Consultant, researcher and former teacher trainer

Dr Paul Tully is a published researcher, education strategist and sector leader with more than 30 years’ experience across Further Education, higher education, teacher development and workforce improvement. At the Education and Training Foundation (ETF), he progressed through four senior roles to become Associate Director for Policy & Research, directing a £1.5 million national research portfolio, leading 23 staff and overseeing research and evaluation across approximately £25 million of Department for Education-funded programmes.

Paul's training titles:

• Write An Academic Article in 90 Minutes
• Build a Lesson Pack in 20 minute
• How to Teach Difficult, Sensitive and Controversial Topics
• Implementing the Top-10 Evidence-Based Teaching Methods in Your Teaching
• Effective Revision and Exam Techniques for Student Success
• The Psychology of Prejudice
• The 6 Things I Learned from Professionals Research in Further Education
• The Attenborough Model of Teaching Sustainability and Climate Change

Paul led the revision and implementation of the national Professional Standards for FE teachers, working with more than 20 national stakeholders; over 10,000 practitioners subsequently completed the revised self-assessment. His leadership established ETF’s first national Teacher Education Network, with Nathan Rogan, connecting more than 300 teacher educators, and he led a professional membership strategy achieving 90% retention, 2% membership growth and 5% revenue growth, generating £1.7 million in income.

His research focuses on professionalism, workforce development, teacher retention and wellbeing, AI, sustainability and organisational improvement in FE. Published work includes Mission Impossible? A Strategic Approach to Improving FE Teacher Recruitment & Retention, Below the Surface: Power and Professionalism in the Further Education Sector, The Importance of Economic, Social and Cultural Capital in Understanding Professionalism in English Further Education, and, with Professor Harvey Maylor and Dr Vikki Smith, Further Education and Skills: Changing Systems of Change. 

Today, as founder and chief strategist for FEthink, Paul brings together research, sector intelligence, professional development and emerging AI technologies to create practical solutions for colleges, training providers and FE professionals — turning complex evidence into insight, organisational learning and measurable improvement.

Paul is a mixed-methods specialist with a quantitative and statistical research background. His analytical experience includes regression analysis, factor analysis, principal component analysis and multiple correspondence analysis, alongside large-scale survey design, qualitative interviews, focus groups, observation, case studies and documentary analysis. He has designed and led national evaluation frameworks, including ETF’s organisation-wide Theory of Change and Impact Framework, and developed mixed-method evaluations across leadership, apprenticeships, teacher education and workforce development. His work increasingly combines data modelling, benchmarking and multiple datasets to convert complex evidence into usable organisational intelligence. As a Strategic Advisor to the Let’s Think Council and Futurezone, Paul is supporting charity transformation agendas, including strategy development and funding approaches.

Consultant, trainer and former Ofsted inspector

Tony has been a leading FE training and quality improvement consultant for more than two decades, working through The Centre for Creative Quality Improvement (CCQI) and in collaboration with Newbubbles Ltd, and now extends this with FEthink. He has supported hundreds of providers across the UK, specialising in self-assessment, quality improvement and organisational change.

Following a long career in FE teaching and management, Tony joined the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) as a lead inspector in 2001, later transferring to Ofsted. He led inspection teams, managed ALI’s Excalibur Good Practice database, and contributed to national work on excellence and improvement.

Tony has produced numerous films, studies and practical resources for organisations including Ofsted and the Association of Colleges, as well as international projects in Northern Ireland and Saudi Arabia. His work has included developing quality standards, researching workforce capability and supporting major FE colleges through improvement programmes.

His training titles include:

• Assessment and the Art of Lazy Teaching
• Inspiring Induction Practices
• Learner Motivation: Designing Unmissable Experiences
• Perfecting Progress Reviews
• Managing Behaviour the Easy Way

His widely used improvement tools include The Further Education Quality Standard, The RED System, HoT Learning Model, Live Self Assessment, The Data Springboard and Supported Inspection. He is also a composer and saxophonist.

Helen Groves MBA is Managing Director of HG Consulting Ltd, with over 50 years’ experience in education. Her inspection career spans 30 years across FEFC, TSC, ALI and Ofsted, complemented by four years reviewing higher education for the QAA. A former Deputy Principal for Curriculum and Quality and Chief Executive of a regional learning consortium, Helen combines strategic leadership with extensive quality improvement expertise. Her consultancy, training and governance work supports colleges, universities and training providers to strengthen teaching, develop apprenticeships, prepare for inspection and improve educational outcomes for learners.

Dr Maxine Room CBE is a former Principal and Chief Executive of three colleges, with over 30 years’ experience in further education leadership. She has led major mergers, restructuring, inspection preparation and organisational change, combining strategic expertise with a commitment to inclusion and learner success. A co-founder of the Black Further Education Leadership Group, she supports and mentors Black and ethnic minority leaders. Through Medacrii Associates, Maxine provides executive coaching, leadership development and consultancy, helping principals, boards and senior teams navigate complex challenges, strengthen organisational culture and deliver lasting improvement.

Dave Baber brings over 25 years’ experience in further and higher education, including more than 20 years in education and skills inspection. His expertise spans construction, engineering, teacher education and apprenticeships, supported by senior college roles and international consultancy in technical and vocational education. He helps colleges and training providers strengthen teaching, assess vocational competence and prepare confidently for inspection. Through Raising Standards, Dave provides rigorous reviews and practical improvement support, combining deep inspection knowledge with a strong focus on employer relevance, learner progression and the quality of everyday practice.

Simon Ginns is an experienced FE leader, commercial director, transformation specialist, coach and mentor. His senior roles include FE Sector Director at the Learning and Skills Network, Executive Director Transformation at the Education and Training Foundation, Transition Director at the Financial Ombudsman Service and Commercial Director at Allergy UK. He has also run his own coaching and consultancy business, supporting managers and senior leaders through organisational change and professional development. Simon combines commercial insight with practical leadership expertise to strengthen team performance, build confidence and deliver lasting, sustainable organisational improvement.

Trevor Gordon is an award-winning senior business leader, consultant and longstanding champion of equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging. Through Gordon-Ffrench Associates, he supports organisations with staff development, management consultancy and practical approaches to tackling discrimination. Recipient of the 2024 Eventfields Black Talent Trailblazer Award, Trevor combines leadership insight with a commitment to creating fairer workplaces. He hosts FEthink’s My Journey podcast, exploring the experiences of education leaders who have overcome prejudice and barriers, and encouraging honest dialogue that strengthens understanding, challenges assumptions and builds more inclusive, respectful colleges and communities.

Rufus Curnow is an AI consultant, keynote speaker and designer of bespoke AI tools and workflows. Drawing on over 20 years in education product management, including leadership at Pearson, he helps organisations improve productivity, streamline processes and build lasting AI capability. His keynotes combine strategic insight with practical demonstrations, making complex developments accessible to leaders and teams. Through consultancy, training and tailored AI design, Rufus supports organisations to identify worthwhile opportunities, develop staff confidence and implement responsible approaches that connect emerging technology with operational priorities and sustainable improvements in performance.

Teacher, Researcher and AI Champion

Jen Deakin is a leading FE practitioner and researcher specialising in AI, curriculum design and employer engagement in the further education and skills sector. Formerly Course Leader for Graphic Design and Advanced Practitioner at Runshaw College, she has led action research projects on employer engagement and skills gaps, developing practical models and tools that link studio‑based learning with real client briefs and local labour‑market needs.

Jen's training titles:

• Build a Lesson Pack in 20 minutes
• Clear you Admin in 30 minutes
• Smarter Marking with AI: Improving feedback, cutting workloads

Jen was awarded a prestigious Technical Teaching Fellowship by the Education and Training Foundation and the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, through which she has explored how AI can reduce teacher workload, enhance teaching and learning, and support learners with SEND, culminating in an AI Teacher Handbook for staff across the sector. She regularly presents at national FE conferences and contributes to sector publications, helping educators implement ethical, evidence‑informed approaches to AI and employer‑responsive curriculum design.

Maria Navarro brings almost 30 years’ experience in Further Education and Skills, including more than 20 years as an Ofsted HMI. Her expertise spans inspection delivery, operations and policy across colleges, training providers, local authorities and prisons. A former Ofsted policy specialist adviser, she helped develop the 2025 inspection framework, including its inclusion evaluation area, provision standards and inspection methodology. Maria translates complex inspection expectations into practical action, supporting leaders to evaluate provision, strengthen inclusion, identify meaningful evidence and prepare their teams confidently for inspection while maintaining focus on learners.

Dr Adam Dwight is a teacher educator, digital innovator and researcher with around 30 years’ experience in Further Education. He leads Higher Education Teacher Education at City of Wolverhampton College, specialising in vocational education, curriculum development, assessment, employability and employer engagement. His published research explores equality, organisational practice and the pedagogical implications of AI. Adam combines classroom experience with research expertise to help educators strengthen teaching, develop work readiness and use digital technologies intelligently. His approach connects professional learning with practical application, critical evaluation and the changing demands of employment.

Kathryn Langford is an experienced Further Education leader, teacher educator and professional development specialist with more than 30 years’ experience across schools, colleges, adult learning and the Armed Forces. Her career spans Initial Teacher Training, quality and learning improvement management, and national teaching and learning projects with the Education and Training Foundation. An expert mentor and CPD facilitator, Kathryn supports teachers and leaders to strengthen practice through coaching, reflection and purposeful professional learning. She brings expertise in helping new teachers build confidence, develop effective classroom approaches and establish themselves professionally.

Sue Keenan is an experienced teacher educator, consultant and Ofsted inspector specialising in Initial Teacher Education and quality improvement. Her career includes senior quality leadership at Myerscough College and teacher education at the University of Central Lancashire. She brings experience across further, higher and offender education, combining strategic understanding with practical insight into teaching, learning and assessment. Through coaching, mentoring, lesson observation and professional development, Sue helps teachers and trainees strengthen their practice, build confidence and reflect critically on their impact, supporting providers to improve educational quality and learner outcomes.

Eve Thompson is an experienced Further Education practitioner and professional development specialist with a strong background in teacher training and mentoring. A former CPD Trainer with the Education and Training Foundation, she has supported educators through T Level professional development and national teaching and learning programmes. Her work helps teachers build confidence, strengthen classroom practice and translate professional learning into purposeful action. Combining teaching experience with an understanding of staff development, Eve supports new and established practitioners to reflect on their approaches, develop effective teaching strategies and improve learners’ experiences.

Isabelle King is a safeguarding and workforce development specialist with over 30 years’ experience across education and the youth sector. Director of The Safeguarding Collaborative, she specialises in strategic leadership, organisational culture and professional competence. Her experience includes safeguarding, Prevent and organisational learning with the Education and Training Foundation, alongside designing and delivering teacher training and staff development. Isabelle supports practitioners and leaders to strengthen safeguarding through practical training, reflective supervision and collaborative working. Her work connects policy, professional judgement and everyday practice to build safer, more responsive learning environments.

Julia Musson is a Further Education professional development specialist whose work combines teacher development, programme design and practical CPD delivery. Her experience includes working as a CPD Trainer with the Education and Training Foundation, supporting educators to strengthen their practice. Julia brings expertise in teacher induction, mentoring, neurodiversity, supporting learning and the Professional Standards. Through interactive webinars and collaborative professional learning, she helps practitioners connect ideas with classroom application. Her contribution to FEthink’s teacher induction programme supports new teachers to build confidence, reflect on their practice and develop effective approaches.

Dr Michael Smith is a specialist in educational assessment and an academic researcher with over 17 years’ experience in further education. He has held senior leadership roles including Vice Principal at a London college and Faculty Director of Apprenticeships and Quality at Barking & Dagenham College, where he led large English and vocational teams and quality‑improvement initiatives.

Michael is co‑founder of Markus, an assessment platform that uses AI to streamline marking and feedback so teachers can focus more on learning and less on administrative load. His research and writing explore innovations in GCSE English, peer assessment and the responsible use of AI in grading and feedback, and he regularly presents for organisations such as BELMAS and the English Association on assessment design, workload and student engagement.

Michael's training titles:

• AI Assessment for GCSE English Assessments

Fashion Educator, Designer and Curriculum Leader

Ryan Brockbank is a fashion educator, designer and Level 3 Programme Manager Visual Communication and Styling, whose career combines industry practice with creative curriculum leadership at the Fashion Retail Academy. He also brings external quality assurance experience as a UAL External Moderator.

His training titles are:

• The Devil Wears ‘FRADA’: Using Teaching Simulation to Sharpen Employability Skills

Ryan's menswear collection was selected among Graduate Fashion Week’s best 25 in 2017. His industry experience includes Gresham Blake, Nicholas Oakwell and his own label, Tailored Casuals.

Ryan develops immersive learning experiences and industry collaborations that connect creativity, sustainability and professional practice, helping learners prepare for careers in fashion.

Wellbeing consultant, behavioural coach and counsellor

John Perry is a wellbeing consultant, coach and speaker with over 35 years’ experience across teaching, further education, counselling and professional development.

A former Principal Teaching Fellow at the University of Southampton, he holds four master’s degrees and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

John specialises in psychological resilience, stress management, self-worth and overcoming imposter syndrome. His engaging approach combines academic insight with practical strategies for sustained personal and professional growth. His awards include the Academy for Chief Executives’ Speaker of the Year and Southampton’s Most Engaging Lecturer.

Apprenticeship and Quality Expert

Jane Hyde-Walsh is founder and director of Aim Higher Training and Development, bringing around 25 years’ experience in adult education, leadership and professional development. Her career spans senior management roles across public and private organisations, alongside practical experience as a trainer, assessor and internal quality assurer.

Jane designs vocational qualifications, apprenticeships and bespoke development programmes, with over 2,500 learners supported through Aim Higher. She helps colleges and training providers strengthen curriculum delivery, improve quality assurance and prepare for inspection, combining coaching expertise with a commitment to meaningful, sustainable organisational improvement.

Experienced teacher trainer on national projects

Carlyn Peever is an experienced education professional with over 25 years’ expertise across secondary, Further Education and Adult Community Learning, spanning teaching, curriculum leadership and quality improvement. Specialising in Media Studies and Communications, she has delivered academic and vocational programmes and has substantial experience in teacher training, including the Award in Education and Training and Access provision.

A qualified coach and mentor, Carlyn has supported educators at every career stage. She has led quality improvement initiatives, held a senior teaching and learning role in which she managed a team of learning improvement coaches, and worked as a Learning Improvement Lead. She has also held curriculum management roles in adult and community education.

Most recently, Carlyn spent six years as a CPD Trainer for a national sector body, leading projects from design to delivery, facilitating interactive professional development, and training and mentoring sector delivery partners and trainers. She continues to teach on teacher training programmes, keeping her practice current, and is a passionate advocate for digital accessibility and inclusive design.