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 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.
Fiona Yardley, Chief Finance Officer
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Dan Mooney, Director of Management Information Services
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.
Zoe Lee, Director of Marketing and Communications
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!