Our Senior Management Team are driving a new strategy of career-focused learning at the College. Meaning we are focussing on getting all our students to their chosen career, whether that is when they leave us or after Higher Education.
We want all our students to have the competitive when they leave us which is why we have introduced Professional Development Days and College Companies into our curriculum which has been designed alongside Universities and Employers.
So, here they are:
Dan Pearson
I have worked in education for the past 20 years’ with the last decade of my experience being in senior leadership roles. I gained my Strategic Leadership qualification from the University of Oxford, and I pride myself on my creative and innovative approach to driving improvement in educational quality and outcomes.
As well as being Principal & CEO at USP College I am also the Chairman of the Federation of Essex Colleges (FEDEC).
Steven Hendy
As the Chief Finance Officer at USP College I am responsible for the management of the College finances and estate, including driving forward the strategic financial targets. I am a fully qualified Accountant with over 25 years’ experience within the education sector and have a professional membership with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Clare White
Having spent a number of years working within the London financial corporate world before I entered the education sector 15 years’ ago. I gained my Preparing for CEO qualification at the University of Oxford Business School in 2018. As Deputy Principal of Corporate and Student Services. I am the strategic lead for Student Services, Human Resources, Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and Marketing & Communications. Using my Project Management skills I ensure organisation and structure throughout the College.
Alongside my role at USP College I also chair the Federation of Essex College’s (FEDEC) CPD Group.
Jon Briggs
A former Palmer’s College student – I now have 13 years’ experience working within Further Education. After leaving Palmer’s as a student I graduated from Loughborough University with a Degree in Sport Science before returning to the College to be a Sports Teacher. Since I have progressed to leadership roles and am now the Professional lead and a keen advocate for the new Career-Focused Learning Strategy, implanting College Companies, Student CPD Days and Work Experience. I regularly meet with other Colleges as part of the Cenbase Vice Principal’s group where we share innovative approaches to improving both quality and curriculum.
James Parker
After a number of years working in industry as a research scientist, I have spent the last decade working in the education sector. I have had a number of different roles at USP College including science teacher, Head of Department for STEM and more recently heading up the Quality and Innovation team.
I work closely with college curriculum and quality teams from across the UK to reimagine the role of technology within education through promoting experimentation, innovation and the sharing of best practices.
Scott Bowak
Having worked in Further Education for over 13 years I was appointed Executive Director of Information Systems and Funding in 2022. In my role I provide strategic direction on the use of information, guiding best practice across the College with an emphasis on efficient, smarter working. I work with colleagues to maximise the funding revenue available to the College and our students. I hold a Level 5 ILM qualification in Leadership and Management and have extensive experience leading MIS, IT, Exams and Admissions functions.
Malcolm Shearer
I joined USP College in June 2021 and am a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, qualifying in 2006. I have 20 years experience working as a finance professional across the not-for-profit sector.
As the College's Director of Finance, it is my primary responsibility to ensure the college has the financial means to realise its plans and ambitions, and that a proper account can be given for the stewardship of its resources.
Lorraine Stoten
With more than 27 years of extensive experience, I am a CIPD qualified HR professional. Throughout my career I have worked with a number of international businesses, including professional services/consultancy, recruitment/sales, motorsport and the FMCG sector, managing teams in Europe, India, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and the US.
I joined USP College in early 2019 and was appointed Director of HR in November 2021, with full responsibility for HR and recruitment.
I also have additional qualifications, including an MA in HR Management, PG Diploma in HR Management and a PG Certificate in Leadership and Development awarded by the Lord Ashcroft Business School, Anglia Ruskin University. I have also completed Safeguarding and Child Protection for Designated Safeguarding Leads training and am an active member of the Association of College's (AoC) HR Professionals Network.