Members of the Senior Leadership Team
Pat Carvalho, Principal and CEO
I have been a senior leader in the FE sector since 2009. Up until this post, my experience has been in London and I am very pleased to be back in Birmingham. Before entering FE, my first career was in the NHS as a medical secretary, before going on to university as a mature student. In both instances, FE was the vehicle that gave me the confidence to take my career forward and in a different direction.
I believe firmly in the FE sector and how the work we do really helps people progress throughout their lives. So, when I had the choice to go into secondary education or FE at the end of my teacher training – it really was a natural step to join a college. I taught computing in the 90s and early part of this century, having completed an MSc in Artificial Intelligence. I have the upmost respect for our teaching profession, so if anyone asked me now could I teach computing or AI it would be a resounding no!
Anna Jackson, Deputy Principal
My role is to ensure that the students have a positive learning and enrichment experience during their time at Sutton Coldfield College.
I have worked in FE for 15 years and started my career teaching business studies before moving into curriculum management, gaining an MSc in Educational Leadership and becoming a school governor. Previously I worked in the hotel industry as a Sales and Marketing Manager which involved lots of dining and travelling!
I fundraise for Leicester Children’s Hospital and Heart link as both of my sons have benefited from their wonderful care. My main interests are various sporting activities and anything that involves spending time with my children and family.
Fiona Yardley, Chief Finance Officer
I am an experienced Finance Director and have worked within Further Education, Local Authority and Private Sector teams. I qualified as Chartered Global Management Accountant and have 17 years of experience in finance and audit.
Outside of College I hold a personal license and have experience in the hospitality sector.
Stephen Belling, Company Secretary
My role involves making sure that the college meets all its Governance requirements, supporting Governors, and reviewing the various contracts put in place with other organisations.
I joined BMet in December 2019 having worked as a solicitor since 1992 being a partner at a firm called Anthony Collins, running a community development charity for 10 years and then running an international company secretarial team at Gowling WLG.
My favourite subjects at school were English, Drama and Biology; one of my favourite artists is Peter Gabriel: and one of my all- time favourite film’s is Romuald & Juliette.
Sue Hopewell, Vice Principal – Curriculum and Quality
Reflecting on my career I would not change many things. Starting in the travel industry when I was 18 was a great experience and provided me with the opportunity to visit many places. I still have the bug for travelling and try and take as many breaks and holidays to different places as possible.
I came into further education by accident really, through a conversation with a customer when I was booking their holiday. I have never looked back and after spending the first 16 years furthering my education, gaining numerous relevant qualifications including a Master’s Degree, I really value the sector we work in and appreciate the doors it can open for many young people and adults.
Although I have only been at BMet a short time I feel I have really settled into the college and have the desire, enthusiasm and drive to make a difference working with like-minded colleagues.
Randeep Sami, Vice Principal – James Watt College
Having done my school work-experience in a primary school, I always knew I wanted to become a teacher but it wasn’t until I joined the FE sector in 2001 that I realised how much I would come to value working with students and helping them to develop their knowledge and skills. I spent 14 years at South and City College where I achieved my Masters Degree in Education, then worked at Solihull College as their Director of Quality Improvement before joining BMet at the James Watt College . I have a real passion for working with students and staff so that we can improve the life chances of our learners and help them to exceed their potential.
In my spare time, you can find me either in my greenhouse with my tomatoes, or training with my daughter at a Mauy Thai gym. My favourite music genres are Heavy Metal and Drum & Bass, and I love reading books by Isaac Asimov and Patricia Cornwell. I also have a small claim to fame as I once won an episode of Come Dine With Me.
Jan Myatt, Vice Principal – Matthew Boulton College
I work with curriculum directors and managers as well as our Student Experience team to try and ensure that our curriculum leads into career pathways and that our students enjoy their time at Matthew Boulton college.
I love my job, one of my favourite parts is speaking to students and hearing how well they are doing at college and how well they are getting on after leaving us.
I joined BMet almost four years ago as Head of faculty for English, maths and Foundation Learning. I’d previously spent 16 years at another FE college having started as an hourly paid lecturer.
Suzie Branch-Haddow, Vice Principal – External Development
My role is to build relationships with national and regional businesses and organisations to support them grow through recruiting and training people. That could be through providing work experience opportunities to attract young people into the business, building early talent career programmes through apprenticeships or developing training for current staff.
Before joining BMet in 2017 I worked in the regional Business Professional Services (BPS) Sector, running a small marketing business, working for clients across the BPS, education and tourism sectors.
I love spending time with my family and dogs, being outdoors and gardening. My favourite way to relax is swimming or reading and one of my favourite authors is Mike Gayle.
Rachel Jones, Vice Principal – IT and Data
My role involves making sure that we have the IT resources, funding knowledge and information to be able to make decisions that support learning across BMet. My remit involves a lot of compliance with external rules for funding, examinations and government returns.
I have worked in further education in various colleges, as a senior manager, for over 20 years. Before joining the world of FE, I taught maths and computing in secondary schools.
From an early age I had a keen interest in maths and programming and remember practising coding on a Texas instrument and on an Amstrad computer. I also love anything to do with animals and the countryside.
Alison Jones, Director of Human Resources and Development
I joined BMet in January 2016 as Director of Human Resources and Development.
Prior to joining BMet, I had an extensive and varied HR career in industry with GKN, the global engineering group. My roles ranged from generalist HR management and executive roles to, ultimately, a corporate HR Director position with global responsibility for employee engagement, reward and employee relations.
I have a BA Honours in Applied Social Science and a Graduate Diploma in Employment Relations. I am also a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development.
Kay Burton-Williams – Director of Student Experience
My role at the college is to ensure that we provide the best wrap around support we can to our learners through our wide range of Student Experience Services, I am also the Designated Safeguarding Lead. I am passionate about removing barriers to learning through the services I lead here at BMet and supporting learners to reach their full potential.
I’ve worked in education for the last 21 years having joined Matthew Boulton College in 2000, I’ve worked across a variety of roles and prior to this I worked in the retail and administrative sectors, bringing my passion for great customer service with me into Education. As a school leaver, I went to college and undertook a National Diploma in Travel & Tourism, I didn’t end up in the sector I studied in, but it gave me a wealth of experience and skills I’ve taken forwards into my career. I have myself been supported by the opportunities that Further Education and Higher Education provide, having completed a Foundation Degree and BSC Honours Degree in Business Management with Aston University as a mature learner. I studied for 5 years part time whilst working and raising a family, so I really empathise with those who are taking their next steps to re train and re skill, it’s not always easy but it’s worth it!
I am a keen gardener in my spare time and a huge SciFi fan, I love going to ComiCon events, hopefully one day I’ll get to go to San Diego ComiCon a lifelong dream.
Andrew Crowter, Director of Estates
I joined BMet in 2017 after 11 years as Director of Estates in FE. Prior to this I spent 18 years in the construction industry, finishing as Projects Manager and having gained extensive experience within the residential, retail and health care sectors. I love the challenge that Estates management brings and how well-maintained buildings and good facilities can enhance the experiences of all who come through our doors.
Out of college, life at church and with family take most of my time, with DIY providing an occasional, but pleasant escape.
Zoe Lee, Director of Marketing and Communications
I have been with BMet for three years and thoroughly enjoy my role promoting the college and all we offer so that learners across Birmingham can go on to fulfil their future ambitions.
I have worked in marketing and PR throughout my career starting in travel PR which gave me the opportunity to travel to a great many places and to stay in five-star hotels – which was a plus! I have worked in public sector comms for the last 16 years as I believe strongly in helping to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
I am a proud brummy, mother of one and laugh at my own jokes more than I should. I’m also an avid reader and love movies. My favourite films are Some Like it Hot, Torch Song Trilogy, Terms of Endearment and Grease!