Afzal is a regeneration professional having held senior posts in the Community, Local Government and Social Enterprise sectors. He is Chief Officer at Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) – a dynamic social business, championing community-led approaches. The Association provides homes and delivers a range of health, employment, skills, and environmental initiatives.
Afzal is Co-founder and Director of West Midlands Urban Community Homes (wMUCH); Executive Member of Birmingham Social Housing Partnership (BSHP); and Centre for the New Midlands (CNM), Homes and Communities Leadership Board member. Afzal maintains a strong interest in local economic development and helped to establish the North Birmingham Economic Recovery Taskforce, and serves on the Advisory Board of the Birmingham Adult Education Service.
Prior to joining WLCA, Afzal held senior regeneration posts in local government including Managing Director of Coventry New Deal for Communities; a flagship government initiative established to address deprivation in challenging neighbourhoods. He also served as Deputy/Interim Chief Executive at Aston Pride NDC with Birmingham City Council.
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, indeed is transformative. As a member of BMet’s governing body my role is to hold the college up to scrutiny and ensure the senior leadership team is leading the college effectively. I am also a trustee of Harborne Academy and the UCAS Board.
Prue Huddleston is Emeritus Professor and formerly Director of the Centre for Education and Industry, at the University of Warwick; she has a particular interest in the 14-19 curriculum, focusing on vocational education and qualifications and work-related learning; she has published widely on vocational learning and applied pedagogy. Before joining the University of Warwick she worked for many years within the FE sector, as a teacher and manager, also within community and outreach education. She has been involved in postgraduate teacher training (FE and secondary) for over 20 years.
She has run programmes of professional development for teachers, trainers and school/college managers as well as for Ofsted (formerly ALI) and Ofqual. She has completed research and evaluation contracts for the Department for Education, Learning and Skills Improvement Service, Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency, European Commission and British Council. Her international work includes projects in: China, Hungary, Sweden, Latvia, South Africa, Israel, Spain and Egypt.
She is a member of AQA Research Committee; a member of OCR Qualifications Committee; a member of City and Guilds Quality and Standards Committee; a member of Ofqual Standards Advisory Group and on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Vocational Education and Training. She is Special Advisor to the Education and Employers Taskforce and acts as an Assessment Specialist for Ofqual.
Peter joined the Corporation in September 2019 having been a co-opted member of the Finance Committee since May 2018.
Peter is a Chartered Accountant and a director at professional services firm Deloitte in Birmingham and specialises in M&A Transaction Services. During his 25 year career Peter has developed a broad range of experience across finance, strategy and management.
Peter is married and has two children. In what time he has free Peter enjoys playing golf and is a keen spectator of rugby and cricket.
Angela has lived in the midlands for most of her life and worked in education for over 40 years. After teaching in schools in her early career, she moved into the Further Education sector. In 1988 she established and led The Centre for Learning Development, based at Solihull College, which had a key role in placing learning at the heart of what colleges do. Three seminal national conferences entitled “Enhancing the Quality of Learning” were organised by The Centre and provided a platform from which many in the FE sector were stimulated to develop learner centred approaches. From 1995 to 2002 she was Vice Principal responsible for curriculum and quality.
Since 2002 Angela has worked as a consultant with over 100 organisations, mainly colleges, but also community and voluntary organisations and work-based learning providers. Her work centres on helping organisations improve the quality of teaching and learning through a number of innovative strategies. Professional Dialogue, that is now used by many across the education sector as a whole originated in the work by Angela and her team at The Centre for Learning Development. Her work is referenced in a number of publications; also articles on FE written by Angela have been published in the Education Guardian.
Helen has been a specialist pensions solicitor for over 25 years, working in the Midlands throughout her career.
Helen has been a partner at global law firms DLA Piper and Squire Patton Boggs. She recently joined leading challenger firm, Gunnercooke, as a partner in their specialist team. Helen deals with all aspects of pensions advice to trustees and corporates, including trust law, regulation, corporate transactions, and disputes.
Helen is Chair of the NHS Pensions Board, appointed by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. The NHS Pensions Board is the statutory body responsible for governance of the NHS Pension Scheme.
Memberships and Pensions Industry Highlights
- Rated as a leading individual for pensions law in the Midlands in Chambers’ Guide to the Legal Profession since 2001, and recognised in the Legal 500 since 2002.
- Association of Pension Lawyers – member since 1994; Chair of the Midlands Group 2014/15.
- Expert witness (legal) to the Parliamentary Work & Pensions Select Committee’s Enquiry into the Defined Benefit Pensions White Paper (2018).
- Acritas “Star” lawyers – listed for 2018, 2019 and 2020 (nominated by clients).
- Shortlisted for two categories in the Professional Pensions Women in Pensions Awards 2019 (Mentor of the Year and Role Model of the Year).
Education
- Nottingham University – LLB
- Nottingham Trent University – Law Society Finals
- Aston University – Diploma in Psychology
Other
- Guardian of the Standard of Wrought Plate in Birmingham (member of the governing body of the Birmingham Assay Office) and member of the Appointments and Remuneration Committee of the Birmingham Assay Office.
- Trustee of the Birmingham Assay Office Pension Scheme (2015 – 2020)
Alaric is currently the Deputy Director of External Relations at the University of Birmingham. He joined the University in 2014 as Director of Student recruitment now has responsibility for all aspects of marketing and admissions, widening participation, communications and PR. Prior to this, Alaric spent 5 years working for Pearson PLC in national and global business development leadership roles and a further 5 years working for a vocational exam board and awarding organisation. He has also gained valuable commercial experience working in sales roles within the finance sector.
Alaric gained his PhD in Physical Geography from Coventry University and spent the early part of his career teaching at the University and working as an A-level examiner.
Alaric brings a wealth of educational and commercial experience to the board. His core strengths lie in marketing and communications within an educational context and he has a strong personal interest in widening participation within higher education and the importance of levelling the playing field for students from less advantaged backgrounds.
Sharon joined the Corporation in December 2021 and is a member of the Audit Committee.
Sharon has worked in education for over 25 years and is an experienced Senior Manager of partnerships and subcontractor provision in Further Education with a particular expertise in working with local communities, NEET and Adult Learners.
In addition , Sharon is heavily involved in community development work in Birmingham and a member of the Black FE Leadership Group. In her spare time Sharon enjoys involvement netball, golf, cricket and her church activities.
Gary is a qualified accountant and has become a lifetime member of ACCA since retiring in 2020.
Having started his career in local government, Gary worked in the education sector for over 30 years, firstly in Higher Education with Aston University as Senior Accountant, then moving on to become Director of Finance with Matthew Boulton College in 1998. He was instrumental in the college’s relocation from the previous Sherlock Street site to the new facility at Jennens Road – a £38 million project completed on-time and in budget. Gary was appointed as Executive Director of Finance at Dudley College in 2008 and helped to develop their town centre learning quarter with financing, planning and construction of three further new facilities. He spent the last year of his working career at King Edward VI Schools in Edgbaston as Head of Finance for the Foundation. Gary has also carried out voluntary roles as Governor for a local junior school, and as Treasurer for the Friends of Priory Park in Dudley.
Gary is married with two adult daughters and enjoys walking, travelling, reading and bird watching.
Based at Birmingham City University, Dr Roy Priest is Head of the Department of Digital Media Technology which is home to the internationally recognised DMT Lab.
An experienced academic leader with expertise in the management of applied computing courses, Roy’s own research centres on graduate employability and in the development of innovative approaches for the enhancement of informal links between industry and universities.
Peter Morrison is a distinguished inventor and multi-award-winning entrepreneur renowned for his creative spirit, innovative solutions, and unwavering commitment to education and environmental sustainability. Highlights of Peter’s journey include winning the prestigious Nesta British Inventor of the Year award, a memorable appearance on the renowned BBC show “Dragon’s Den”, as well as receiving numerous awards. Peter talks to local pupils and students about determination, creativity, a commitment to positive change, and champions the concept that individual passion and ingenuity can have a profound impact on society.
Lorain Morrison is a seasoned strategic leader with a remarkable track record in the realms of public and private sectors, particularly in the areas of Clinical Governance, Serious Incident investigations, Complex complaint and Claims management, and Legal advisory services.
Lorain’s career spans various leadership roles and she has over 20 years experience in healthcare, governance, and patient safety. Since 2014 Lorain has worked as a Consultant for various National Health Service organisations providing strategic leadership and guidance and mentoring to members of senior management teams. and helping to develop effective quality governance and risk management frameworks in compliance with the Care Quality Commission recommendations.
During her varying roles, Lorain has also dealt with public inquiries, and effectively communicating across departments and government agencies to resolve issues. She has worked with Integrated Care Boards to discuss and present Serious Incident Investigations, and has been a senior point of contact for staff to prepare and support staff attending Coroner Inquest Court hearings.
Outside of her professional life, Lorain enjoys exploring new travel destinations, reading, and actively seeking personal growth opportunities both in her work and social interactions. Her diverse interests underscore her passion for continuous learning and personal development.
Her diverse interests underscore her passion for continuous learning and personal development.
Newly retired, Simon has spent the best part of 40 years working as an actuary in several life insurance companies throughout the UK and has a wide-ranging experience and knowledge to bring to the Corporation Board including those regarding initiatives that support the well- being of staff for large organisations. For over 20 years Simon also served as a Trustee Director on his employers’ pension schemes.
Simon has been involved in the governance of educational organisations for a number of years and was attracted to BMet by the enthusiasm, drive and energy shown by those committed to the provision of education in the City.
Originally from Grimsby, Simon has been in the West Midlands for over twenty years. He is a father of two and his interests include cycling, walking, and travelling.
Glenice has an extensive background in Community Development and has brought a number of the skills that she has amassed to BMet. She joined the Corporation in 2019 and is currently a Tutorial Facilitator at JWC.
- Chair of the award-winning BAME Network
- Designed, co-ordinated and project managed the REALise Mentoring Scheme and
- Co-ordinator of the first three years of the Student Commission for Racial Justice
Glenice is passionate that all of our students feel that they are seen, heard, respected and safe whilst studying with BMet and our staff are central to making that happen.
Prior to coming to BMet, Glenice worked across the Midlands primarily with the voluntary and community sector in Birmingham, Sandwell, Wolverhampton and Coventry delivering training and supporting organisations that focused on health, housing, employment and social enterprise. She has raised over £1m for groups as well as developed their capacity and ability to become flexible and better able to respond to needs, demands and change.
Glenice is mum to twin teenagers, likes to read a good book, the theatre and is about to embark on trying to improve her Arabic language skills.
Verity has worked in further education since 2002, starting as a part-time lecturer and moving into full-time teaching across a range of Computing and IT courses. Over the years, she has taught everything from Level 2 through to A Levels, T Levels and Higher Education covering subjects like cybersecurity, digital communications and project management.
Alongside teaching, Verity taken on roles including Departmental Manager and Digital T Level Lead, where she has supported curriculum development and built strong links with employers to create meaningful industry experiences for students.
Verity now work as a Learning and Development Coach within the Quality team, supporting staff through coaching, CPD and quality improvement work. She is passionate about helping colleagues develop their practice and keeping the learner experience at the centre of everything we do.
Verity is passionate about supporting staff development, driving high-quality teaching, and ensuring that the learner experience is paramount. As a staff governor, Verity bring a strong understanding of curriculum delivery, quality assurance, and the day-to-day experiences of both staff and students, alongside a commitment to constructive challenge and continuous improvement.
Harinder Randhawa is studying Level 3 Health and Social Care and has been at Sutton Coldfield College for 4 years.
Harinder wanted to become a student governor to improve student voice across the college, so students from all departments are able to have an equal say about what they wish to see in the college and to have an overall good experience which they can remember.
By being Governor, she’s pushing herself out of her comfort zone, through participating in extra curriculum activities, going out to new places to enrich herself and talking to people unexpectedly, which was something that she had struggled with when she first started college.
Harinder aspires to be able to make a difference to students’ college life as Student Governor, where all students are able to gain valuable skills and learn new information. Harinder hopes to get into university by studying hard and exceeding her target grades.
Harinder enjoys travelling, spending time volunteering and going outside, as well as listening to music and trying new food.
Nicole is studying Health and Social Care, Level 3 Extended Diploma at James Watt College and is in her third year. Nicole is the Student Governor, Chair of the Student Council and Student Rep for James Watt College. Nicole has a positive attitude and a desire to learn and aspires to go to university and become a Naval Nurse.
Nicole won The Collaboration Award and the James Watt ‘Student of the Year’ at the BMet Student Awards for 2024-2025.
Nicole enjoys writing poetry, is always happy helping students and staff around the college and she is a reliable student. Nicole has been an ambassador and led a project called The Youth Social Action with other students. She encourages other students to join as she says it is a really good way to build teamwork, communication skills and courage.
Nicole believes that the key to success in life is to focus, to have determination and to do hard work. She aspires to be a wonderful role model and a fitting example to the College. Nicole strives to be respectful, polite, supportive, and patient. She considers herself to be a kind student who loves to brighten other people’s day by putting their needs first, treating them equally and by listening and ensuring that everyone feels welcomed, safe and confident.
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, indeed is transformative. As a member of BMet’s governing body my role is to hold the college up to scrutiny and ensure the senior leadership team is leading the college effectively. I am also a trustee of Harborne Academy and the UCAS Board.
My role is to ensure that we unlock our student’s potential through learning and that they have a positive fulfilling experience during their time at the college.
I have worked in Further Education for 20 years and started my career teaching business studies before moving into curriculum management, gaining an MSc in Educational Leadership, and becoming a school governor. Presently I am a governor for Sense College Loughborough which is a specialist Further Education college supporting students between 16-25 who have a wide range of disabilities. I also serve on several boards in Birmingham including the Sutton Business Improvement District and Colleges West Midlands. I represent the college nationally through the AoC Careers Network Group.
I support Leicester Children’s Hospital and Heart link as both of my sons have benefited from their wonderful care. My main interests are wild swimming and outdoor activities.
My role at BMet scans across Estates, Finance and MIS functions. have worked within Further Education, Local Authority and Private Sector teams. I qualified as Chartered Global Management Accountant and have 19 years of experience in finance and audit. My career in accountancy stemmed from an accountancy apprenticeship with an FE college.
Presently I am a trustee at Harborne Academy.
Outside of College my main hobby is horse riding and I compete at affiliated level in both dressage and showing. I also hold a personal license and have experience in the hospitality sector.
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.
My role is to promote the College! I and the team across the External Directorate build relationships with key stakeholders including national and regional businesses, civic and government stakeholders, schools, other Further Education providers and others in order to provide us with opportunities to develop our education & training programmes, support our students into work and provide a strong connected regional economy.
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. I am a very proud mum to a young son who has complex learning disabilities and so am passionate about bringing opportunities together for young children and adults with disabilities.
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.
As Vice Principal at Birmingham Metropolitan College, I lead a large and diverse post-16 provision focused on improving learner achievement, student experience, curriculum quality, and organisational performance. My work spans strategic leadership, quality improvement, staff development, and operational delivery across A Levels, vocational education, adult learning, apprenticeships, and higher education.
I am particularly passionate about creating ambitious, inclusive learning environments that combine high expectations with strong pastoral support, while developing evidence-informed approaches to teaching, learning, and student engagement.
I joined BMet in 2020 and took up the role of Vice Principal Quality, Teaching and Learning in 2024. I work closely with colleagues across the college to lead our drive towards excellence in teaching, learning, student experience and staff development. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, I also collaborate with the Board of Governors to help achieve our strategic aims and ambitions.
My background is in curriculum innovation, quality improvement, and staff development within further education, and I am committed to supporting teams to deliver the highest standards for our students and apprentices. I oversee the college’s quality assurance frameworks, professional development for staff, and the continual enhancement of teaching, learning and digital pedagogy.
I am deeply committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion by fostering a supportive and welcoming environment for both staff and students. I value collaboration highly and believe that removing barriers and empowering colleagues is key to creating positive outcomes for our learners and apprentices.
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.
Since 2005, I have been working in the Further Education Sector, starting as an Apprentice after the collapse of MG Rover and taking on various roles. However, I found my niche in the Management Information Systems (MIS) field, where my problem-solving skills shine, and I enjoy playing a pivotal role in the college’s operations.
My main responsibility is to strategically position the MIS and exams functions to comply with funding rules, reducing the risk of funding clawback or regulatory issues. I lead a team focused on cutting bureaucracy and enhancing efficiency within the college.
Outside of work, I volunteer as a committee member and coach for a local children’s community football team, dedicating most of my weekends to this activity.
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 and Senior Mental Health Lead. I am passionate about removing barriers to learning through the services I lead at BMet and supporting learners to reach their full potential. I enjoy collaboration with colleagues across the FE sector and providing opportunities to share practice to improve the student experience.
I’ve worked in education for the last 25+ 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. I also volunteer as a trustee at Birmingham Citizens Advice and NAMSS (National Association of Managers of Student Services).
I have been with BMet for six 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!