The Development Team

The development of FE MaXimizE was led by David Roberts of The Knowledge Partnership, supported by Robin Newton Syms and Professor Steve Carter. The team was grateful for the input provided by staff at the national LSC office, particularly national head of marketing and communications, Nicky Brunker.

David Roberts is the managing partner of The Knowledge Partnership UK and former CEO of Heist. He led the development of HE MaXimizE and has used it to evaluate many education providers across four countries.

Robin Newton Syms is a former National Director of Communications at the Learning and Skills Council and FEFC before that. A member of both the CIM and CIPR he has also worked in similar roles in HE, local government and the health sectors.

Steve Carter (Professor of Marketing). An expert on marketing communications, management and international education, he has worked in the engineering and agricultural sectors and for the UN. He has authored or co-authored 20 books. His partner is a vice principal in the FE sector.

Chris Pearson joined West Herts College as Director of Marketing and Communications in 2004 as part of a new team leading the College from failed Ofsted status in 2003 to an Ofsted rating of 'good with outstanding capacity to improve' in 2005. Chris also has experience of HE, having worked in marketing communications at Middlesex University where he was heavily involved in a rebranding exercise and a new University identity recently rated as one of the most distinctive in the sector.

Karen Shead is the Marketing and Admissions Manager at Calderdale College. A CIM member, she was previously a direct marketing manager for two large multinationals (a catalogue company and a Life Assurance company). Reporting to the Vice Principal, her responsibilities range from campaign planning, PR and promotion through to admissions and reception and managing the web

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