers the overall management and implementation of the firm-wide procedures that the practice groups and records team follow. She oversees the firm’s compliance policies and is responsible for GJE’s operational processes, change and improvement strategies in conjunction with the firm’s management committee. She also oversees our office services team.
She works directly with all other departments and support managers across the firm.
Jo joined GJE in July 1982 as a patent secretary and has over 40 years of experience in the IP profession, previously working in both our IT & engineering and chemistry & life sciences teams. Jo worked her way up as a secretarial team leader in 2011, and then as a manager in 2015. She was promoted to head of operations in 2025.
Jo is a member of CIPA, having passed the CIPA administrator’s course in 2012.