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Head Office Staff

  • Gina HobsonChief Executive
    Dr Gina Hobson


    Dr Hobson joined BAC in September 2005.  Previously BAC's Accreditation Manager, in which role she was responsible for managing the inspection and accreditation process from initial application to the award of accreditation, Gina was appointed Chief Executive in May 2009 to lead BAC into the next phase of its development.  Gina is a qualified teacher of higher education with a PhD in Sport Psychology, and is a talented swimmer who has won medals at international events including the World Masters Championships 2008 held in Perth, Western Australia.

  • Steve Bristow Head of Inspection Services
    Professor Steve Bristow


    Prof Bristow has been with BAC since the year 2000 as both Senior Inspector and Member of Council.  His past educational experience includes positions as Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Glamorgan and Chief Executive of Shrewsbury College of Arts and Technology, while his business knowledge has developed through Directorships of a number of private and charitable companies in the UK and Malaysia.  An active Fellow of several chartered professional bodies, he serves as Chief External Examiner for the Institute of Directors, and has been UK and International President of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.

  • Sheila Needham Chief Inspector
    Sheila Needham


    A valued member of BAC's inspectorate since 2005, Sheila was appointed Chief Inspector in January 2009. She is a qualified teacher with particular experience in English language and was Chief Examiner in ESOL at Trinity College London for several years. She also has substantial experience in external examining and teacher training. Since her appointment, Sheila has been working closely with the inspectorate to drive up standards and consistency, and has introduced an Annual Inspectors' Conference which took place for the first time in October 2009.

  • Accreditation Manager
    Francine Koubel


    Francine joined BAC in 2009.  As Accreditation Manager, she is responsible for the day-to-day management of the inspection schedule and accreditation process, servicing the Accreditation Committee, monitoring accredited institutions and overseeing the treatment of complaints.


  • Donnett EdwardsAccreditation Officer
    Donnett Edwards

    Donnett joined BAC in 2007.  As Accreditation Officer, she assists Francine with the day-to-day management of the accreditation process and supporting the work of the Accreditation Committee.
  • Clare BakerInspections
    Officer
    Clare Baker

    Clare joined BAC in 2003, and has been at the hub of our daily operations since, processing applications, organising inspections, and acting as the first point of contact for our inspection force.
  • Claire BottAccreditation Assistant
    Claire Bott

    Claire joined BAC in 2008 and assists Francine in the editing of inspection reports, servicing the Accreditation Committee and maintaining the efficiency and accuracy of the Accreditation Department.
  • Inspections Assistant
    Wilhelmina Nartey

    Wilhelmina joined BAC in 2009, and helps Clare with the organisation of the inspection schedule and processing college applications.
  • William LashAccreditation
    Assistant
    William Lash

    William joined BAC in 2008 and performs a variety of administrative tasks and data analysis within the Accreditation department, as well as taking the lead on BAC's complaints and appeals processes.

  • Alex Proudfoot Communications Manager
    Alex Proudfoot


    Alex joined BAC in 2006.  As Communications Manager, he is responsible for implementing our Communications and Marketing strategies, in addition to maintaining efficiency in day-to-day office systems.


  • Caroline GrevesInternational and Public Affairs
    Officer
    Caroline Greves

    Caroline joined BAC in 2007 and is responsible for co-ordinating our international work and domestic marketing activities.
  • Tom RichardsInformation Officer
    Tom Richards

    Tom joined BAC in 2006.  As Information Officer, Tom is responsible for our IT systems and takes the lead in data analysis and procedural documentation.
  • Erin SannaCommunications and Design Assistant
    Erin Sanna

    Erin joined BAC in 2007 and helps with communications operations, while applying her talents also to aspects of corporate design and internal systems development.
  • Kirstin O'SheaCommunications Assistant
    Kirstin O'Shea

    Kirstin joined BAC in 2008 and helps with day-to-day office management, while acting as the first point of contact for enquiries from colleges, students and members of the public.

  • David O'Rourke Finance Manager
    David O’Rourke


    David joined BAC in 2006.  As Finance Manager, he is responsible for the company accounts, maintaining the smooth running of the Finance Department and presenting financial reports to management and Directors.
  • Phyu AyeFinance Assistant
    Phyu Aye

    Phyu joined BAC in 2008 and helps David with
    bookkeeping, financial reports and administration.
  • Hisham NizamCredit Controller
    Hisham Nizam

    Hisham joined BAC in 2008 and helps David with
    credit control, invoicing and administration.