Principal

Mel Lenehan

Mel has always worked in the education sector. She started as a practitioner teaching in higher, further and adult education in the areas of Sociology, Politics and Psychology. Before joining Fircroft College, Mel spent 15 years working in a variety of roles for the WEA. Mel is passionate about adult education and the way it can change lives.

#ifeelbetterwhen I have spent quality time with family and friends #rethinkyourmind

Director of Education

Michael Conway - Jones

 

Michael is a qualified teacher, manager and coach. He combines those skills to deliver our Institute of Leadership and Management programmes. His career has been in the public, voluntary and community sector. As Director of Education he leads on curriculum and quality internally, and externally has worked on paid consultancy and  improvement projects. He is an MBTI practitioner, using its insights to build teams and facilitate away days. He is a Fellow of the Society for Education and Training, teaches post-grads at the University of Birmingham and is Director of a Multi Academy Trust.

#ifeelbetterwhen I’m concentrating so hard on singing my part that I forget everything else #rethinkyourmind

Director of Student Support and Inclusion

Alex Jarvis

Alex has a public sector background having worked in benefits, housing and social services. She has over 20 years safeguarding experience and has worked at the College for 15 years in a variety of management roles

As Director of Student Services and Inclusion Alex leads on many aspects of the student experience from support and safeguarding to rooms, food, security and the 6 acres of gardens. Alex is a qualified horticulturalist and counsellor and is committed to encouraging and supporting staff and students to recognise and achieve their full potential.

#ifeelbetterwhen I’ve spent time digging in my allotment in the peace and quiet #rethinkyourmind

Head of Business Development

Andria Birch

 

Andria has worked in 3rd sector development for most of her career, first as programme manager for a regional European Funding programme and for the last 15 years with 3rd sector learning providers.   A qualified teacher and Prince2 practitioner, Andria is passionate about putting equality and diversity at the heart of business development in order to widen participation and inclusion.   Andria is also Chair of One East Midlands the regional third sector infrastructure organisation in the East Midlands.

#ifeelbetterwhen I have time out from real life with sunshine, a good book and a long walk #rethinkyourmind