Allan Howells
Director Of Quality at The Learning Alliance- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Dr Helen Smith
Having known Allan now for more than a decade I can confidently state I know him to be reliable, honest and especially authentic to his high values and standards. Allan illustrates a strategic view in all his actions whilst being a very humble character. I have been honoured to work for and alongside Allan in the past and Allan has also supported my endeavours to complete my Doctorate by agreeing to engage with my research. Anyone who is lucky enough to have Allan work as part of their team will reap many benefits. Helen Smith - Senior Lecturer in Leadership and Coaching, Dep't of People and Performance. Manchester Metropolitan University.
Louise Medlam
I worked with Allan for several years, and his resilience, creativity and good humour were invaluable in navigating some pressured and challenging times, and turning them into successful outcomes and learning experiences. Allan’s ability to recognize potential in others, and provide support, motivation and coaching to help them develop makes him an exceptional and inspiring leader. This allows him to help others develop their own leadership skills and styles; he acts as both a catalyst and a role model. Allan is emotionally intelligent, and able to simultaneously see the bigger picture and understand the fine details; this allows him to apply creative and innovative solutions to problems. Allan is highly regarded and trusted by his colleagues, and has a ability to get the best out of people, both by formal coaching and mentoring, but also by inspiring confidence. He is able to support and develop others by constructively analyzing problems and outcomes to ensure even apparent ‘mistakes ‘ become positive experiences from with much can be learned. I have no hesitation in recommending Allan, I found working with him to be a transformative experience that allowed me to develop professionally and he enabled me to develop the leadership skills take the next steps in my career.
Dr Helen Smith
Having known Allan now for more than a decade I can confidently state I know him to be reliable, honest and especially authentic to his high values and standards. Allan illustrates a strategic view in all his actions whilst being a very humble character. I have been honoured to work for and alongside Allan in the past and Allan has also supported my endeavours to complete my Doctorate by agreeing to engage with my research. Anyone who is lucky enough to have Allan work as part of their team will reap many benefits. Helen Smith - Senior Lecturer in Leadership and Coaching, Dep't of People and Performance. Manchester Metropolitan University.
Louise Medlam
I worked with Allan for several years, and his resilience, creativity and good humour were invaluable in navigating some pressured and challenging times, and turning them into successful outcomes and learning experiences. Allan’s ability to recognize potential in others, and provide support, motivation and coaching to help them develop makes him an exceptional and inspiring leader. This allows him to help others develop their own leadership skills and styles; he acts as both a catalyst and a role model. Allan is emotionally intelligent, and able to simultaneously see the bigger picture and understand the fine details; this allows him to apply creative and innovative solutions to problems. Allan is highly regarded and trusted by his colleagues, and has a ability to get the best out of people, both by formal coaching and mentoring, but also by inspiring confidence. He is able to support and develop others by constructively analyzing problems and outcomes to ensure even apparent ‘mistakes ‘ become positive experiences from with much can be learned. I have no hesitation in recommending Allan, I found working with him to be a transformative experience that allowed me to develop professionally and he enabled me to develop the leadership skills take the next steps in my career.
Dr Helen Smith
Having known Allan now for more than a decade I can confidently state I know him to be reliable, honest and especially authentic to his high values and standards. Allan illustrates a strategic view in all his actions whilst being a very humble character. I have been honoured to work for and alongside Allan in the past and Allan has also supported my endeavours to complete my Doctorate by agreeing to engage with my research. Anyone who is lucky enough to have Allan work as part of their team will reap many benefits. Helen Smith - Senior Lecturer in Leadership and Coaching, Dep't of People and Performance. Manchester Metropolitan University.
Louise Medlam
I worked with Allan for several years, and his resilience, creativity and good humour were invaluable in navigating some pressured and challenging times, and turning them into successful outcomes and learning experiences. Allan’s ability to recognize potential in others, and provide support, motivation and coaching to help them develop makes him an exceptional and inspiring leader. This allows him to help others develop their own leadership skills and styles; he acts as both a catalyst and a role model. Allan is emotionally intelligent, and able to simultaneously see the bigger picture and understand the fine details; this allows him to apply creative and innovative solutions to problems. Allan is highly regarded and trusted by his colleagues, and has a ability to get the best out of people, both by formal coaching and mentoring, but also by inspiring confidence. He is able to support and develop others by constructively analyzing problems and outcomes to ensure even apparent ‘mistakes ‘ become positive experiences from with much can be learned. I have no hesitation in recommending Allan, I found working with him to be a transformative experience that allowed me to develop professionally and he enabled me to develop the leadership skills take the next steps in my career.
Dr Helen Smith
Having known Allan now for more than a decade I can confidently state I know him to be reliable, honest and especially authentic to his high values and standards. Allan illustrates a strategic view in all his actions whilst being a very humble character. I have been honoured to work for and alongside Allan in the past and Allan has also supported my endeavours to complete my Doctorate by agreeing to engage with my research. Anyone who is lucky enough to have Allan work as part of their team will reap many benefits. Helen Smith - Senior Lecturer in Leadership and Coaching, Dep't of People and Performance. Manchester Metropolitan University.
Louise Medlam
I worked with Allan for several years, and his resilience, creativity and good humour were invaluable in navigating some pressured and challenging times, and turning them into successful outcomes and learning experiences. Allan’s ability to recognize potential in others, and provide support, motivation and coaching to help them develop makes him an exceptional and inspiring leader. This allows him to help others develop their own leadership skills and styles; he acts as both a catalyst and a role model. Allan is emotionally intelligent, and able to simultaneously see the bigger picture and understand the fine details; this allows him to apply creative and innovative solutions to problems. Allan is highly regarded and trusted by his colleagues, and has a ability to get the best out of people, both by formal coaching and mentoring, but also by inspiring confidence. He is able to support and develop others by constructively analyzing problems and outcomes to ensure even apparent ‘mistakes ‘ become positive experiences from with much can be learned. I have no hesitation in recommending Allan, I found working with him to be a transformative experience that allowed me to develop professionally and he enabled me to develop the leadership skills take the next steps in my career.
Experience
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The Learning Alliance
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United Kingdom
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Education Administration Programs
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1 - 100 Employee
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Director Of Quality
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Jan 2022 - Present
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Free-lance seeking ad hoc opportunities
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Midlands and North West
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Education Leader and Consultant
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Sep 2019 - Present
Delivered consultancy to universities and “for-profit” training organisations. Projects included preparations for quality and standards reviews, governance reviews and Regulatory registration. Able to apply more than 25 years of experience of leadership and management within the Education sector, acquired from holding c-suite roles, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Pro Vice-Chancellor roles, in four Universities. Other skills gained from commercial consultancy, include undertaking search, talent development (team and individual), coaching and advisory work, in commercial and education sectors. I am practised at operating in dynamic political environments. I have been a sector representative at national level on topics that include research, student employability, information governance and HE sector reconfiguration. I have delivered B2B engagement and have led Marketing, Media & PR and Fundraising teams. I offer considerable knowledge and experience of school governance including the leadership of Multi-Academy Trusts. I am a Director and Trustee (and the former founding Chair) of an eight-school Multi-Academy Trust, having played a pivotal role in its formation and development. I hold a Chair (Professor) in Higher Education Administration. Former Clients include: Kings College London; Leeds Trinity University; University of South Wales; Derby University; Cardiff & Vale College; Inchbald School of Design; CAE Oxford; Canterbury Christchurch University; Wrexham-Glyndwr University; Staffordshire University Multiacademy Trust; Show less
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University of Derby
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United Kingdom
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Interim Associate Pro Vice Chancellor (Quality)
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Feb 2020 - Jan 2022
Providing strategic leadership and management of the University's systems, processes and policies, that safeguard governance, academic standards and quality. Transformation work has included leading the re-engineering of key quality processes that underpin assurance (validation, periodic review, continual monitoring), as well as the enhancement of the deliberative structures and student representation system. Organisational cultural shift has underpinned the approach. A further significant element of the role has been to lead on aspects of, and contribute to, the wider business continuity and operations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Show less
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Wickland Westcott
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Macclesfield and London
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Head of Education Practice: Leadership & Talent Consultant
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Oct 2017 - Sep 2019
I developed an Education Practice at this boutique Leadership Consultancy. My main focus was supporting Universities, Colleges, MATs and other educational providers identify and appoint the right leadership talent. Having managed multi-disciplinary teams operating across single and multi-sites, I offered considerable knowledge of leading and supporting teams through change and transformation. I supported clients by drawing upon the wealth of experience gained from working in partnerships with research organisations, employers, HE, FE, Alternative Providers and other international education establishments. Show less
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Director
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Oct 2016 - Oct 2017
I provided consultancy services to businesses and non-education sector organisations advising on interactions with Universities and other education providers. This included specialist strategic and operational advice and leadership support to Universities, Alternative Providers (For Profit) Colleges, Academies and Schools. I provided consultancy services to businesses and non-education sector organisations advising on interactions with Universities and other education providers. This included specialist strategic and operational advice and leadership support to Universities, Alternative Providers (For Profit) Colleges, Academies and Schools.
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Staffordshire University
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United Kingdom
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Enterprise & External)
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Sep 2014 - Aug 2016
Deputy CEO role and member of an Executive team of 5 reporting to the Vice-Chancellor (CEO). Responsible to a Board of Governors for strategic leadership, management and performance of University [c.£116m turnover; 1,400 staff; 15,000+students]. My portfolio included: • Leadership and management of marketing & PR and external relations [50 staff, £3m budget]. Repositioned brand profile and embedded into communications (raised recruitment campaign awareness from 7% to 21%). Accelerated marketing strategy to digital platforms; • Development of strategic, business and commercial relationships generating new income streams and infrastructure investment. Increased philanthropic fundraising from £60k to c£500k in 18 months; developed strategic business links with LEP and regional and national companies; led skills agenda; managed incubation facilities to support business start-ups; • Strategic leadership of research & development [450 staff, £2m investment budget]. Implemented new investment strategy, reconfigured research teams to strengthen accountability and enhance interdisciplinary working. Restructured R&D support to enhance external income capture [40 staff, £1m operating budget]; • International recruitment strategy to drive growth in new territories and close high risk /low performing areas. Established commercial partner relationship to support delivery; • Ambassadorial & external representation. Led corporate communications and interfaced with politicians, civil servants, sector bodies, businesses, Stoke City Council, Chambers of Commerce, LEP and media (TV, radio, newsprint). • Leadership of corporate projects: employability, immigration compliance; business continuity and disaster recovery; compulsory school education (MATs). Show less
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Wrexham University
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United Kingdom
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Higher Education
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100 - 200 Employee
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Pro Vice Chancellor
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Jan 2010 - Aug 2014
I held a Deputy CEO and COO role, and was awarded a Personal Chair, as a Professor of Higher Education Administration. I held responsibility for developing institutional strategy and the day to day operational management of University. -Leadership and management of key corporate services, including : Corporate Governance, Registry, HR, IT & Learning Resources, Student Welfare, Research & Development, Health & Safety. -Leadership and management responsibility for Faculty Deans. -Responsible for Quality Assurance & Enhancement and delivered successful QAA Education Review. -Regular ambassadorial and external representative duties, including media. -Leadership of wide range of corporate projects , which included a successful Research Excellence Framework outcome. -Significant experience of working within a political and regulatory environment. -Significant experience of immigration (Tier 2&4) compliance -Significant experience of corporate governance (Board, Strategy & Finance, Audit, Remuneration & Nomination). Show less
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Keele University
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United Kingdom
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Director Academic Services
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Jan 2006 - Dec 2009
I was the lead academic administrator at university, and was responsible for leading, developing and managing the key services that supported academic endeavour.These services included Schools and College relationships, recruitment and admissions (UK and International) registry and records management, quality assurance, library services, research and enterprise.
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Head of Planning and Project Support
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Aug 2000 - Dec 2005
Reporting directly to VC/CEO, I was recruited to establish a new Strategic Planning function and Special Project team that support strategic level initiatives. Responsible for driving corporate-level initiatives I :-Developed two Corporate Plans. -Introduced Risk Management Governance arrangements.-Project managed 2-year strategic restructuring programme, working directly with CEO.
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The University of Sheffield
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Various Roles (inc 2001RAE manager and Head of PG admission)
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May 1994 - Jul 2000
I held various roles that: • Provided strategic and operational advice on institutional research strategies, which delivered reputational and c20% financial improvement in national assessment audit; • Managed functional service teams [5-20staff] that increased postgraduate student recruitment (UK and overseas) and established and delivered postgraduate training skills; • Implemented a new in-house information system to manage postgraduate recruitment. Shifted from paper to e-based admissions system; introduced service delivery standards Show less
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Education
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2012 - 2012
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Professor of Higher Education Administration, Glyndŵr University (Personal Chair awarded 2012) -
1988 - 1994
University of Wales, Aberystwyth
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Atmospheric Physics and Dynamics -
1985 - 1988
University of Wales, Aberystwyth
BSc, Physics with Planetary and Space Physics -
1981 - 1985
Nantyglo Comprehensive School
Community
