The EMFEC Team

Jennie Gardiner - Chief Executive of EMFEC and Regional Director, AoC East Midlands

Jennie has a life long commitment to the benefits of learning for individuals, businesses and communities.  In her role at EMFEC she aims to ensure that the company’s mission and strategy support providers of learning in ways that best meet their needs and those of their learner groups.

She joined EMFEC in late 1998 since when she has worked with an excellent team of staff and managers to extend the Company’s services, to increase turnover by over 75% and to develop EMFEC into a highly regarded learning and skills support organisation.

Jennie represents East Midland colleges on the Regional Assembly and its Policy Board, the Regional Employment Skills and Productivity Partnership (ESP) Priority 6 Group, Regional European Social Fund (ESF) Monitoring Groups and the  HEFCE Regional Advisory Groups, all working to support the success and development of the East Midlands region. 

Jennie’s interests outside of work are travel, learning a little of the Greek language, watching cricket and indulging in her addiction to chocolate.

Simon Feneley - Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Business Development

Simon rejoined EMFEC in 2008 following an 18 month period working as a senior manager in the Third Sector where he was responsible for the delivery of community grant programmes valued at £4.0m.  

Simon has experience and knowledge of Further Education having worked in the sector for ten years between 1996 and 2006.  He is an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries & Administrators and has an MBA.  His role at EMFEC is to support Jennie with the strategic and business development of the Company.

Outside of work, Simon "enjoys" walking a young dog who, he is told is not disobedient, just full of character!  Other interests are DIY and travelling as often and as far as possible.

Tracy Roser - Chief Executive's PA
Tracy is Jennie Gardiner's Personal Assistant and provides administrative support to AoC East Midlands.  She also has responsibility for managing the personnel function of EMFEC.

Outside of work, Tracy attends the gym on a frequent basis, enjoys cooking, cake decorating and fair weather sailing. 

Bob Sharp – Finance Manager

A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Management Accountants, Bob controls EMFEC’s budget, produces the monthly management and the Statutory Accounts and ensures the effective management of EMFEC’s finances.  He also ensures compliance with Charity Commission requirements. 

A lifelong supporter of Derby County, Bob is frequently depressed by the performance of his team, but is still happier than any Forest supporter!

Dan Lilley - Operations Manager

Dan is the Operations Manager at EMFEC. He has responsibility for the maintenance of the building and the associated services and products required to keep its internal systems functioning.

He also retains an interest in teacher training through co-ordination of the teacher-training Network and co-ordination of the national Assessor and Verifier awards offered as part of EMFEC's professional development services as well as supporting the Professional Development Team.

Ruth Wheelhouse – Projects and Partnerships Manager

Ruth manages EMFEC's portfolio of project activity and supports the development of new activity.  She has extensive knowledge of Further Education and has a particular interest in supporting the development and delivery of higher level skills in Further Education.  Having worked closely with fdf over the last few years Ruth has extensive knowledge of Foundation Degrees.

A school governor, Ruth has worked in education for many years, but refuses to disclose the exact number as she likes to pretend she is thirty-nine (again!!).

Professional Development Team

The team's work involves responsibility for the conferences and training events that form the Highlight Programmes.  The Focus Programme of network meetings and the Select Programme of consultancy services also form a key part of their remit.  

Their work is supported by a team of Associates, many of whom are Registered Inspectors, and who are drawn upon to deliver the training and consultancy services for which EMFEC is justly renowned. 

Alison Scott - Professional Development Services Manager

Alison is responsible for organising a regional CPD programme of events and facilitating Networks and conferencing activity; she is also currently supporting City College Birmingham staff to help them prepare for a re-insepction.  Alison has spent 29 years teaching in the FE sector and has been involved in curriculum development and leading a team of advanced practitioners to improve the quality of teaching and learning.

In her free time, Alison enjoys trips to the theatre, films and reading books.  She's also a fan of live comedy.

Pauline Guild - Projects Co-ordinator and Pro-fund Manager
Pauline acts as Manager of Pro-fund, an initiative which assists colleges with information on the availability of appropriate external funding for project work, on applying for such funding and project monitoring and management.  She also works alongside Geoff Scaplehorn to deliver EMFEC's portfolio of International Services, including the promotion of languages and the international dimension within the region's FE sector and beyond, Languages for Tourism project, the EMFEC colleges' International Marketing Group and activities which fall under the East Midlands/Alsace partnership. 

Family life occupies much of her free time and her interests include swimming, badminton, travel and going to the cinema.

Colette Harrison - Accounts/Payroll Manager

Colette is a qualified member of the AAT and has recently been promoted to the position of Accounts/Payroll Manager.  Colette is responsible for the finance/payroll function at EMFEC, as well as providing financial support to the projects team.  Colette is busy at the moment studying for an Undergraduate Certificate in Business Management at the University of Nottingham to support her new role at EMFEC.

 

Outside of work Colette enjoys travelling aboard, visiting her daughter in Devon, walking, gardening and socialising at every opportunity.

Geoff Scaplehorn - International Services Manager

Geoff's role at EMFEC involves linking Vocational Education Colleges in the East Midlands with their counterparts in other countries. Additionally it is to encourage the development of the international dimension in vocational courses to prepare future employees for working in the European Single Market and the wider global economy.

Geoff is also the coordinator of a consortium of colleges to undertake international marketing. This East Midlands consortium will develop links with a similar structure, which is being formed on a national scale involving VET institutions and UK national agencies.  He has recently been nominated by the French Government as Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques for his work in developing academic and cultural links between France and the UK.

Outside work Geoff enjoys singing in a local choir, gardening and foreign travel.

Nicola Bray - Marketing & Publicity Co-ordinator

Nicola is responsible for the co-ordination of external EMFEC events and all marketing/promotional material, publicity and corporate branding. 

In her spare time Nicola enjoys walking the depths of Norfolk, socialising and spending time with family and friends.  She also has a first degree in clothes and shoe shopping!

Michelle Chesterfield - Senior Administrator

Michelle is the Senior Administrator for Professional Development Services and IT.  She is responsible for EMFEC's IT systems, co-ordinating the professional development programme and facilitating events & meetings. 

Outside work Michelle enjoys holidays abroad, going out for meals with friends and family and attempting to keep her garden weed-free.

Sarah Rawson - Receptionist & Conference Co-ordinator

Sarah shares her time between Reception and co-ordinating conference bookings.  Her background is in customer service and meeting people is the part of the job she enjoys most.  She has two children who keep her on her toes and when not working Sarah is a fully qualified shopaholic!  Other interests include entertaining and cooking, nights out and holidays with her friends.

Diane Salama - Receptionist/Administration Assistant

Diane Salama joined EMFEC in November 2006.  Diane returned to work after a break to raise a family.  Her interest for many years has been flower arranging and she is a member of Southwell Flower Club.  She enjoys family life, gardening and holidays in the Lake District and the Norfolk coast.