Meet the Executive Leadership Team
Jennie Willock
Interim CEO and Chief Finance Officer
My responsibility spans Finance, IT and MI. I like the challenge of telling a story through numbers to make them come to life, I am a very systems and process driven person. I enjoy travel and my biggest indulgence used to be an annual trip to a Dude Ranch in Arizona, before my son was born a couple of years ago. I joined Futures because I bought into the values of the company and believe that everyone should have the opportunity to improve their lives through education and work.
Sandra Cowley
Director of Strategy, Growth and Partnerships
I have been very fortunate to work within the Further Education sector for the last 24 years and an advocate of lifelong learning, and committed to ensuring individuals have access to ongoing careers advice and to develop their skills that make a positive impact on their lives and the communities they live in. As someone who left school at 16 with very few qualifications, but has continued to develop my skills, knowledge and achieve qualifications to post graduate degree level in my fifties.
My role is instrumental in securing business growth for the benefit of the people and businesses we support and I am proud to be an ambassador for Futures and the sector. I also learnt that health is wealth so when not working I enjoy spending time keeping fit, renovating houses and spending time with family and friends.
Amanda Payne
Director of Operations
I am responsible for the operational delivery of Futures services across the East Midlands, East of England and beyond, including apprenticeships. As Director of Operations I have the great opportunity to hear first hand our success stories and feel immense pride for the impact our work has on the lives of others. I am a process and delivery model driven person, because I believe that through attention to detail here, we achieve better outcomes for those we support. I enjoy reading and gardening but mostly being in the outdoors, the peak district is one of my favourite places to be, preferably somewhere high up!
Jennifer Lovett
Associate Director of People and Culture
I have extensive experience in human resource management achieved by working in commercial and mainly public sector organisations. I have a genuine interest in businesses that deliver services that make a positive difference to people’s lives, which is what attracted me to The Futures Group and the valuable work we do.
As a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development, I am keen to promote good practice in people management.
I enjoy working in partnership with senior leadership teams, managers and staff in driving the people agenda to achieve great business results whilst creating working environments to help diverse teams thrive. In my spare time I enjoy time with family, going to concerts, learning to play the piano and sightseeing both home and abroad.
Daphne Saxelby
Associate Director of Excellence
My passion is undoubtedly amazing customer service for everyone, and within Futures that informs our commitment to deliver excellence for every customer, learner, and apprentice. My journey within the FE sector is rooted in workplace learning and development, which has fuelled my passion ensuring our impact on those we teach and support is always outstanding. Many experiences and opportunities later, my role now enables me to share that passion across all our work at Futures and drive a culture of continuous improvement to achieve our commitment.
When not at work I love being outside, whether that be nurturing the garden or enjoying a glorious walk around our fabulous peaks and valleys.
Kerry Wilson
Executive Assistant to the Board, CEO and Corporate Relationship Manager
I work to ensure the board, CEO and the team are able to concentrate on the bigger aspects of leadership. I'm dedicated and focused on the future, supporting the implementation of key actions. I enjoy cycling and spending time with family and friends.
