Regional Specialist Leads

The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) has Regional Specialist Leads (RSLs) for maths and English.

There are 10 maths and English RSLs whose support is fully funded by the ETF. They support practitioners and providers through professional development in maths and English, and can signpost you to the activities that best suit your needs.

Click on the map to view the Regional Specialist Lead nearest to you, along with their contact details.

Our regional specialists are:

North West and Cumbria


Sue Lownsbrough

Sue Lownsbrough

Maths and English
sue.lownsbrough@gmx.co.uk

I cover the region from Cheshire to Cumbria including Greater Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Lancashire. I have many years’ experience managing maths and English provision in a Further Education College and have taught English, ESOL and teacher education. I can help you to identify your training needs to maximise the impact on learner progress.

North East


Lianne Abraham

Lianne Abraham

Maths and English
lianne.abraham@ncl-coll.ac.uk

I work with a team of specialist teacher educators at Success North CETT (Centre for Excellence in Teacher Training) where we adopt a unique team approach to the Regional Specialist Lead role. We are able to offer a breadth of expertise in maths and English delivery as well as other subject areas such as inclusive learning and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

South West


Paul Stych

Paul Stych

Maths and English
pstych@icloud.com

I work as advisor, writer and trainer with extensive experience in writing and delivering CPD, particularly around active learning and maths. Additionally, I support and mentor both individuals and organisations alike.

Alison Pearson

Alison Pearson

English
alisonpearson1@yahoo.com

With many years’ experience in the FE sector, including in a number of senior leadership roles, I now work as an independent educational consultant and trainer. I use a coaching approach to support those in both teaching and management roles to develop their practice, either individually or through a whole organisation approach.

South East


Claire Callow

Claire Callow

Maths and English
clairelcallow@gmail.com

I am a former Head of English with a broad experience in teacher training and consultancy. I write and deliver CPD training on teaching and embedding English, behaviour management, resilience and engaging difficult learners.

London


Paul Stych

Paul Stych

Maths and English
pstych@icloud.com

I work as advisor, writer and trainer with extensive experience in writing and delivering CPD, particularly around active learning and maths. Additionally, I support and mentor both individuals and organisations alike.

East England


Bob Read

Bob Read

Maths and English
bobread945@gmail.com

I have worked in maths and English support as a teacher, curriculum manager and teacher educator in FE Colleges, ACL provision and on workplace programmes. I facilitate various networks in the eastern region for both managers and practitioners and have a particular interest in embedded support and the use of digital technology in maths and English teaching.

Yorkshire & Humber


Gail Lydon

Gail Lydon

Maths and English
gaillydon@me.com

I have supported management and practitioners in the development of maths and English provision across a range of settings in the FE sector since 2000. I support and challenge managers and practitioners; reviewing present systems and the attainment and retention of learners and planning for continuous improvement through staff development.

East Midlands


Dianne Robinson

Dianne Robinson

Maths and English
Dianne_robinson@ntlworld.com

I am an experienced practitioner, with over 20 years’ experience of working in a range of post 16 contexts, including Further Education, Adult and Community, and Work Based Learning. I deliver training on a range of topics, undertake lesson observations and facilitate the termly English Network meetings.

West Midlands


Rachel Öner

Rachel Öner

English
rachel.oner@btinternet.com

I have over thirty years’ experience in the FE sector as a teacher, manager and teacher trainer specialising in English and ESOL. I have worked in a range of settings: Independent Training Providers, Adult and Community, Work-based and Offender Learning. I enjoy supporting FE staff with resource development, quality improvement and by delivering CPD.

Gail Lydon

Gail Lydon

Maths
gaillydon@me.com

I have supported management and practitioners in the development of maths and English provision across a range of settings in the FE sector since 2000. I support and challenge managers and practitioners; reviewing present systems and the attainment and retention of learners and planning for continuous improvement through staff development.

Please select a region on the map:

ETF 9 region map South West South West South East South East London East of England East of England East Midlands West Midlands North West and Cumbria North West and Cumbria North East Yorkshire & Humber

Each RSL specialises in either maths, English or both. Their support includes:

  • Regional and national networks of maths and English practitioners and managers from colleges, ACLs, ITPs, Secure Estates and the voluntary sector who meet regularly to share best practice and hear about the latest developments from research, the government and the ETF.
  • Newsletters keeping the sector up to date with information about CPD opportunities, new resources and publications.
  • Bespoke, specialist advice and support, either one-to-one, for your team.
  • Information, advice and guidance (IAG) about maths and English pedagogy, resources and professional development opportunities including CPD from the Shaping Success offer and projects, such as Outstanding Teaching and Learning Practitioner Action Research.
  • Speaking at events and conferences.
  • Acting as a point of reference for the Education and Training Foundation’s other programmes including Society for Education and Training (SET), T Levels, Centres for Excellence in Maths, Essential Digital Skills, Leadership and Governance.

RSL support is for both individuals and organisations from the across the Further Education and Training sector. Find the RSLs contact details for your region by clicking the links on the map.