Neil Calvert

CEO and Principal

Neil joined the College in July 2021 and has brought with him a wealth of experience gained in roles from across the education and charitable sectors.

He's been the Vice Chair of Governing Council and Chair of the Remuneration Committee at the University of Derby since 2015, and a governor since 2010. He was the inaugural Chair of the Student Affairs Committee and has led the board's work to develop student voice and representation. During his tenure the University has broken into the top 30 in national league tables and gained the Gold award in the first Teaching Excellence Framework.

Outside of work, Neil is a keen traveller, with a particular love of the Nordic countries, and also enjoys hill walking in the Peak District and elsewhere in his home county of Derbyshire. He is an enthusiastic amateur cook, indie music fan, father, dog owner and cricket and football supporter.

Alison Longden

Director of Learning

Alison joined the College having spent over seven years at Northern College where she led the Higher Education and Teacher Education programme. Passionate about education for social justice and digital inclusion, she successfully developed and grew the curriculum offer.

This included the development of innovative blended learning across a range of levels from unaccredited to Higher Education, receiving a number of commendations from validating and quality assurance organisations. 

Outside work, Ali has two lively cocker spaniels who love to be taken for walks where they can bounce through long grass and paddle in streams. Ali also enjoys doing pilates and pottering in the garden, albeit with a trial and error approach!  

Ed Bremner  

Learning Technologist

Ed is our Learning Technologist, providing support and guidance in all things online and digital within our teaching. Known as a bit of a 'jack-of-all-trades' Ed has worked in a range of different role including training, research, marketing, and project management, all mainly within the museum/charity sector before settling to support Technology Enhanced Learning in Higher Education. His biggest buzz is developing online communities to support co-operative and collaborative projects. In the rare hours that he is offline, he retires to his man-cave to fix old things, make new things and is never happier than when learning a new skill.

Dr Amanda Benson

Curriculum Development Manager

As our Curriculum Development Manager, Amanda is able to unite her love of community development, curriculum design and research projects in one post! She helps to promote sustainable and inclusive development both in the UK and worldwide. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys the theatre, live music, long walks and being outdoors.

Jenny Laycock

Learning Officer

Jenny joined in June 2021 and has been helping refresh some of our processes to make learning with us even better. She has a background in education, publishing and project management and recognises the power of education in empowering people to make change. Outside of work, Jenny regularly practices yoga and swims weekly, albeit slowly. She also enjoys cycling, walking and eating out and has come to love gardening over recent years (although she is still learning and hasn’t quite mastered growing vegetables in stages; Jenny is annually over-burdened with courgettes).

Jacqui Thomasen

Director of Operations and Business Development

Jacqui joined the College after 15 years in triple-accredited business schools, most recently leading External Engagement at The Open University Business School, working closely with academics, alumni, students, funders and industry leaders to build a rich environment for knowledge creation, sharing and lifelong learning. Prior to her move into education, Jacqui worked in Marcomms in the pharmaceutical and automotive industries.

Based near the start of the Ridgeway Trail in the Chilterns, Jacqui loves to be out in ancient woodland with her dog, foraging for all things edible and medicinal, listening to folklore stories and bird spotting. She also likes to travel further afield, learning new languages and trying unfamiliar foods.

Jessica Rule

Business Development Officer

Jess has extensive experience in the education sector, having held previous roles working with 13-19 year olds to inspire and inform them about their options for higher education. She has also worked for other charities and has significant experience in events and communication.

Outside of work, Jess is a keen sea swimmer and an active member of the Surf Life Saving Society. She also enjoys spending time with her family and loves nothing more than a cup of tea and a slice of cake!

Sheree Sandbach

Finance and Operations Manager

During her time at the College, Sheree has studied for her accountancy qualifications with the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) - qualifying in 2016, and now has full member accreditation. Sheree is responsible for the day to day running of the College's finance function as well as providing support for back office operations. She enjoys travelling and is a keen Manchester United supporter.

Hayley Street

Marketing and Communications Manager

With more years' experience than she'd care to admit, Hayley is a seasoned marketing professional, having worked in various marcomms roles across industries including education, engineering and mutual finance. Hayley is at her happiest when she's near the sea - either going for a walk on the beach with her family, or, on stormy days, wrapped-up indoors, with a view of the waves, a good book and a coffee.

Dr Sarah Alldred

Head of International Partnerships

Sarah joined us in 2012 as our International Programmes Manager, after four years working at Co-operatives UK, and over 10 years working in the peace movement, doing her PhD research on post conflict reconstruction. Sarah is now the Head of International Partnerships at the College, and in collaboration with Co-operatives UK, oversees the rich international relationships we have built over the years. Out of work Sarah loves engaging in the arts and plays the ukulele (badly).