Meet Our TEAM

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.

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.

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.