Who's Who at Nelson and Colne College

Nelson and Colne College is a highly successful institution, where every member of staff is committed to the success of each and every student who joins us.

Senior Management Team (SMT) - click for more information

Lyn Surgeon - Principal

I have worked in education for 34 years as a teacher, middle manager, senior manager and now as a College Principal. I believe passionately in raising aspirations and ensuring young people and adult returners to College are nurtured, empowered and inspired to achieve outstanding results that will enable them to follow their dreams and make their own choices about their futures.

I have a BA Honours Degree in English Language and Literature from Manchester University. I began my career teaching English in a Secondary School in Salford and thereon in a range of institutions, including 6th Form Colleges, FE Colleges and Tertiary Colleges. I live locally, am an additional Ofsted Inspector and a steward at my local church, and I have four grown up sons.

Senior Management Structure ››

Marketing and Enterprise Structure ››

David Rothwell – Deputy Principal

My passion for Further Education dates back to my hugely enjoyable and successful time in the mid 1980’s as an A Level student at Nelson and Colne College!

After university, I secured a position as a graduate trainee with a leading accountancy firm and it was here that my working life in the Further Education sector began, working as part of a team helping colleges to fine tune their finance systems in preparation for independence from Local Authority control. I've been a CIPFA qualified accountant since 1996 and having worked at two other colleges in Lancashire, I joined Nelson and Colne College as Director of Finance in 2005.

My role includes responsibility for the College’s finances, management information systems and facilities. I also take a keen interest in working with colleagues to help ensure we are focused on sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint. I still live locally in Pendle with my family and I’m an active Governor at a local high school.

View Finances and Resources Management Structure ››

Judith Watson – Vice Principal – Curriculum and Quality

I have worked in Further Education for over twenty years, the majority of these at Nelson and Colne College. Whilst at the College, I have held management posts in Quality, Marketing, Work-Based Learning and Curriculum before taking up my current post in January 2011.

I am currently Vice Principal at the College with responsibility for A Level, Vocational and Occupational curriculum. I work with a team of six committed and highly-experienced Managers in ensuring that the College delivers outstanding results by offering an innovative and inspiring range of courses and qualifications. I am also responsible for Quality Improvement and proactively encourage all staff and students to set high standards and surpass expectations. Our collective drive for continuous improvement strengthens our reputation and ensures that we remain able to meet the needs of all of our students from Pendle and beyond.

I firmly believe in lifelong learning, having secured post-graduate management qualifications and a Masters Degree as an adult student. I believe that we all have a duty to share our knowledge and skills to enable life chances and personal fulfilment and I am fortunate that working in education affords me this opportunity. I was born in East Lancashire and continue to live in the area. I am a Governor of a local secondary school and work proactively with a number of agencies in the area to help raise ambitions of both young people and adults.

Curriculum Structure ››

Denise Hartley - Assistant Principal, Student Services and Support

I have worked in Further Education for over thirty years after graduating with a BSc(Honours)degree in Applied Mathematics and Computing Science from Sheffield University and then completing a PGCE with Manchester University. During my career I have taught Maths to students on a wide range of courses including degree courses, A Levels, vocational programmes and occupational courses.

I currently work as a Senior Manager at College responsible for Student Support. My areas of responsibility include Student Services, Learning Support and the Learning Resource Centre. I believe passionately in the importance of good quality support whether it is to help our gifted and talented students to progress to a prestigious university or to help a disadvantaged student fulfil their potential. I was born in East Lancashire and have spent all my working life in this area.

Student Services and Support Structure ››

Anita Ghidotti – Assistant Principal – Corporate Services

I have worked in Further Education for a number of years as a Human Resources specialist. I am a Senior Manager at College and am responsible for Human Resources, Central Services (including staff development) and Information Technology. I work with a team of volunteer staff and students to lead the College's approach to Equality and Diversity and also take the lead for our Health and Wellbeing strategy and programme of events.

I have a BA (Hons) in English Language and Literature from Leeds University. Following my graduation, and prior to my move into Further Education, I worked in various Human Resources roles for a multi-national financial services company. During this time I gained my professional qualifications and an MSc in Human Resource Management. I passionately believe in continuous professional and personal development and am an active member of the CIPD (MCIPD).

I was born in the local area and have a strong affinity with it. In addition to being a Governor in a local school I do voluntary work for the Prince's Trust. This work involves mentoring local young people and supporting and encouraging them to achieve their goals.  On the subject of goals, I am also a Burnley Football Club season ticket holder!

Corporate Services Management Structure ››