SWRAC Advisory Board Expertise in Governing & Support

Advisory Board Member – Careers, Stakeholder Engagement & Voice

Jules is currently Chief Executive of Cosmic Cactus. The focus of Cosmic Cactus is people who experience barriers to participation (such as discrimination, prejudice, disability, impairment, health issues, special educational needs, exclusion, marginalisation etc…)
Jules is a Registered Career Development Professional (Level 7) with over 35 years’ experience working within the Public, Private and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sectors as a manager of people & projects, Career Development Professional, trainer and consultant.
She is the parent of two young adults, both of whom are neurodivergent.
Jules currently delivers the certified Career Development Institute training for Career Development Professionals who work with people who have learning support needs and/or are disabled and is co-author of ‘Career Development and Inclusive Practice – Strategies for Inclusive Practice in Career Counselling’ .

Advisory Board Member – Achievement & Destination, Quality & Curriculum

I have worked in education most of my life and am passionate about ensuring that young people are provided with the best opportunities to help them progress and flourish. I am pleased to join the board and will bring to it my experience in designing and improving courses as well as my practical experience of monitoring quality and safeguarding. I specialise in working with young people with special educational needs and look forward to supporting and working with managers and staff across the college. I have been a senior manager in education and maintain part time work in the sector to ensure I keep up to date with changes. I also bring to the board my experience of being an FE and Skills Sector Inspector a role I have carried out since 2002. In my personal life I enjoy spending time with my family, especially the grandchildren; being on the beach and reading.

Chair of the Board + Leadership & Management

I first became a member of the SWRAC Advisory Board in October 2021 and am delighted to be able to act as Chair to support its Governance activities. After an initial career in finance, I then moved into teaching and education management where I have been for over 30 years. During this time, as well as working particularly closely with SEND provision, I also had the privilege of leading many extra curricula, high-adventure, survival trips around the world for students of all ages and abilities. I feel passionate about supporting the opportunities offered to young people, which can allow them to develop and achieve ambitious outcomes in both life and work. So, I am honoured to be part of the highly dedicated team at SWRAC and support the excellent provision and opportunities we offer our students.

Chair of the Board + Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Finance

Advisory Board Member – Personal Development & Wellbeing, SEND and Inclusion (EDI)

I have a background in people-centric roles, and bring expertise in organisational development, diversity and inclusion, and employee engagement. In my most recent role as a Senior Organisational Development Advisor, I led portfolios on D&I, engagement, and reward and recognition. My career also includes experience in HR, capability development, and professional development in both New Zealand and the UK. I’m driven by a genuine passion for creating inclusive environments where individuals can thrive, regardless of personal challenges, I approach my work with empathy and a focus on meaningful impact. I am committed to shaping environments that empower people, foster belonging, and unlock potential.

Advisory Board Member – Safeguarding, Prevent & Student Voice

I joined the SWRAC Advisory Board in July 2017. I have worked in the education and training sector since 1984 and was Business Development Director of a Dorset based provider of independent careers guidance for young people and adults for 9 years until May 2017. I now work on a freelance basis to provide support to careers guidance companies and education and training providers in course development, funding applications and partnership working. I served as Vice-Chair of Governors at Linwood Special School in Bournemouth from 2007-2022 and as a Director of Linwood Link Plus SEND provision for 2 years. I was Director of Careers England from 2014-17 am a current member of the Career Development Institute and the National Governance Association. I am a firm believer that all young people should be given the best chance to succeed in life and am committed to pursuing that goal in my role with SWRAC.

Advisory Board Member – H & S, Safeguarding and Student Voice

Paul is an experienced business owner and Managing Director of Innobella Media, a Liverpool-based production company he founded in 2009. Paul brings strong commercial expertise, strategic oversight and a track record of delivering complex projects. Alongside his business, Paul serves on the PCC at St Anne’s Church, Aigburth, contributing to governance, safeguarding and data protection. He also volunteers with Frontier Camps, a Christian residential summer programme for young people based in Lincolnshire, where he has supported in leadership, technical and safeguarding-aware media roles. Paul also produces educational content through his YouTube channel, reflecting his keen interest in technology, renewable energy. As a Modern Languages graduate, he has previously spent time living and teaching English in both France and Spain. He also enjoys cycling, drumming in his church band, and spending time outdoors with his family. As a parent of children with SEND, Paul brings lived experience of the challenges faced by families and young people.

Advisory Board Member – Stakeholder Engagement & Voice, Careers

Having graduated with a BA (Hons) in Economics and Accounting from Leeds University, Alison qualified as a Chartered Management Accountant with HSBC plc in the City of London. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (FCMA). With a career spanning 35 years, she has experience of sectors as diverse as banking, manufacturing, pensions and education (the latter in both state and private sectors.) Alison has an extensive background in risk management, corporate governance and internal controls and is a fully qualified Chartered Secretary with Associate membership of the Chartered Governance Institute (ACG). Alison serves on the boards of several other charities as a non-executive director. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA). Interests include playing tennis, classic cars, gardening and floristry. Alison is delighted to work as part of the SWRAC Advisory Board and to have the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing success of the wider SWRAC community.