Multi award-winning entrepreneur, who founded the company in 2008, Oliver has a keen interest in Functional Skills and identified the lack of flexible learning opportunities leading to the company being formed. Today he oversees Runway’s extensive portfolio and continues to innovate, most recently developing the Runway Direct service which offers distance learning across the UK.
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Having joined Runway following a career in the banking sector Ben has filled the role of tutor, trainer, IQA, schools liaison officer and mentor. Currently responsible for fostering and managing partnerships he is well known to both our local employers and schools.
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With over 20 years experience in business and human resources, Emma joined Runway in 2023 and oversees our HR function. Currently undertaking a CIPD Level 7, Emma is always keen to explore new ways to make Runway a great place to work, and notable achievements include organising fantastic staff events and keeping the office going with sweets!
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Amanda Brade is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the education and skills sector. Throughout her career, she has excelled in various roles including operations, claims and compliance, quality assurance, and safeguarding. This extensive background has equipped her with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in educational administration and policy enforcement. Known for her dedication to maintaining high standards and ensuring the safety and well-being of all stakeholders, Amanda continues to contribute significantly to the field, driving improvements and upholding best practices.
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With over two decades of experience in the Education and Employability sector, Rae is a seasoned professional who thrives on the ability to make a difference. Throughout her career, Rae has contributed significantly to various organisations employability strategies, including Local Authorities, NHS Trusts, Ministry of Defence career transition partnership, as well as Independent Training Providers. Holding a BA in Education with Qualified Teacher Status, Rae has leveraged her academic background to build a robust career, starting 21 years ago as an Employment Coach working on the ground, and advancing over the years to become an expert in contract delivery. Her comprehensive understanding of the field has been instrumental in her ability to plan contract spending effectively, lead teams to deliver top-tier provision, and create pathways for learners to enhance their lives.
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Wendie has 25 years’ experience in Further Education. As a language specialist, she taught English as a Second Language and English GCSE and A Level in colleges for many years alongside work in curriculum management. For the last ten years, Wendie has held positions in quality assurance and improvement in both general FE and land-based colleges. She has a special interest in teacher education, leading on teacher training and continuous professional development. She currently supports future leaders in the sector, developing skills in leadership, management and coaching.
Graham has worked in education for over 30 years. After attending Bedford School, he progressed onto Keele University, where he studied Music and Maths. Graham became a qualified school teacher, a role he remained in for 10 years. This was followed by some upskilling in IT and then 3 years with an Independent Training Provider, Community Systems, where he taught IT to adults. He progressed to become a Centre Manager in Finchley and then an Operations Manager across 3 centres, before joining Skills Training UK in 2006. During his time there, he took on a variety of roles including, Operations Manager overseeing all subcontracted delivery, Head of Quality and Compliance and Business Development Manager. Before progressing to leading on bids and heading up a successful writing team, which went on to secure over £150 million of new business as the company grew, opening new centres in the South East, West Midlands and Staffordshire. After 16 years with Skills Training UK, Graham now works as a freelance consultant and is currently a Director at Pathway Group.
Tom is a qualified solicitor with extensive experience in private practice, specialising in M&A in addition to broader corporate advisory work. In his current role as Senior Legal Specialist for a listed mining company with operations involving green metals, Tom provides advice to the various internal stakeholders within the business, including Finance, Treasury, HR, Commercial and Tax functions, as well as advising on transactional matters. Tom has long been engaged with governance at Runway and brings a strong instinct for legal and compliance risk. Outside of the world of work, Tom enjoys playing sport, watching theatre and attending galleries and exhibitions.
Lauren has worked in Further and Adult Education for over 17 years, having started her career as an Equestrian coach and lecturer at a land-based college. Lauren went on to manage the 2012 Olympic Equestrian Legacy Centre in Greenwich, London - a facility provided by Sport England to engage local communities with equestrian sport which also provided training in Equine therapy and rehabilitation to undergraduates at Greenwich University. Lauren's passion for training and development lead her to the role of an Advanced Learning Practitioner across a large college group in Kent, supporting teachers with their own training and development. Currently, Lauren provides associate and contracting services in the Further Education and Skills sector, specialising in internal quality assurance, training, assessment, curriculum consultancy, and project management. Lauren continues to be very much involved in the apprenticeship sector as an end-point-assessor for a National end point assessment organisation, assessing apprentices who have completed training in leadership and management. Lauren holds a fellowship with the Chartered Management Institute and has completed a Level 7 Apprenticeship in Senior Leadership.
Completed a 4-year carpentry & joinery apprenticeship in 1979 and started teaching advanced craft apprentices in FE 10 years later. Has been an NVQ assessor since 1992 and worked at various colleges as lecturer, curriculum leader and head of section. Had a few years away from FE, assessing the Royal Engineers and running joinery shops in Hertfordshire and North London. Joined Runway from FE in 2021 and currently a member of the quality team developing new courses and is the staff coach/mentor. Away from Runway, is engaged as a volunteer and trainer, which he regards as important, helping the local and wider communities on the south coast.
In his role he has experience in working alongside and assisting a range of companies in developing and growing their businesses. Guiding them along the way dealing with all compliance and regulatory issues, Chris has an eye for detail and for producing timely and effective information, enabling management to make informed decisions as soon as possible. He also has a keen interest in governance and risk management – ensuring suitable steps are taken to ensure risks are managed and strategic plans are put in place wherever possible. Outside of work Chris is a trustee for a local charity supporting young children and their educational development. He also enjoys playing golf and cricket – whenever the weather and time permits!
