In 1990 Frances Mannsåker became our head of humanities at the Polytechnic of Wales, later the University of Glamorgan (and now the University of South Wales).

She guided us through the process of developing and validat- ing degrees in creative writing, especially the MA, which she successfully argued should be an MPhil. Her understanding of the needs of her writing and creative colleagues – among them Helen Dunmore, Siân James and the future national poet of Wales, Gillian Clarke – and her adeptness in negotiating the university system helped establish an effective team.

Colleagues from that time will remember her as an empathetic manager and a fine host. Our loss in 2003 was the University of Lincoln’s gain: both owe much to Frances.