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 advantage 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
In my role as the Chief Finance Officer at USP College, I hold the accountability for overseeing the financial operations and real estate of the College. This encompasses not only efficient management but also the advancement of strategic financial objectives. With a comprehensive background spanning more than 25 years in the education sector, I am a duly certified Accountant and maintain active affiliation 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 20 years’ ago. I gained my Preparing for CEO qualification at the University of Oxford Business School in 2018. As Deputy Principal, I am the strategic lead for Student Services, Human Resources, Continuous Professional Development (CPD), LRC, Careers & Work Experience and Marketing & Communications. Using my Project Management skills I ensure organisation and structure throughout the College.
Alongside my role at USP College I am also a member of the Palmer’s Trust.
Jon Briggs
A former Palmer’s College student – I now have 17 years’ of 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. I have progressed into various leadership roles and am now the Vice Principal responsible for Curriculum & Quality. I am a keen advocate for the college’s Career-Focused Learning Strategy, implanting College Companies, Student CPD Days and Work Experience. I regularly meet with other Colleges as part of the Further Education Colleges in Essex (FEDEC) group where we share innovative approaches to improving both quality and curriculum.
James Parker
After a successful career as a research scientist in industry, I decided to bring my passion for innovation and critical thinking to the education sector. For the past decade at USP College, I have valued the opportunity to inspire the next generation of scientists as a science teacher and Head of the STEM Department.
In my current role as Assistant Principal of Quality, Performance and Innovation, I work closely with colleges nationwide to pioneer new techniques that harness technology to enrich learning. My focus areas include increasing student engagement through immersive simulations and interactive platforms, improving accessibility and inclusion with adaptive solutions, and optimising remote instruction. Alongside launching new teaching initiatives, I enjoy sharing best practice and sparking enthusiasm for experimentation across institutions.
My goal is to collaboratively transform education through human-centered, evidence-based applications of technology that empower students to thrive in the 21st century. I am excited to continue this important work and help USP to lead the UK’s colleges into the digital future.
Craig Davidson
I am proud to have dedicated 22 years of my life to USP College, with the majority of my years spent as the head of the most successful sports department in the region. My journey began after earning a Bachelor's degree in Sports Science from UEL and a PGCE from Greenwich University, driven by a vision to transform sports education at the college.
Recently, I took on the role of Assistant Principal for Student Experience, where I oversee crucial areas such as Student Services, Safeguarding & Wellbeing, Careers & Work Experience, Enrichment Programs, Learner Voice Initiatives, and the college's Learning Resource Centres. My educational background includes a Master's degree in Performance Coaching from the University of Stirling, which has significantly informed my leadership approach in building high-performing teams.
My goal is to continuously enhance the overall student experience at USP College. I am deeply committed to this mission and strive to inspire excellence while seeking innovative ways to empower our students throughout their educational journey.
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 on enhancing efficiency and productivity. Collaborating closely with colleagues, I strive to optimise the College's funding resources for the benefit of our students. My professional credentials include a Level 5 ILM Leadership and Management qualification, complemented by an extensive background in leading the functions of Management Information Systems, IT Services, Examinations, and Admissions.
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 almost 30 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.