Wirral Met is a large college of Further and Higher Education, supporting over 10,000 students every year with a range of courses from entry level to higher education.
Wirral Met is a large college of Further and Higher Education, supporting over 10,000 students every year with a range of courses from entry level to higher education.
The College is an independent Further Education (FE) Corporation, established by the Further and Higher Education Act 1992. This Act removed all further education colleges from local authority control on 1 April 1993. Such colleges are also established as charities but are exempt from the requirements of the Charities Act.
The powers of the Corporation may be summarised as:
provide further and higher education
supply goods or services in support of the provision of education
provide secondary education to 14–16 year olds in schools/academies
conduct an educational institution
subscribe for or acquire shares in or securities of a company
acquire and dispose of assets
borrow & invest money
The Corporation also has powers to enter into contracts and make other arrangements in support of its main powers.
The College is administered under the Instrument & Articles of Government which set out the rules for the constitution and operation of the Corporation. The Board has also approved Standing Orders which include the Policy on the Selection of Governors.
Our College receives funding directly from the Department for Education (DfE), which supports further education and skills training across England. This includes investment in 16–19 education, adult learning, and specialist programmes such as Skills Bootcamps and Free Courses for Jobs, designed to help learners gain valuable qualifications and progress into employment.
We also receive funding from the Office for Students (OfS), the independent regulator for higher education in England. The OfS provides financial support to help colleges and universities deliver high-quality teaching, promote fair access, and maintain excellence in specialist subjects.
To fulfil its functions, the Board aims to recruit and maintain a wide range of skills/experience amongst its members. The profiles of current governors are shown below. Click here to find out more or apply to become a governor.
Governors can be contacted via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Gary Baines
I have been in the Internal Audit profession for over 30 years primarily with MIAA and currently hold the position of Regional Assurance Director working from our Liverpool office.
MIAA provides Assurance and Advisory Services to the NHS across Cheshire and Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Lancashire and South Cumbria with over 60 core clients. MIAA also provides services to other public sector and third sector organisations, e.g. Charities, Local Authorities, Housing Associations etc.
Within my current role I am responsible for the overall delivery of audit plans to 17 NHS organisations supported by 4 Senior Audit Managers and a team of 14 directly employed auditors to whom I provide leadership and mentoring recognising that success can only be achieved with a strong team ethic. Our work culminates with the delivery of a Head of Internal Audit Opinion to each client to support the organisation’s statutory Annual Governance Statement which is a public facing declaration re: governance and control. I am also currently working with housing associations, social enterprises etc to provide assurance services. Whilst working within corporate policies and procedures my role is a senior leadership role which allows me to set the strategic direction of my region and via membership of the organisation’s Senior Leadership Team contribute positively to wider corporate direction.
I also directly deliver work to my clients and have developed a specialism in project assurance and supporting organisations in this role as they deliver major systems and infrastructure changes. Recent examples being supporting organisations in changes to key financial systems, patient administration systems and the delivery of major capital projects, e.g. new hospital builds etc.
Richard Mawsley
17 years of experience within the property (commercial), development and regeneration industry on a nationwide basis. Good commercial skills and contacts within the business community. Born in Birkenhead and live in Heswall.
Paul Smith
I am an experienced senior manager in Children’s Services at Wirral Council. I currently have strategic and managerial responsibility for two key post 16 service areas, (a) 14-19 services (including Apprenticeships) and (b) Adult Learning.
I am also responsible for the delivery of two large key strategic employment and skills programmes funded by ESF and DWP.
In addition to my work in the borough I also have a cross Liverpool City Region employment and skills remit, including chairing the LCR Participation and Skills Strategy Group. This group feeds into the Employment and Skills Board and LEP.
In terms of skills that may lead lend themselves to role as governor with the college I have the following; budget management and planning, commissioning and procurement, quality assurance in the context of learning and skills, curriculum planning (adult learning), project management etc.
Outside of my working life I have also been a serving school governor. I have been a school governor for over 6 years and have responsibility for the Curriculum and Standards Committee.
I would really welcome the opportunity to join the college as it travels on its journey to outstanding.
Gill Banks, Principal & CEO
I’m Gill Banks and I am the Principal and CEO.
I have been involved in education since the 1990s starting first as a teacher before moving into management and leadership roles at colleges across the Liverpool City Region and further afield. In 2014, I joined Knowsley Community College as Deputy Principal then Principal before being appointed interim CEO at Coventry College. For the past three years I have worked at the City of Liverpool College as the Deputy Principal. Prior to my career in education I worked for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and in the Travel and Tourism sector.
Phil Jones, Vice Principal of Quality
I'm Phil Jones. I started working for the College as an Assistant Principal for STEAM and was appointed as Vice Principal for Quality in 2019. I am a big advocate for apprenticeships, having started my career as an Apprentice Engineer. After completing my apprenticeship, I gained 18 years experience in the commercial vehicle industry before going on to work in further education.
Chrisine Carter, Vice Principal of Curriculum
I'm Chris Carter. I started my journey with the College as a 17 year old student and later returned in 2006 to complete my Certificate in Education whilst volunteering within the Childcare and Early Years department. As a huge advocate for the College and the values that it represents, I have progressed from a teaching role into various management positions and have since become a Vice Principal in Curriculum.
Kevin Williams, Vice Principal of Finance
I’m Kevin Williams. I bring a wealth of experience as a senior leader across education, health, social care, housing and regeneration sectors. Since entering the field of further education in 2014, I have provided permanent and interim consultancy support in many FE colleges including as Finance Director/Vice Principal at Knowsley Community College, Wigan & Leigh College, Craven College and West London College, as well as Interim Principal at Harrogate College.
Ste Bailey, Assistant Principal of Student Support & Foundation Learning
I'm Ste Bailey. I have worked in further education for over 20 years, initially teaching English, maths and employability to students with learning difficulties and disabilities before moving into management. I have previously worked in various roles in the NHS and voluntary sector, supporting adults with mental health difficulties, learning disabilities and physicial disabilities. My current role focuses on leadership responsibilities in all aspects of student support, foundation learning, safeguarding and equality, diversity and inclusion. I am most passionate about removing barriers and improving people's life chances and wellbeing through education.
Louise Rhodes, Clerk to the Governors
Ryan Morris, Adminisrator to the Governors
Ryan has a dual role as the Administrator to the Governors and Finance Assistant, whilst also studying towards his ACCA Chartered Accountancy Qualification.
Amelia Jones, Student Governor
Amelia is in her second year at the College and is currently studying Level 3 Travel and Tourism.
On her appointment as Student Governor, Amelia said: "I’m excited to put the voice forward of my fellow students and create exciting opportunities for us all to get involved in. I’m particularly passionate about sport and I would like to provide more opportunities for students to keep active and try out new activities through the Students’ Union.”
Qualifications
Post Graduate Certificate in Education in the Lifelong Learning Sector
BA History and Sociology
About
Christian has over 10 years experience teaching adults on Further Education and Higher Education courses, from introduction courses up to final year of degree. His main teaching responsibility is on BA Sociology with Criminology (accredited by the University of Chester), where he teaches Year 2 and Year 3 modules, as well as supporting students through his role as a Personal Academic Tutor.
Interests, Projects & Publications
Christian's areas of sociological interests include social identities, subcultures, digital studies and sex work.
Memberships with Professional Bodies
British Sociological Association
Beth is a Curriculum Lead for Community Education at Wirral Met College with ten years of experience teaching students and creating a range of different courses. Beth has an MSc in Pyschological Trauma and specialises in Psychology and Mental Health, Beth uses her experience to create exciting new courses for different partner organisations within the community.
Joe is currently in his second year as a Biology lecturer at Wirral Met College. Joe teaches across a range of courses including Access to Nursing, Access Biomedical Science, Pre-access to Health and on the Psychology 2+2 degree course. Joe enjoys meeting new people in the community and teaching on courses such as digital skills. His interests include sport, creative writing, and cooking.
Michelle herself studied at Wirral Met on the 2+2 Psychology degree and the PGCE teacher training. She is now the programme lead for some of the access courses at Wirral Met College. Michelle has a bubbly personality and enjoys teaching courses in the community. Michelle has a number of years’ experience teaching Psychology and Mental Health and supporting students with their progression in education.
Harriet is level 2 programme lead at Wirral Met College with six years of experience teaching students. Harriet teaches a range of different courses related Psychology and Mental Health. Harriet uses her experience to create and deliver courses within the community in a relaxed and positive learning environment.
Jackie studied with Wirral Met herself, starting in the community on an introduction to psychology course then progressing onto the 2+2 psychology degree and finally progressing onto the PGCE teacher training. Jackie now enjoys teaching students in the community because this is where she started and enjoys seeing students’ progress. Her hobbies include taking her grandchildren out.
Christian has over 10 years experience teaching adults on Further Education and Higher Education courses, from introduction courses up to final year of degree. He holds a PGCE in
Daisy holds a degree in Psychology from Edge Hill University and a Masters degree in Forensic Psychology from Manchester Metropolitan University. Daisy currently teaches our Pyschology and Mental Health courses at Wirral Met. Daisy has a passion for Forensic Pscyhology and investigating why an offender offends. She is able to provide a different perspective on most topics for her learners, applying her knowledge to the offending population. Daisy is excited to share this knowledge with more people through our community education courses.
Nicole is the Community Education Administrator. She loves going out into the community, meeting new people, and supporting with guidance and enrolment on a range of different courses.
Johanna's background is as an illustrator/designer, printmaker, and teacher. She really enjoys delivering bespoke and interactive art workshops in the Birkenhead community on behalf of Wirral Met College. Johanna aims to tap into latent creativity and give people a voice through self-publishing, illustration and making. In the last year, Johanna has been sharing different techniques for creating artwork and encouraging people to share and discuss their ideas.
Qualifications
BA (Hons) Photography - University of Chester
Postgraduate Certificate in Education - University of Central Lancashire
MA Photography - Middlesex University
Currently studying PhD in Photography - University of Chester
About
John-Lloyd Quayle is a lens-based artist, researcher, and an educator with a background in socially engaged practice, adult education and traditional photographic practices. Graduating with a BA (Hons) Degree in Photography from The University of Chester in 2014, John-Lloyd went on to gaining his Post Graduate Certificate in Education and then graduating from a master’s degree in photography at Middlesex University. He is now undertaking a practice-based PhD at The University of Chester.
John-Lloyd has worked alongside internationally renowned photographers such as, Richard Billingham and Tom Wood, where he was able to gain a unique experience and a distinctive skill set. He has also worked with well-known creative establishments such as Steidl and The Museum of Modern Art.
Interests, Projects and Publications
John-Lloyd’s research investigates into the phenomenological concept of ' A Sense of Nearness,' inspired by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. His exploration focuses on investigations into the intricate relationships among physical photographic artefacts, their rich and evocative material qualities, and their ability to place the viewer of the photographic artefact in the proximity of the real-life event.
Occupying the interconnected fields of an analogue-focussed photographic practices and documentary photography, he aims to push the boundaries of photography, aspiring to elevate the photographic representation of his subject matter.
Notably, John-Lloyd has showcased his work through a series of solo exhibitions across England and has participated in exhibitions alongside esteemed photographers such as Tom Wood and Suzanne St Clare.
A dedicated teacher with over a decade of experience, before moving to Teacher Training, James was the lead teacher of GCSE English at Wirral Metropolitan College. Prior to that role, James taught in Further Education for six years as a teacher of GCSE English and Functional Skills. James also has prior experience teaching in Secondary Education where he taught at schools across Merseyside, however James got his start in teaching in the USA, where he taught at a Higher Education and Further Education level.
Interests, Projects and Publications
James has an interest in cognitive load theory, neuro-cognitive approaches learning and supporting disadvantaged learners.
