Chris Hallam
Chris is Chair of the Corporation and is also a member of the Governance and Search Committee and Remuneration Committee
Originally from Merseyside, Chris graduated from Loughborough University in 1984 with a BSC in Banking & Finance. Thus began a 42-year banking career which saw him work in London, Oxford and Toronto before putting roots down in Worcestershire 22 years ago. He clearly liked the County so much that he refused various opportunities to move with his work preferring to raise his family in Worcester.
During his varied career, Chris worked for HSBC, Santander and, latterly, TSB. He is experienced in all aspects of banking, business development and general management having led both large and small functional teams across multiple locations.
He was previous a director and Chair of the Audit Committee at the Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company Limited and, more recently, he was Chair of the Worcestershire LEP’s European Structural Investment Fund Sub-Committee which focused on channelling available European funding within the County in support of the strategic aims of the LEP.
Chris has coached grassroots football teams in the County, managed cricket teams from U10s through to U15s and recently qualified as an ECB cricket umpire. During the summer months, most Saturdays and Sundays are spent on a cricket pitch somewhere in Worcestershire either umpiring or watching his sons play cricket.
Chris is also a Governor at a primary school close to his home.
Jane Britton
Jane is Joint Vice Chair, member of the Teaching and Learning Committee, the Remuneration Committee, and the HE Academic Board. She is also the Lead Governor for Higher Education.
Jane is Pro Vice Chancellor Communications and External Affairs at the University of Worcester.
She is a member of the University’s Executive Board and Chair of the UW Enterprises Board, which manages the University’s commercial activity. Her role includes strategic leadership at a senior executive level in many areas across the University with specific responsibility for Student Recruitment, Strategic Marketing and Market Research, Corporate Communications, Admissions and International.
Originally from Canada, she holds a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Calgary and a Master of Arts from the University of Birmingham.
Steve Smith
Steve is Joint Vice Chair, Chair of the Finance and Resources Committee, member of the Remuneration Committee and is the Lead Governor for Sustainability.
Steve is a chartered project manager and surveyor with over 30 years’ experience working in the built environment of the public sector.
Steve has considerable senior management experience in Local Government notably as construction, estate and property management department head for over 12 years. He has overseen education rebuild programmes and public estate asset rationalisation programmes delivering considerable savings to the public sector.
He is a board director for Warwickshire Property Development Group, an arm’s length trading company for Warwickshire County Council.
Steve is a Director at Warwickshire County Council for Infrastructure, Planning and Environment leading the Council’s planning, environment and infrastructure functions, Waste and Country Parks, and notably leading the Council’s organisation wide programme on sustainability, and assurance lead for the Council’s major construction and infrastructure projects and is the Council’s director lead liaison for the delivery of HS2 in Warwickshire.
He is a longstanding main board director of construction procurement company Scape Group, and group chairman for over 15 years.
Gaynor Cheshire
Gaynor is Chair of the Teaching and Learning Committee and a member of the Governance & Search Committee. Gaynor is the Lead Governor for Careers.
Gaynor moved to Worcester in the 80’s to do a Bed Degree. In the late 70’s and early 80’s she worked as a dancer, performing in a variety of films and projects. After qualifying she moved into education. Initially as a teacher, then head of faculty, deputy head and headteacher. She has been a head of three secondary schools and prior to her retirement on 2022 she was 12 years as CEO of a multi academy trust. Under her tenure the trust was named as leading edge, won an international schools award and ran a prestigious theatre.
Gaynor has sat on numerous boards. Has been an advisor to the arts council, author of a text book and a variety of education packs. She continues to provide consultancy work for MATs and leadership training to both public and private sector organisation.
Phil Colledge
Phil is Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, member of the Audit Committee and is the Lead Governor for Digital Technology.
Born and raised in Bromsgrove, Phil returned to his hometown in 2006 after spending several years living in the Black Country. While Phil initially pursued university studies in Biochemistry, his true passion for computing led him to pivot his career towards IT. Joining IBM, Phil embarked on a journey that took him across the globe, with stints in the USA, Middle East, and Europe. It was during this time that IBM commissioned Phil to write a technical book for its’ IBM McGraw-Hill series.
Transitioning from his role at IBM, Phil took on the position of IT Director for two NHS acute Trusts. His tenure involved implementing intricate ICT systems and spearheading organizational transformations within the healthcare sector. Following a successful career in NHS senior management, Phil ventured into entrepreneurship by establishing a management consultancy firm. Specialising in ICT and management consultancy, Phil served both NHS clients and other commercial enterprises. Despite retiring in 2017, Phil found himself craving intellectual stimulation, leading him to engage in periodic consultancy projects to keep his mind sharp.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Phil has a profound interest in effective communication, bridging the gap between complex ICT concepts and everyday language. Enriching his skill set, Phil delved into the realms of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) and obtained qualifications as a Hypnotherapist. During his downtime, Phil seeks tranquillity by the banks of rivers and lakes, indulging in the serene pastime of fishing.
Helen Davies
Helen is Chair of the Remuneration Committee.
Originally from Solihull, Helen graduated from the University of Bristol with a BSc in Zoology and then started work as a graduate trainee in the Civil Service. During this time, whilst working in HR, Helen undertook part time study to complete IPD professional qualifications including a Post Graduate Diploma in Personnel Management.
In 2000, Helen changed career paths and moved into Facilities Management and 25 years later she is still on the same path. She has delivered a wide range of Estates and Facilities Management services across multiple sectors, including FMCG, local authority, financial technology and most recently National Infrastructure organisations. Helen tries to take a holistic approach to providing services to support built environments, and holds additional qualifications in Health and Safety and Environmental Management.
Helen has lived in Worcestershire for 2 decades with her family. When not at work, she is a season ticket holder for the Worcester Warriors and is an avid baseball fan. Most of the time, she must make do with watching games on TV, however, she goes to the US as often as she can to support the New York Mets.
Michelle Dowse
Michelle is Chief Executive/Principal. In addition as a Governor of Heart of Worcestershire College Michelle is a member of the Governance & Search Committee, Teaching & Learning Committee and the Finance & Resources Committee.
Michelle Dowse has been serving as the Principal and Chief Executive of Heart of Worcestershire (HoW) College since April 2023. She holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Bath and relocated from the south to the West Midlands after completing her studies. Michelle has also studied leadership at both Loughborough University and the University of Oxford.
Michelle transitioned to the Further Education sector in 2008, following a successful 20-year career in the private sector, which included roles in fast-moving consumer goods with Phillips Electronics and Unilever, logistics, Chambers of Commerce, Training and Enterprise Councils and Business Links. She has held director-level positions since the age of 29 and whilst raising her family, ran her own consultancy business, working with large accounting firms and Government Departments. Over the past 17 years, Michelle has gained senior-level experience across nine Further Education colleges in Manchester, Birmingham, London, the West Midlands and Cambridge. Before joining HoW College, she was the Deputy Principal at Cambridge Regional College for six years.
A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Michelle has won multiple awards for her work in marketing as well as student services and partnership working including a Times Educational Supplement (TES) Award for Community Engagement.
Michelle is dedicated to improving opportunities for others, inspired by her own transformative experience with post-16 education. She believes that colleges play a vital role as anchor institutions in their area and sits on the Board of The Redditch Bid, Worcester Town Deal, Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Local Strategic Implementation Plan (LSIP) and is a member of the Bromsgrove Partnership. Michelle also Chairs the Association of Colleges Student Strategy Group, is a member of the AOC 2030 Strategy Group and The College Alliance. Michelle focuses on delivering sustainable growth that meets regional needs, ensuring students are well-prepared for life, work, and their careers. She is committed to providing the best teaching, learning, and support to enable students to make a positive impact in the workplace and their communities.
Adam Hall
Adam is a member of the Audit Committee and the Teaching & Learning Committee.
Originally from Worcestershire, Adam embarked on his engineering journey at RSRE Malvern as an Electronics Apprentice and diligently progressed through his engineering education at Worcester College of Technology. After successfully completing his apprenticeship, Adam obtained a degree in Electronic Engineering from the University of Sheffield. He then returned to Worcestershire to advance his engineering career, specialising in control, automation, and instrumentation and is now a Research and Development Engineering Manager with the global material characterisation specialist Malvern Panalytical.
With an extensive engineering background, Adam is a Chartered Engineer, an engineering leader, an advocate for continuous professional development, and stemming from his own apprenticeship origins an ardent promoter of STEM careers. These passions combine as a champion for Engineering Apprenticeships within his own organisation, driving the establishment of a long-lived apprentice programme, as well as supporting apprenticeships more widely across Worcestershire with close involvement with local training providers.
Routed in a love of rivers and mountains through a lifetime of canoeing, walking, running, and outdoor adventures Adam also has a deep commitment to sustainability and protecting our environment. Professionally this manifests as being a strong promoter for sustainable design through innovation, collaboration, diversity, and education.
Allen McConaghie, BA, BSc.
Allen is a Governor and a member of the Teaching & Learning Committee.
Allen has spent most of his career in educational leadership, including two headteacher posts in England and Wales. He has a record of leading school improvement and raising achievement , ensuring students enjoy their learning in a safe, inclusive, aspirational environment. Under his leadership the schools became recognised as outstandingly successful with high staff morale and confident, ambitious, hardworking pupils. Recognising these successes Allen was appointed a national leader in education.
Following his headships Allen worked in leadership development and school improvement across a range of schools and academies.in the Midlands, the South West and Wales. He has board level experience in a number of education/industry organisations and is a past chairperson for several.
Muj Rahman
Muj is a member of the Finance & Resources Committee.
Muj is a highly skilled financial accountant with an extensive background spanning over 23 years in the realms of accounting and finance. With a solid academic foundation, he earned his degree in Business Management and Financial Accounting from Coventry University, which laid the groundwork for his professional journey in financial management and reporting.
Throughout his career, Muj has had the privilege of working with an array of clients across multiple sectors, providing insightful guidance on the intricacies of financial statement preparation, tax compliance, and effective budget management. Muj upholds the highest ethical standards in all aspects of financial practice. His sharp analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail play a crucial role in maintaining the accuracy and transparency of financial records, empowering clients to make well-informed business decisions based on reliable data.
In addition to his finance role, Muj serves as the Business Improvement District (BID) Manager for Redditch, where he plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth and enhancing the vitality of the local business community.
In his role as BID Manager, Muj is responsible for devising and executing a range of initiatives aimed at promoting local businesses, attracting visitors, and enhancing the shopping experience throughout Redditch. His expertise in relationship-building enables him to cultivate strong connections with diverse stakeholders, including business owners, local authorities, and community groups, ensuring that their perspectives are acknowledged and their needs are effectively addressed.
Muj's innovative mindset and dedication to collaboration empower him to lead numerous projects and events that highlight the distinctive charm and character of Redditch. His passion for community development drives him to seek out new opportunities for growth and engagement, ultimately making Redditch a lively and appealing destination for both shoppers and tourists alike.
Under Muj's visionary leadership, Redditch BID continues to flourish, embodying his aspiration for a cohesive community where businesses thrive, and residents take pride in their town. His relentless dedication to positive change is evident in every initiative he champions, solidifying his reputation as a pivotal figure in the local landscape and a true advocate for the community he serves.
Steve Stanier
Steve is a member of the Remuneration Committee and Teaching & Learning Committee. Steve is also the Lead Governor for Safeguarding.
Steve commenced his NHS career in 1987 working as an Admin Apprentice at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch. Once he realised his passion for working with people, he commenced his professional training and undertook his personnel qualifications at what was Worcester Technical College in the early 90s. He is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and has an MSc in Organisational Development from the University of Wolverhampton. Steve has worked at several NHS providers within Worcestershire, Birmingham and the Black Country including Birmingham Women’s Hospital and Birmingham Children’s Hospital. He is currently HR Operations Senior Manager at Black Country Integrated Care Board and Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Committee.
Steve has two grown up daughters one being a primary school teacher/special educational needs co-ordinator in Worcestershire and the other just embarked on a Degree Apprenticeship in Diagnostic Radiography within the NHS. Steve is passionate about people, the people agenda and people of all abilities developing their skills and maximising their potential.
Steve used to be an active member of a local amateur dramatic society and has tread the boards in several productions. He is keen to support local arts and theatre groups and enjoys attending amateur and professional live theatre events.
Paul Hine
Paul is the Staff Governor for Business Support and is a member of the Finance & Resources Committee.
Paul is the team leader of the facilities department working cross campus and has been with the college for 6 years.
Before coming to the college, he was a Police officer working as a response officer for 20 years in Hereford and Malvern, where after retiring served 20 years as an Animal Welfare officer for Malvern Hills District council and Worcestershire Regulatory Services.
Outside of the college campus he is a busy grandad and can usually be found in his garden, in his workshop or relaxing beside a lake fishing.
