Helen Curtis

Independent Governor

Member of the Quality and Standards Committee

Joined Board: March 2024

Helen Curtis has worked in the Further Education sector for over 30 years in a variety of roles including Lecturer, Course Leader, Staff Development Manager, Head of a Teaching and Learning Academy and Head of a National Teaching School. Helen was a former Edxecel Quality Verifier and Ofsted Inspector. Currently working on a part time basis at the University of Lancashire, Helen teaches on the Masters in Education and works with nine partner colleges in the North West of England overseeing the quality of the University of Lancashire Initial Teacher Education (ITE) courses.

Register of Interest

Any Directorships including companies or organisations which are doing or seeking to do business with the College, or with any of its associated companies: None

Current employment and any previous employment in which you continue to have a financial interest (including self-employment): Preston College is a partner institution of the University of Lancashire. Employed by The University of Lancashire on a 0.6FTE contract as a Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology and Humanities. Helen’s role involves the supervision and oversight of the quality of the Initial Teacher Education (ITE) provision in validated partner colleges and teaching on the MEd. Currently ITE provision Link Tutor for Preston College and Blackburn College.

Employment by companies or organisations which are doing or seeking to do business with the College, or with any of its associated companies: The University of Lancashire (see above) partner with Preston College as an HEI provider.

Paid or unpaid positions or connections with other educational institutions, including universities, colleges and schools: As above plus previously employed by Runshaw College (2008-2018) Blackpool and The Fylde College(2001-2008) and Southport College (1985-2001). Helen acted as an education consultant for Wigan & Leigh College from 2019 – 2020. Employed by Ofsted as a part time HMI from 2014 – 2016

Other appointments (voluntary, remunerated or otherwise), e.g. trusteeships, directorships, local authority memberships, magistracy, tribunals etc. other paid or unpaid public appointments or elections to office: Member of the Lytham Festival Residents Forum.

Membership of any professional bodies, trade associations, special interest groups or mutual support organisations: Founder Member of the Chartered College of Teaching.

Shareholdings – Companies in which you hold more than 1% of the share capital: None

Spouse, partner or other close family member with a direct financial interest in the supply of goods or services to the College, or a significant shareholding in the company or other body which supplies goods or services: None

Spouse, partner or other close family member with positions or connections with other educational institutions, including universities, colleges and schools: None

Any contractual relationship with the Corporation [or any company or other organisation connected with the Corporation]: None

Any other interests which you consider are appropriate to disclose and are not covered by the above: None