Irene Mains

Irene Mains is a Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of People and Organisations at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU). She holds roles including HRM Pathway Lead for undergraduate business programmes and has served as Programme Leader and Academic Advisor at both postgraduate and undergraduate levels. Her academic affiliations include the Glasgow School for Business and Society.

Educated with a BA (Joint Hons), MSc in HRM, FCIPD, and MHEA qualifications, Irene transitioned from an 11-year career as an Organisational Development Consultant—specializing in leadership development and strategic change—before entering academia. She ran her own consultancy business (2003–2006) and continues public sector consultancy for senior management development.

Her research focuses on leadership in public sectors and cross-organisational mentoring initiatives for managers, leading a multi-organisation project since 2011. Irene bridges academia and practice through applied research and consultancy, emphasizing strategic leadership and organisational behaviour.