testimonials
"Simon is a highly skilled and professional leader in the field of education and skills. He is passionate about the success of students and transforms lives through his dedication and unfaltering commitment. I can recommend Simon without the slightest reservation or hesitation."
STEPHEN CARVILLE
MA, MBA, Dip RSTA, LCTL, Retired Ex-Principal of Peter Symonds College Winchester
"I have always found Simon to be highly approachable, insightful and aspirational for the city's students. It is always great to have Simon 'around the table' - he is always looking forward to how the college can evolve and is influential in encouraging the phases that lead up to post 16 to support him on this journey."
NATALIE SHEPPARD
Director of Education Thinking Skills Academy Trust Portsmouth
"Simon is extremely hard working, innovative and experienced. He has comprehensive and nationally recognised expertise on digital learning and is very respected by his staff and peers. He is a man of great integrity, and has the needs of learners consistently at the heart of his decision-making priorities."
STEVE FRAMPTON
FE/HE Climate Commissioner and Chair of Association of Colleges Services Board; former Association of Colleges President and Portsmouth College Principal
"Simon's work leading Portsmouth College as Principal transformed it into a forward-thinking, innovative and inclusive organisation which became responsive to the needs of the city."
HAYDEN TAYLOR
Founder & Managing Director of Unloc
"Simon is an exceptional leader who has played a key role in shaping my career.
He understands the art of the possible and delivers on it through distributed leadership and, for me, this is perhaps his biggest strength. If you have a project or position which requires strategic oversight with a humanistic approach then Simon is definitely someone you should talk to."
TOM LLOYD
Managing Director, City of Portsmouth College
"Simon has always been pro-active in his support of the city and its learners and appreciates the value of cooperation between institutions including between the FE and HE sectors."
GRAHAM GALBRAITH
Vice-Chancellor, University of Portsmouth
“Simon is a person who understands that if he is doing the job well, the job doesn’t end at the College gates. A great community leader completely driven by ensuring his students reach their full potential.”
PENNY MORDAUNT
The Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP
"It is my privilege to write a recommendation about someone that I admire for his leadership, professionalism and brilliant art of management. I have worked with Simon as a Partner, Colleague and Subordinate and in each of those roles he adapts and inspires those around him. As he demonstrated with the major project to amalgamate the two City colleges his ability to work in a team on a very complex process was evident and his knowledge of project management came to the fore. In summary Simon is a true leader of both human resources and tasks and blends both of those with a calm and caring nature and a great sense of humour."
STEF NIENALTOWSKI
CEO Shaping Portsmouth
“Simon was a pivotal influence in our College digital strategy. He welcomed colleagues from Harlow College to showcase Portsmouth’s innovative work on how technology can improve learning, teaching and assessment. He has a passion for our sector and improving outcomes for students so they have improved life chances and better careers. He has the ability to lead, influence and make genuine change for his community.”
KAREN SPENCER MBE
Principal and Chief Executive of Harlow College and Stansted Airport College