Heading up the IP Support Managers, Jo is responsible for ensuring that the firms’ administrative systems, processes and procedures used within the practice groups are efficient, reliable, consistent, up-to-date, and fit for purpose, to ensure 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 also oversees the recruitment, training, and cross-training of the practice group teams.
She works directly with all other departments and supports managers within 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 IT & Engineering and Chemistry & Life Sciences. Jo worked her way up to partner’s secretary before being promoted to secretarial team leader in 2011, process and change manager in 2015, secretarial and process manager in 2021 and PG Business Operations Manager in 2023.
Jo is a member of CIPA, having passed the CIPA administrator’s course in 2012.