Julie was appointed Principal and CEO of the Chesterfield College Group in 2017. Julie joined the college group as an Executive Director of Business Enterprise in 2009 before being promoted to Deputy Principal in 2011. Julie has a master’s degree in strategic leadership and has worked in Further Education for almost 30 years, spending the last 20 years in senior management roles.
Claire joined Chesterfield College in April 2023 as Assistant Principal for Academic and Professional studies following a 26 year career working in two other Further Education Colleges. Having started as an apprentice, then owning her own business, Claire returned to Higher Education to pursue a career in teaching. With a love for teaching and changing people’s lives, she has progressed through management roles, successfully managing curriculum across a wide variety of sectors and secured her first senior leader post in 2009.
Craig joined the Chesterfield College Group in April 2007 as Human Resources and Payroll Manager and was appointed Director of Human Resources in March 2017. Craig started his HR career in 1997 in the NHS before moving to the FE sector in 2001, where he joined Sheffield College as HR Officer with HR responsibility for Parson Cross and Loxley campuses. He also graduated as a member of CIPD in 2000, studying at High Melton, Dearne Valley Business School.
Michaela joined the college in 1994 as a part-time lecturer in the Beauty Therapy department whilst also running her own business. After many years of teaching, Michaela was promoted to manager of Hair and Beauty and has since gone on to lead many curriculum areas across the college before becoming Head of Teaching, Learning and Digital Innovation in October 2022.
Michaela loves to build communities within and outside of the college to enable staff and students to learn from each other. Her vision is to lead by example with clarity and kindness at the heart of her leadership work.
Tom joined Chesterfield College in January 2023 as Head of Finance. Prior to working at the college, Tom served as Head of Finance at Litton Property Group and was previously Financial Controller at Derby County Football Club. Tom has also worked in roles within the retail and manufacturing industries. Tom is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).
Jo joined The Chesterfield College Group in January 2013 as Student Services Manager, being promoted to Head of Department in 2015, Director in 2019 and Assistant Principal in January 2023. Prior to this she worked for Local Authority Young People’s Services across Derbyshire and then Nottinghamshire for 14 years. Jo has a BA Honours Degree in Youth and Community Studies and a Chartered Management Institute Level 6 certificate in Management and Leadership.
Gavin joined the college in June 2019 and has over 20 years’ experience in education and training. Prior to working at the college, Gavin held management roles in engineering and automotive within a large FE provider. Having started as an automotive apprentice, Gavin moved into engineering and was employed within a private training provider before joining the further education sector, helping to shape the curriculum and develop strong relationships with industry. Since joining Chesterfield College, Gavin has led across all aspects of Engineering and Construction provision, supporting the development of innovative projects which enhance the curriculum offer and provide the skills that industry requires both now and in the future.