EDGE HILL UNIVERSITY - Key Persons
Alicia has undertaken many roles over the past 23 years, as an Early Years practitioner, FE lecturer, Early Years consultant, Head of Department and Head of Primary in various educational establishments nationally and internationally.
Alicia is passionate about research informed practice with a special interest in the emotional impact of human interactions. She has recently worked on a project as part of her PhD research that looks at the moral connection between assessment and emotional development in Early Childhood Education. This study has set the foundations of her Doctoral research which will be based on the use of assessment methods to support the development of emotional competence.
She supports families and Early Years practitioners nationally and internationally with a focus on observing and understanding emotional responses. The connections she has made through the work she has done with children in small communities in Nepal, India and Jordan has inspired a lot of her investigations. It is her aim to work towards equality and social justice and she intends to use her research to offer children opportunities to develop emotional stability.
Ann has been involved with Edge Hill University for over 23 years, firstly as a student and then as a member of staff. She has been in her current role as Senior Access Advice and Guidance Officer in the Admissions team for 17 years. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academic following completion of the PGCert HE.
Ann's role is varied and includes identifying applicants with non-traditional or few qualifications and offering advice and guidance to both the Admissions team and applicants on the suitable ways forward for these applicants.
She is also centrally involved in recruitment to the University's Fastrack Preparation for Higher Education Programme. Work on the Fastrack programme covers all aspects of the student journey from recruitment through to graduation and offers progression into over 90 % of degrees at the university across all faculties.
Ann joined the Board of Governors in September 2023.
Job Titles:
- Director of Strategy and Assistant Chief Executive of Blackpool Council
- Independent Governor
Antony is the Director of Strategy and Assistant Chief Executive of Blackpool Council, responsible for a diverse portfolio including policy and performance, commissioning and research, housing and headline place strategy. He leads on the development of corporate strategy and policy, is the council's lead interface with central government and regional partners, and is lead chief officer for the council's wholly owned companies.
Antony lectured in housing and regeneration at the University of Salford from 2008-14, and continues to guest lecture on these areas. Antony holds higher degrees in modern history and is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
Antony has extensive governance experience, having served on the boards and committees of charities, academies, colleges and housing associations. He is also Vice-Chair of Village Manchester Football Club.
Antony was awarded an OBE in the King's New Year Honours 2024 for services to Local Government.
Antony joined the Board as an independent governor in October 2022 and serves on the Audit & Risk and Remuneration Committees.
For over ten years, Christine worked in the IT department at RSA in Liverpool. In 2005, she set up an IT and Project Management Consultancy, which she continues to run today.
Christine has a long-standing awareness of the importance of education at all stages of life and has a particular interest in equality of opportunity. She was a governor at a local school for 16 years and has worked with an educational charity as an IT project manager.
Christine is from the local area. Her family have been regular visitors to Edge Hill, making good use of the facilities available to the community.
Christine joined the Board as an Independent Governor in 2016, and is a member of Audit & Risk committee and Governance and Nominations committee.
Job Titles:
- Secondary Religious Education With
Job Titles:
- Chairman of All
- Pro - Chancellor and Chair of the Board
Clive is from Liverpool and was a Senior Executive with Barclays for 30 years before becoming an independent management consultant specialising in transformational change management. He has a Master's in Business Administration from Kingston University.
Clive is passionate about higher education, especially the role it plays in enabling students to secure and enjoy fulfilling employment in a fast changing world.
Appointed as an Independent Governor in 2017, he has been Chair of the Board since November 2022.
Clive is also Chair of all of Edge Hill's subsidiary companies and of the Governance and Nominations Committee besides being a member of the Remuneration Committee.
Job Titles:
- Reader in Education / Research / Department: Research
Job Titles:
- Senior Lecturer in Early Years Education
Job Titles:
- Vice - Chancellor
- Vice - Chancellor and Ex - Officio Governor
Dr John Cater is the Vice-Chancellor of Edge Hill University, having been appointed in 1993. As a social geographer, he has published extensively on family origin, housing, economic development and public policy and co-authored major research studies for the Social Science Research Council, the Commission for Racial Equality and their successor bodies.
He was a Director of the higher education Careers Service from 1994-2013 and was Chair of Liverpool: City of Learning from 2003-2005. He chaired the Standing Conference of Principals from 2001-2003, having been Vice-Chair from 1997-2001. He was a Director of the Teacher Training Agency and its successor body, the Training and Development Agency for Schools, from 1999-2006 and chaired both the Accreditation and the Audit Committees. He is also the Chair of the Guild HE/Universities UK Teacher Education Advisory Group. He was a member of Department of Health's Expert Advisory Panel on Nurse Education and Training from 1995-97, and has sat on Universities UK's Health and Social Care Committee since 2004. He also represented all Vice-Chancellors on the Joint DH/DfE Social Work Reform Board. He represented the sector on HEFCE's Good Management Practice Panel from 1999-2003, and sat on both the HEROBaC and HEIF1 and HEIF2 Panels.
He is past Chair of the Knowsley 14-19 Collegiate Consortium and the Greater Merseyside and West Lancashire Lifelong Learning Network, and a former member of the QAA's Advisory Committee on Degree-Awarding Powers.
Job Titles:
- Primary Early Years Education With
Job Titles:
- Primary Early Years Education With
Job Titles:
- Chairman of Brinscall Village Junior Football Club
- Independent Governor
Graeme grew up in Buckinghamshire, educated at the Royal Grammar School High Wycombe, then Keble College, Oxford (Geography), before gaining membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in 1993 as a planning and development surveyor. In 2000 Graeme completed an Executive MBA programme with Bristol University and the ENPC School of International Management in Paris.
Graeme's early career was spent within a London based Quantity Surveying firm, whose principal clients included Bath University and the Priory Hospitals Group before moving to Lancashire in 1997 with his partner and young children to take a consultancy position with KPMG in Manchester. Graeme is now a director of GENECON Ltd, a niche but nationally respected economic development consultancy based in Leeds, having also spent time with AMION Consulting in Liverpool. He counts among his more interesting projects the review of the merger of UMIST and Victoria Manchester University to create the University of Manchester, analysis of the economic potential of a new university campus on the Olympic Park and the creation of various Enterprise Zones across the country.
Graeme lives in Chorley, Lancashire with his partner and two teenage children. At community level, Graeme is Chairman of Brinscall Village Junior Football Club and has led a number of successful grant applications to the Football Foundation and Sport England.
Graeme joined the Board in September 2015 and served as Chair of Resources Committee until July 2021. He is a member of the Remuneration Committee.
Job Titles:
- Secondary Mathematics Education With
Job Titles:
- Lecturer in Primary Education ( Maths and Science )
Prior to joining Edge Hill as Lecturer in STEM Education, Helen has experienced working as a teacher in both the state and independent sector. Helen has experience in one, two, three and four form entry primary schools in Catholic, C of E and non denominational schools teaching in both key stages, across all year groups. Helen was also a member of the senior leadership team, being a Maths and Acting Science subject leader.
Since joining Edge Hill University, Helen has undertaken the role of Primary Science lecturer, working across the Primary and Childhood department, on the Undergraduate and PGCE programmes, building on her knowledge to enhance teaching and learning. More recently, Helen has undertaken the role of ITE Inclusion Lead ensuring quality learning support for all students across QTS programmes. Helen's focus on SEND, mental health, wellbeing, inclusion and accessibility in education is an area she is passionate about, being a member of many groups across the university in support of this.
In addition to this, Helen is the Course Lead for the Primary and Childhood Education BA Undergraduate programme for the part time students, supporting their academic and pastoral needs. Helen has recently worked with the Programme Lead, analysing improvements in support of the programme for the student experience.
Helen is currently studying for a PGCert using her knowledge and experience to support the Faculty of Education.
Helen started working at Edge Hill in 2002 following her graduation from the University of Nottingham.
Initially specialising in student assessment and awards, Helen went on to become the University's Academic Registrar before creating a new department as Director of Governance & Assurance in 2021. In this role, Helen is responsible for ensuring that the University operates within an environment conducive with the OfS regulatory framework. She has specific oversight of academic quality and standards, corporate governance and student casework.
As Clerk to Governors, Helen is responsible for providing independent, authoritative advice, guidance and administrative support to the Board of Governors. She also ensures their ongoing compliance with the various statutory, regulatory body and other legal obligations.
An advocate of professional development and sharing best practice, Helen regularly sits on national advisory boards, and is presently supporting the QAA to develop best practice in promoting academic integrity. She is well-connected within the sector having recently been Chair of the National Assessment Practitioners' Group and is currently acting as External Reviewer for Staffordshire University's Degree Outcomes Statement. Helen is also a member of the Association of University Administrators, the Association of Heads of University Administration, and a Student Member of the Chartered Governance Institute (formerly ICSA).
Job Titles:
- Primary Mathematics Specialist With
Job Titles:
- Lecturer in Early Years Education
Jamie has been in education for over a decade, working with children from birth to eleven. Initially a KS2 teacher at a British international school in Malaysia, Jamie moved back to the UK to retrain as an early years teacher and manager of a setting that supported children from birth to five. His passion is in the early years and providing children with autonomy over their learning.
Jo has had extensive experience in the public sector, working for the NHS, Health & Safety Executive and Nuclear Installations Inspectorate before joining the Environment Agency in 2016. In her current role as Deputy Director and Head of Radioactive Substances and Installations Regulation, she leads on high-profile projects, including Nuclear New Build, Nuclear Legacy and Waste, Radioactive Source Security, regulation of EPR (Environmental Permitting Regulations) and Control of Onshore Major Accident Hazards Regulations (COMAH), support to Defra Clean Air Strategy and Environment Bill, Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy, Energy White Paper and other related government plans and strategies.
As well as her regulatory work, Jo is also passionate about helping to increase diversity in the workplace, including at senior management and board level, and is an active mentor in the 30% Club. She is keen to support the University as it explores how to make a real contribution to meeting the local and global challenges posed by the climate emergency.
Jo joined the Board as an Independent Governor in September 2021 and serves on the Audit & Risk Committee.
Job Titles:
- Member of Edge Hill University 's Widening Access
- Student Governor
Lauren has recently graduated with a BSc in Psychology and is currently studying for a MSc In Counselling and Psychotherapy in contemporary creative approaches, both at Edge Hill University. She was elected as the Student Governor for 2022 to 2023 by the student body.
During her time at Edge Hill, Lauren has undertaken a variety of volunteering roles within and around the community, such as working at Alder Hey hospital throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, mentoring young people for Wigan Targeted Support Services and working at charity events held by the Ormskirk rugby club.
Lauren is also a member of Edge Hill University's Widening Access panel, where she and other students discuss their experiences at university which serves to provide staff with the student perspective. The panel aims to maintain and improve upon current support systems in place to increase non-traditional student retention, satisfaction and population.
Leon joined Edge Hill in 2000. He initially worked in one of the academic departments of what subsequently became the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and in 2007 he joined what was then the Department of Research and Knowledge Transfer. He has led the development of research degrees at Edge Hill since 2009 and in 2010 he had a central role in the establishment of the University's Graduate School. Leon led the expansion of research degree routes from what was originally only the PhD to include the Masters by Research (MRes), PhD by publication and the professional doctorate, and has overseen the development of the University's Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) studentship scheme. Leon is Chair of Research Degrees Sub-Committee and a member of Academic Career Development Implementation Group, Research Management Group, Research and Innovation Committee and Academic Board.
In January 2021 the University undertook a major expansion of the Graduate School and at that point Leon was appointed to the role of Dean of the Graduate School. In that role all elements of research degrees, along with researcher development and partnership and collaboration are central features of Leon's work but he has gained a wide range of experience of many aspects of higher education over the last twenty-five years. Particularly prominent among those is his involvement in regulatory matters, academic quality and governance.
Leon combines his management role with being a research-active academic and publishes regularly in philosophy. He became Reader in Philosophy in 2012 and has a broad range of philosophical interests. His major current preoccupations are with various matters in the philosophies of mind, language and logic, and the work of Ludwig Wittgenstein.
Leon joined the Board of Governors in June 2023.
Job Titles:
- Pro Vice - Chancellor ( Marketing, Student Recruitment and Student Administration )
Liam was appointed as Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor (Marketing, Student Recruitment and Student Administration) in October 2023. Liam first joined Edge Hill in 2007. During his 16 years at the University, he has held many senior roles including the Director of Student Recruitment and Administration. Liam provides strategic leadership for the University's recruitment activity, including international recruitment. He is also responsible for Marketing, Admissions, Careers, Corporate Communications, Academic Registry and The Arts Centre.
He represents the University on external Boards including People and Skills Workstream Group with Lancashire LEP and Skelmersdale Ambassador Board.
Job Titles:
- Secondary English Education With
Job Titles:
- Head of International Recruitment
Job Titles:
- Consultant, Registered Inspector With the Independent Schools Inspectorate
- Vice - Chair of the Board and Chair of Remuneration Committee
Having completed a second headship of 12 years at Merchant Taylors' Girls' School, Louise is currently an educational consultant, registered inspector with the Independent Schools Inspectorate, Magistrate and executive coach. With a degree in Computer Science and Maths, Louise has also a Master's Level 7 in Coaching and Mentoring, a Master's in Education and the National Professional Qualification for Headship. In 2012 she was the President of the Girls' Schools Association and was vice chair of the Independent Schools Council from 2012-2015. She is also a governor of Westholme School, Blackburn as well as a Trustee for the charity Liverpool World Centre.
Louise was appointed as an Independent Governor in September 2014 and took on the role of Deputy Chair of the Board in November 2022. She is Chair of the Remuneration Committee, and a member of the Governance & Nominations Committee.
Job Titles:
- Secondary Mathematics Education With
Job Titles:
- Pro Vice - Chancellor ( Student Experience ) and University Secretary
Lynda joined Edge Hill University as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience) & University Secretary in April 2014. Her portfolio includes responsibility for Academic Registry, the Governance, Quality Assurance and Student Casework team, the Centre for Learning & Teaching, Directorate Office and Student Services.
Before joining Edge Hill, Lynda spent 12 years at the Open University (the OU) in a variety of roles. Between 2005 and 2011 she was Regional Director for the OU in the North West, leading the team responsible for supporting the OU's 25,000 students studying in the region. From 2011 onwards, Lynda was Director of the Learner Support Service, an institution-wide role with responsibility for a range of information, advice and guidance and operational services to enable more than 200,000 students to achieve their study goals.
Before joining the OU, Lynda worked for seven years at Liverpool John Moore's University where she was a Principal Lecturer in Law and Head of the Legal Practice Course.
Maggie was elected by the student body as the EHSU Faculty of Education Education President 2023/24. Her role in the Students' Union allows her to work alongside students, staff, and the wider SU team to help improve and develop student experience.
Maggie has been part of the Edge Hill community for nearly 5 years, studying BA (Hons) Teaching Learning and Child Development, from which she will graduate in July 2024. During her time as a student, she undertook the role of a student guide supporting various on- and off-campus events. She also served as a course representative to promote and amplify the student voice within her cohort.
In her spare time, Maggie volunteers with a charity called VIDES UK to plan and deliver a variety of activities, experiences and projects during the half term breaks and summer holidays to children and young people in the local community.
Mark has had extensive experience in the NHS, first joining in 2010 and taking on numerous strategic management roles in this time. Since June 2022, he has been Cheshire East Place Director for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside. In this role, Mark is responsible for planning, performance, and service integration across health and care, 100 staff, £700m budget serving the population of Cheshire East.
As well as his strategic experience gained through the NHS, Mark also has significant exposure to corporate governance roles, at various points serving as a trustee for Age Concern Preston and South Ribble, Public Sector Director for East Lancashire Building Partnership Ltd, and Finance Committee Member of the Maharishi Free School in Skelmersdale. He currently serves as Group Board Director for Bolton at Home Limited, a provider of social and affordable housing.
Mark joined the Board of Governors in September 2023.
Maxine's professional career was spent within the Further and Higher Education sectors. Having studied for an English degree at the University of Cardiff she took a post graduate qualification in Information Science at Birmingham City University and a Masters degree in Library Management at Aberystwyth University. Maxine has a long connection with Edge Hill and was Deputy Head of Library Services from 1987-1992. From here Maxine held a range of leadership roles in the H.E sector, culminating as Pro Vice Chancellor at the University of Gloucestershire (2012-2018). In this role her portfolio included responsibility for professional services teams, including Estates; IT; Student Services; Library and Information Services; Sustainability; Student Recruitment; Marketing and Communications; Process Review and Planning.
Maxine has also volunteered and acted as a trustee for many charitable organisations, including The Cheltenham Trust, Cheltenham Civic Society, Remembering Srebrenica and the Gladstone Library.
Maxine was appointed as an Independent Governor in October 2022, and serves on the Audit & Risk Committee.
Job Titles:
- Secondary Physical Education With QTS ( 11 - 16 )
Job Titles:
- Accountant
- Chairman of Audit & Risk Committee
Mike's career of 38 years was spent within the NHS. He was a Director of Finance/Chief Finance Officer for three separate NHS organisations in the North West. More recently, Mike has served as a Non-Executive Director at North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, where he served on Board and both the Audit and Quality committees.
Mike is a qualified accountant and has been a member of CIPFA since 1987. He joined the Board of Governors in September 2021 and has served as Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee since November 2022.
Job Titles:
- Early Years Education and Leadership
Job Titles:
- PGDE Post - 14 Education. View Alumni Profile
Steve Igoe is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Edge Hill University. Steve first joined the University in 1996. Within his role, he has responsibility for the operational areas of Capital Projects, Financial Services, Human Resources, IT Services, Library and Learning Services, Strategic Policy & Planning, and Facilities Management. He is also a Director of a number of Edge Hill's commercial enterprises. Steve chairs the Health and Safety Committee, Costing and Pricing Steering Group and Teaching and Support Staff Consultative and Negotiating Committees (CNC's) and the Academic Planning Committee.
Graduating with a first degree in Law from the University of Liverpool, he subsequently qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1988 and went on to become a senior manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers, with specific expertise in project management and advising listed PLCs on Corporate Governance and Risk Management. He was a member of the HEFCE Risk Management Advisory Group, responsible for drafting risk management guidance for the higher education sector. He has assessed funding bids for the HEFCE Good Management Practice Initiative and was a member of the HEFCE Board Sub-Committee advising on Leadership, Governance and Management matters for the sector.
Steve served two terms as a member of the Higher Education Regulatory Review Group ( HERRG) advising the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) on the regulation of the higher education sector. He was a founding Director and Company Secretary for the North West's largest regional Metropolitan area network, Net North West for six years. Steve is a past chair of the North West Consortium Higher Level Teaching Assistants Board (PRIME) and was a Trustee of Respiratory Education UK, a charity providing respiratory education for healthcare professionals, as well as a member of the governing body of a local NHS Foundation Trust. He was a Non-Executive Director and Senior Independent Director at Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, and chaired their Audit Committee and Integrated Governance and Risk Committee. Steve was appointed as a Non-Executive Director to the Board of Wirral NHS Foundation Trust from 1 October 2018. He is Chair of the Audit Committee and Safety Management Assurance Committee and is the Senior Independent Director.