Meet the Team A 'who's who' of everyone who works at the College! View our full team and read more about them below. You can also get in touch via the contact form at the bottom of the page. Meet the College Team Dr Cilla Ross - Interim Principal Cilla is our interim Principal and works in higher, community, and adult education. Cilla is currently exploring ways to form and develop co-operative higher education and a co-operative university, union co-ops, and is associated with the Greater Manchester Co-operative Commission. She is also exploring new ways of thinking about co-operative learning for livelihoods, leadership and decent work. Cilla was a Commissioner on the Centenary Commission on Adult Education in 2019 and has recently been appointed to an Honorary Professorship in Co-operative Education at the University of Nottingham, UK. John Chillcott, Interim CEO John joined the College as a long term co-operative advocate, taking up the role of interim CEO with a wealth of experience. He was previously CEO of Anglia Regional Co-operative, leading its successful merger to create Central England Co-operative, of which he is now a director. He has also previously held a director position at Co-operatives UK, as well as being one of our former Trustees. John oversees key organisational operations and works closely with Cilla across the College. John’s early career was in Food Store management and retail operations, including a spell in marketing and brand management. Over the past few years, John has been engaged in the wider 3rd sector, including as chair of a Social Enterprise member organisation and a Trustee Director of a co-operative school Academy. He is also a founder Director of a soon to be launched investment fund aimed at those who want to support social enterprises, CICs and Co-ops which demonstrate a positive social impact. He has recently relocated from Town living to the countryside, where he and Lesley, assisted by Winston the whippet, have ambitions to grow some self sufficiency. Dr Sarah Alldred - Head of Projects (maternity cover) Sarah joined the College in 2012, 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 manages our growing project portfolio across the College, and out of work enjoys dance, books, friends and food. Nina Valvi - Head of Business Development Nina recently joined us as our Head of Business Development. She's been working within the Charity sector for the past eight years and is passionate about education, equal opportunities and social justice. In a previous life, Nina was an Olympic synchronized swimmer and professional classical musician. She's always been a foodie, coffee enthusiast and adventure seeker (running, hiking, travelling etc.). Sheree Sandbach - Finance Officer Sheree joined the Co-operative College in 2012. 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. Daniel Cox - Projects Manager As our Projects Manager Daniel joined us to deliver and develop existing projects and establish new initiatives. He comes from a background in mainstream education, alternative provisions and residential care and is passionate about helping to inspire, empower and uplift people in the community. Outside of work Daniel can be found in cinemas, restaurants, bookshops and, occasionally, in the gym. 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. Cat Williamson - Learning Administrator Cat is passionate about the world of Learning & Development having worked in a number of different L&D roles from administration, digital design and project management. Having previously worked in other sectors, she's really keen to embrace the co-operative values and make a genuine difference by supporting the college with the coordination of its learning provision. Outside of work you will find Cat teaching group fitness classes, enjoying the outdoors with her dog, attending gigs or binge-watching Netflix! Chris Meadows - Learning Technologist Passionate about Open Educational Resources, Chris is a contributor to #1minuteCPD which shares one minute technical tips for educational development. A Rugby nut, he has been an avid player, referee and coach. Highlights of his rugby career were officiating at four IRB Sevens tournaments, touring Western Canada and officiating in several World Cup qualifiers. Chris has a strong interest in technology, particularly in relation to video production. He was previously a filmmaker and a Creative Trainer at Apple. He also has a keen interest in the outdoors, particularly when it comes to cycling, walking and climbing. He now states he's too rotund for the latter. Having started his working career as a chef, despite a love of cuisine he soon realised that the catering hours were not to his liking. He still likes pies though! Andrew Mallinson - Marketing and Communications Manager Andrew joined us right at the start of 2017 and is responsible for a whole range of tasks from press releases through to social media and everything in between. With a background in marketing and communications plus a passion for education, the role has been a great fit. Outside of work he enjoys lots of different sports and the gym, all of which handily negates his love of eating out. Chloe Hardman - Digital and Creative Officer Chloe joined us in May 2019 and handles our design works and the more 'techy' side of marketing. After graduating in Media and Communications from Swansea University, Chloe returned to her routes in Manchester to continue a career in marketing. Bucking the trend, Chloe is an avid supporter of Manchester City women's and men's teams (and supported them before they were good!). Gemma Obeng - Head of Projects (currently on maternity leave) Gemma heads up our projects team and joined us in November 2018. She has huge experience of managing projects for young people and communities and is passionate about supporting positive change. Gemma loves to travel and enjoys music, cooking and art, as well as spending time with her family and friends. Our Trustees Our Board has a maximum of 12 members who fall into the following categories: Up to 7 members elected by and from the membership. Up to 2 members appointed by co-option for their particular skills or experience. Up to 1 member who is a learner at the College and nominated and elected by the College learners. Up to 1 member who is a member of our staff, nominated and elected by the staff. Up to 1 member appointed by Co-operatives UK. Current Board members are: Elected by and from the individual members: Emma Robinson (Vice Chair) John Boyle Hazel Johnson Elected by and from organisational members: Clive Booker Jon Nott Elected by and from the staff: Daniel Cox Elected by and from the learners: Pamela Maxwell Appointed by Co-operatives UK: Vivian Woodell Co-optees appointed for particular skills or experience: Vacancy Be part of the team Want to be part of the team? Then keep an eye on our careers page and subscribe to our newsletter below for updates on our latest vacancies, events and much, much more. Subscribe to our newsletter