Designated Safeguarding Lead - Dean Hooton

My experience is in education and after 20+ years I still get a buzz from seeing people achieve in their professional and personal lives and being part of their journey. My experience is in Further Education and Learning and People Development, developing, growing, and managing Apprenticeship Programmes, and accredited and non-accredited personal development programmes, that deliver outcomes for learners and clients. In my time in Education I have seen many changes, one thing that has remained constant is delivering an amazing experience for people and that is what I am passionate about and what I strive for in my role. I have been with Serco for 6 months and I am excited to be on the journey and part of Serco Skills and Training Services, this is a great opportunity for Serco to deliver programmes that make a real difference.

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead - Jenn Palmer 

My experience is operational management in finance, utilities, employability, and skills. I have found my passion in supporting our learners in achieving their career development goals. As our Learner and Employer Services Lead, I work closely with my Skills Coaches to ensure we are providing the best quality guidance and learning experience. There is nothing more rewarding than hearing the success stories of our learners following their time on programme with Serco. Outside of work, I love days out with my little one and I'm currently developing my photography skills. 

Designated Safeguarding Officer - Mike Hampton

I have worked in education for over 14 years in various training and quality roles. I believe all learners deserve to have access to high quality education to help them achieve their potential within their career and personal lives. I spend most my spare time running around after my young daughter, often being bossed around – which I honestly wouldn’t change for anything.

Designated Safeguarding Officer - Jo Wood

My experience is project, performance and business assurance management and I have worked for Serco in the Adult Education and Early Years sectors since 2004 on a variety of contracts including; Sure Start Children’s Centres, Ofsted type inspections for the Abu Dhabi Education Council, Together for Disabled Children, National Citizen Services and more recently, adult skills and apprenticeship programmes.  People are the centre of everything we do within Citizen Services and it has been wonderful to see and hear the difference each of these programmes has made to participants and learners. I care passionately about what we do and the difference we make and believe that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in an open,  safe and healthy environment.   When not working I enjoy time with the family, getting creative and walking Dexter, our crazy Cocker Spaniel.

Designated Safeguarding Officer - Rob Matts

I have been involved in Education for many years and am passionate about the difference it can make to individuals to be able to progress in their careers. I have over 13 years’ experience of working in Further Education; managing contracts and subcontracts focusing on apprenticeships and adult skills. I have also served 10 years as a Governor (including time as Chair of Governors) at a local primary school that my daughters attended. I currently serve on the Management Board of The Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Partnership; a membership network of training providers who access government funding to deliver 16-19 and adult learning programmes. I also returned to education in the last 5 years, completing the Senior Leader Master’s Degree Apprenticeship.

Designated Safeguarding Officer - Victoria Wickington

Victoria has worked in Further Education and Skills for over 20 years. She started as a teacher, before promotion to various leadership and management positions. For the past 8 years she has held senior leadership roles as a Director of Quality and Assistant Principal for Teaching, Learning and Quality. In 2022, Victoria was successfully appointed as an Ofsted Inspector, and she continues to inspect within the Further Education and Skills sector, alongside her role at Serco as the Head of Continuous Improvement. She passionate about life-long learning, completing her own Masters in Education later in life. She believes in the power of education to change and inspire lives, and truly make a difference to individuals and society as a whole.

Designated Safeguarding Officer - Debbie Illidge

My experience in Further and Adult education spans over 30+ years starting initially as an industrial trainer. Over the years I have held many roles including Lecturer, Assessor through to Senior curriculum lead for Adult Skills, Student Support Manager to name but a few. 

I did not follow the traditional route to becoming a teacher/tutor as I did not find school education an easy or enjoyable experience.  My appetite for education came along as an adult where someone took the time to explain that it wasn’t that I couldn’t learn, it was that I learnt in a different way. This has given me the passion to support others to find their way and reap the benefits of education and skills development something I have done with learners from 14 – 80 years of age. My moto is, ‘it’s never too late to learn and never stop learning’.

As the Adult Skills Manager for Serco, I am keen to ensure that our learners feel safe and secure in the knowledge that we are all here to support them overcome any barriers, achieve their aspirations, and follow their career goals.

Outside of work my three sons and their families are my world and when not with them you will find me out walking the dog or in the kitchen baking and decorating cakes.