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
Jennie’s interests outside of work are travel, trying to learn a little Greek with limited success, watching cricket and indulging 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, attempting DIY and travelling as often and as far as possible.
Tracy Roser - Chief Executive's PATracy 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.
A Fellow of the
A lifelong supporter of
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 – Project 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 TeamThe 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.
Pauline Guild - Projects Co-ordinator and Pro-fund ManagerPauline 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
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.
Rob has recently joined the organisation as part of an LSC sponsored project called "STAR"(Skilled Talented Able Recruits) to increase the employability of people with disabilties by helping them access employment and work placement opportunties. Prior to joining EMFEC, Rob worked for the Probation Service for the past 10 years both in improving the employability of offenders and staff development.
Outside work, Rob and his partner enjoy travelling, especially to sunny destinations. This gives Rob the opportunity to indulge his passion for real photography, traditional, hand-printed black and white images. Rob has two dogs, Ollie and Tara, who keep him busy trying to keep them under control!
Elaine Bee - Disablity Employment Co-ordinator
Elaine works woith Rob helping people with a disabilty access employment and work placement opportunities. Both Rob and Elaine also liaise with those agencies and organisations associated with the care, training, coaching or mentoring, and employment of people with a disabilty.
Elaine have over thirteen years experience of working with people facing barriers to employment. This includes two years as Housing Manager with NACRO (National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders) and a further two years within
Nicola Bray - Promotions Co-ordinator
Nicola is Promotions Co-ordinator at EMFEC. She is responsible for the co-ordination of external events and all marketing/promotional material, publicity and corporate branding. She also updates and maintains the EMFEC website.
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 AssistantDiane 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
