The team

Inclusive Employment Manager - Nicola Fellows

Employment and Skills Hub Assistant Manager - Kirsten Lloyd

My role is managing the Forwards Employment Specialists, supporting the team to assist individuals towards their employment goals. I am responsible for the day-to-day management of resources allocated to provide support for supported employees in GELS and the IPS contract, ensuring the service meets the fidelity standards and delivers positive outcomes to job seekers who have a desire to work. 

I have worked for Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) for 17 1/2 years, firstly working in a day centre for adults with learning disabilities and then I moved to the Enablement Team. Prior to working at GCC I worked for a variety of care organisations.

Strategic Employment Service (LEAH) – Andy Rudge

Strategic Employment Service (IPS) - Michaela Elliott

As a team leader - Strategic Employment Service (IPS) I will manage a team of Employment Advisers role modelling of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach. The service will provide a pivotal role in managing a high-quality service that meets fidelity standards and delivers positive outcomes for service users who have an interest in or the desire to work or are thinking of returning to work.

Employment Adviser (Works for Me) - Darin Springate

My aim as Works For Me Employment Adviser is to help 16 – 25-year-olds who are NEET (not in employment, education or training) to overcome any barriers to help them into employment, education or training.  I am committed to helping people to be able to move towards achieving economic independence and realise their potential regardless of background or current situation.

Employment Adviser (Works for Me) - Chidi Isaac

My role as Employment Adviser (WFM) is to provide support to young people who are not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) back into the mainstream as part of the Works For Me programme.  I help to raise young people’s aspirations of employment and education through vocational profiling, effective action planning and identifying suitable job roles. I provide support that leads to sustainable employment and education outcomes by developing tangible and sustainable partnerships with placement providers. I am passionate about helping young people with a range of barriers to achieve their goals.

Before I came into this role, I was the Employment Adviser for Forwards Employment Team covering Cheltenham and North Cotswold of Gloucestershire.

I have a wide range of experience working in coaching and counselling roles.

In my early years, I dreamed of becoming a Petroleum Engineer.

Team Leader (Works For Me) - Shipon Ali

As Team Leader for the Works For Me programme within Forwards Education, my role involves managing our team of Employment Specialists with delivering the great service that they have been doing, in order to support the young people of the county with achieving their goals whether that may be obtaining paid employment, accessing education or gaining a volunteering placement. 

I am also directly supporting young people’s up to the age of 25 who are furthest from employment, to overcome their barriers supporting them into voluntary work, paid work or opportunities in the community.

With many years of experience in working for Gloucestershire County Council as well as the care sector, I find it rewarding to be in a position to support others to achieve their goals and enhance their personal life.   

Employment Specialist - Nicky Hughes 

As an Employment Specialist, working within the Employment and Skills Hub, I work with individuals to help them navigate the job market, whether they have been long term unemployed, made redundant, returning to work after a break from work, everyone’s situation is different. A Front Door service open to all residents of Gloucestershire, meeting individuals of all ages and abilities, a free inclusive service. Offering one to one, Person Centred support in the aim to reach their preferred goal of finding the right type of employment for them. 

You may talk to me on the phone, face to face or online to complete the triage as part of the Front Door assessment for further support or signposting.

I have a background of supporting individuals into employment. My role is varied, and I support, coach, and encourage individuals to reach their goal to find sustainable employment. By working with a person-centred approach this helps with motivation, independence and building confidence and recognising transferable skills and attributes. The work can be challenging, but so rewarding to see individuals move into employment and reach their goals.

Team Leader (partnerships) - Connect To Work - Jon Bowles

I am transferring into a new exciting Partnership role on the innovative Connect To Work programme to build collaborative relationships with organisations who may refer their participants onto the programme.  I will be building these partnerships with various organisations by establishing a two-way relationship; explaining the programme with the sharing of information to communicate the benefits to their participants, and listening to their needs to support their participants pathway to meet their future career development.

Previously, I worked on a Health Inequalities project looking at the link between health inequalities and long term unemployment, promoting the health and wellbeing benefits of work, with inclusive employment practices.

In my spare time I enjoy keeping fit with regular cycling, gym work and walking.

Employment Specialist Work Experience/ Voluntary - Alice Martin

My role as Employment Specialist for work experience and voluntary work involves developing partnerships with businesses and a range of organisations, whilst promoting inclusive practises. 

I seek opportunities where disadvantaged people can discover their strengths and awareness of job roles, where they are likely to thrive and assist with overcoming barriers to employment.

I have been in Inclusive Employment role for almost 10 years! We have seen some incredible journeys in inclusivity & diversity policies during this time.

Previously, I was a software developer.

As a child, I wanted to be a dolphin trainer.

Administrator (Connect to Work) - Ines Higgins

As one of the triage administrators for Connect to Work, my role is to support the team with administrative duties such as taking minutes, data entry and answering phone calls. I will also conduct the initial pre-screening stage for new customers coming onto the programme.

In my spare time I am an avid gym goer and love to lift weights. I am also involved in my local church and my local Sight Loss Council.

Employment Specialist (Forest of Dean) - Brad Hodgson

In my new role as an Employment Specialist for the Forest of Dean, I support those with Barriers and disabilities on their journey towards and into employment across the Forest of Dean locality by also engaging with employers across the area and connecting customers to employers’ vacancies by matching the skills of the customer to what the employer is looking for.

In my spare time, I like to watch football and play Wheelchair Tennis, something I represented England at in the 2018 School games. I am also quite an adventurous person and will be climbing the O2 in London in Summer 2025.

Post-16 Pathways Adviser - Una Pearce

I believe that young people are the future. I am passionate to encourage young people to reach their full potential and aspirations regardless of the barriers they might face. As a SEND Post 16 Pathways adviser I advise young people and their parents on local post 16 options as well as signpost to other related organisations where necessary. 

As a child, I wanted to become a pianist. I really enjoy playing the piano myself and dreamed of teaching others too.

Employment Adviser (GELS) - Steve Bland

My role is to support the supported employees at GELS (Gloucestershire Equipment and Loan Service) with anything non work related that is having an impact on their work. GELS is a supported business with the main goal of offering meaningful employment for people with disabilities.

I arrange quarterly action plan meetings with the employees to help them to identify any additional training or help that they would like or if they would like any support to look for alternative employment. If the employees need any support for anything such as mental health, financial issues, or daily living activities at home, then I can help refer them to organisations that can help them.

I started working at Gloucestershire County Council in 2015 when I started as a trainee at GIS Healthcare (now GELS). Since then, I have worked in the Care services Finance team and also worked in the Brokerage team in Adult Social care, arranging packages of care and care home placements for older people.

I have significant lived experience of what it is like being out of work as a person with disabilities. I know the difference that receiving the correct support can make. This is what drives me to help other people to succeed in achieving their goals.

Strategic Lead for Inclusive Employment - Vikki Walters

As Strategic Lead for Inclusive Employment I have the privilege to look after the Employment and  Skills Hub and our employment programmes.  Passionate about equality and inclusivity I have worked for Gloucestershire County Council for 11 years developing initiatives that will help Gloucestershire become a place where everyone has an opportunity to contribute.

Since leaving college at 17 (with very few qualifications) I have worked in the Public Sector. I started work for the Department of Employment (now DWP) as a casual Administrative Assistant on a contract that was only supposed to last 3 months.  I stayed there for 29 years doing a range of jobs including Auditor and Job Centre Manager, but for the last 20 years most of my roles have related to helping disabled people or people with health conditions find work.

When I was younger, I wanted to be a Physical Training Instructor in the Army.

Employment Specialist (Cheltenham, Cirencester and South Cotswolds) - Amanda Eady

I work with a diverse range of people who are experiencing barriers to employment, to take steps towards and then into employment.  The aim is to make sure that the process is achievable and relatable to each individual, and that their employment is sustainable. 

I have a background in education and have worked across the county as a teacher specialising in learning difficulties, autism, physical and mental health difficulties since 2009. Prior to that I worked in London in the design industry. I am a creative person and enjoy working together to find solutions to make the transition into work a positive one.

In my personal life I am a painter and reiki practitioner. 

Supported Internship Coordinator - Joe Adams 

I’m Joe and I joined the Forwards Education team in April 2023 after completing my P.E and Sports coaching degree at university. My role at the Employment and Skills Hub involves working closely with colleges throughout the county that provide supported internships. I help raise the aspirations of young people and support them in building employment confidence and employability skills. The best part about my job is being able to see the huge amount of progress made by students throughout the year by becoming more independent and overcoming barriers before transitioning out of education and into the world of work.

In my spare time I am a volunteer football coach at Goals Beyond Grass coaching, Gloucester City PAN Team. I like going to the gym and participating in any sport - you name it. My childhood ambition was to be a sports physiotherapist as I have a passion for sports and helping others. Always feel free to talk sport anytime!

Employment Specialist (Step Forwards)  - Mark Seyler 

I moved in to my current position after just under two years working as a SEND Post-16 Pathway Adviser within the Education Team at Gloucestershire Employment and Skills Hub. Prior to that, I spent seven years as a Work Experience and Job Coach at an FE College in Worcestershire. My previous experience of supporting college students and working with a wide range of businesses and organisations enables me to advise young people with care experience about their employment options.

I have also held positions in secondary schools as well as with a leading national children’s charity as a project worker delivering personal development workshops for young people in south London secondary schools.

In my spare time I enjoy running and cycling.

Employment Specialist (Step Forwards) - Dave Attwood 

I’m Dave, I work as Job Employment Specialist for Step Forward and aim to help and support those with care experience into suitable and successful employment.

Previously I worked as an ICT Teacher at an alternative provision school for 11-16 year olds. The school focused on helping and supporting young people who struggled in mainstream education to either gain the resilience and skills to allow them to return and succeed in mainstream, or support them to achieve their best possible outcomes within the school.

 Employer and Retention Adviser  - Aaran Bayliss 

Hello Everyone, My Name is Aaran, I’m an Employer and Retention Adviser. Most of my working career I have worked as a senior support worker in the care sector in Residential Care and Supportive living. I also have experience working in retail and the building sector. I’m a motivated and jolly person and always want to get the best out of people. I really want to help people with my knowledge to support my customers on their forwards journey.

Employer Engagement Team Leader - Maria Furlonger 

Communications Officer (Connect to Work) – Sophie Drew

My role in the team is to support my colleagues with my knowledge around digital communication methods. I promote our services and any upcoming events we’re attending or hosting through our channels with the aim of raising awareness of who we are and who we can help.

I write our monthly newsletters, design posters, produce videos, and update our three websites. 

Previously, I was a marketing assistant at Manor by the Lake (a local wedding venue). I love to dance, listen to music and spend time with my friends 😊

Employment Specialist (Gloucester) – Hannah Waltham

I joined the Employment and Engagement team in January 2024 as the 50/50 job broker. This project arranged 50 hours of work experience with 50 employers for people aged 50 and over across Gloucestershire. To provide individuals with support and find them suitable work placements through the development of a range of partnerships. I have since transitioned into the role of an Employment Advisor within the forwards team, to assist those individuals in the Gloucester and Forest of Dean area to build their skillset, confidence and to find sustainable employment.

Before joining the Employment and Skills Hub, I worked in marketing and design roles within education, tech, finance and health fields.

In my spare time I enjoy cooking and volunteering at animal rescues 😊

Employment Specialist (LEAH) - Dave Gibson

I'm using my experience to help the residents of Gloucestershire find rewarding opportunities for sustainable employment, as well as find opportunities for them to develop new skills through workshops or courses to better prepare for their next step on their employment journey.

The LEAH Project (Linking Employment And Health) is where the Employment and Skills Hub are developing relationships with Healthcare professionals, including Social Prescribers and specialists in Occupational Therapy and Mental Health. This is to look at supporting residents across the county when health conditions interrupt or prevent employment. Whether returning to, remaining in, or finding work, our aim is to offer information, advice and guidance to Gloucestershire residents to encourage and support them in their ambitions.

In my time away from the Hub I coach a grass roots girls rugby team with one of the oldest clubs in the county and when ever possible take in the amazing range of music and events across Gloucestershire.

Employment & Skills Hub Service Delivery Manager - Natasha Panchbhaya

As the Employment & Skills Hub Service Delivery Manager, I work closely with Vikki Walters (Strategic Lead for Inclusive Employment) to look after our employment programmes. Whilst I have worked in the employability sector for over 15 years, I am new to the supported employment branch, and I am very keen with the help of my team and wider services to make Gloucestershire a place where everyone has the opportunity to work. 

I started in the sector at the age of 19 as a voluntary admin assistant (to be honest I just wanted to play with stationary all day) As part of my volunteering work I supported colleagues with admin tasks on various contracts such as Journeys to work, Next Steps and New Deal. Whilst completing this work I found I really enjoyed supporting individuals to move into employment. I gained the necessary qualifications, finally achieving my level 6 IAG to enable me to work as an advisor on the National Careers service contract. I naturally stepped into leadership roles as I worked my way through various employability contracts, leading me to Gloucestershire County Council 6 years ago when I joined Adult Education.

Strategic Employment Support (RASS) - Viktoriia Yaremenko

As an RASS team member, my role is to support refugees and asylum seekers in finding meaningful employment as well as to cooperate with local businesses to find potential employers for my customers.

Being a refugee myself, I know what hardships people face when they start their lives from scratch, and I am here to assist refugees with their integration.

I have previously worked with refugees and asylum seekers as the Resettlement and Integration officer for Julian House in South Gloucestershire. I have a background in education, and I worked for some Ukrainian embassies assisting Ukrainian citizens abroad.

My childhood ambition was to become a designer and to create clothes, which became my long-time hobby.

Supported Internship Coordinator - Mathew Staite

As a Supported Internship Coordinator in the Forwards Education team, my role is mainly research based to see how we can develop and expand what supported internships can offer to the young people of Gloucestershire.

Prior to this role I worked as a chef and in retail. I recently completed my Degree in Human Geography at the University of Gloucestershire.

Employment Adviser (RASS) - Asha Sharma

I’m Asha and I am currently working as an Employer Engagement Adviser for the RASS Team. My role entails providing support to refugees and asylum seekers to secure potential employment opportunities, progressing into work. I will be supporting and encouraging individuals to identify potential job goals through participation of services provided by GCC and their partners including learning opportunities to improve their transferable skills along with employment support.

My previous role was for Standguide working for the Restart scheme as a Senior Employment Advisor supporting participants on the programme back into employment. I supported individuals with 1 to 1 job searches, weekly appointments, interview prep and lots more to ensure they could find the perfect job for them.

When I was younger I wanted to be on EastEnders.

Employment Specialist (Gloucester and Tewkesbury) - Latifa Ali

I have recently moved to Gloucester from West London and started my role as an Employment Specialist at the Hub. This involves being the first point of contact for welcome/triage calls to find out more about you to then be referred to the team that can best support your needs. I am also responsible for a caseload of customers to support them to becoming more employable and securing sustained employment. 

I have over 3 years’ experience in the employability sector working with organisations such as Fedcap Employment as an Employment Advisor for the Restart Scheme and Case Manager for Shaw Trust - Refugee Employment Programme. I have some experience in the recruitment sector supporting Registered Nurses/ Mental health nurses into employment for residential care homes and hospitals.  I have a passion for supporting and helping people into work and making a positive difference.  

I love being surrounded in nature and a big lover of cats and have a kitten myself called Lucky😊

Employment Adviser (100 Futures) - Kim Atkinson

 
I've joined the Employment and Skills Hub on the 100 Futures project. 100 Futures aims to support young people by securing work placements to boost their employability skills. My role will be working alongside employers and matching young people to the placements available.

Before joining the Employment and Skills Hub, I worked in Recruitment and HR roles within Tech, Telecoms and Engineering companies.

Outside of work I have 2 daughters, 2 dogs and a cat, and I love walking, running and wild swimming.

Employment Specialist - Dawn Oldham

 
Hello everyone, my name is Dawn and I started my role as an Employment Specialist at the Hub in February!

I will be part of the team involved with triage calls and acting as the first point of contact to find out more about you and guide you to the best support for your needs. I will also be responsible for supporting a caseload of customers to become more employable and to secure sustained employment.

I have been at Gloucestershire County Council for five years, during which time I’ve supported the covid-19, Homes for Ukraine and Migration teams.

I love food and travel (preferably together) and cinema.

Post 16 Pathway Adviser - Clare Kear

I'm delighted to have joined the team as a Post 16 Pathway Adviser. My role is to help raise the aspirations of young people in Gloucestershire by ensuring they have a variety of post 16 options to consider supporting them to live fulfilling and independent lives.

I have a background in retail management and have worked for several well known high street fashion brands. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, however most weekends I can be found doing DIY.

Health Lead (Connect To Work) - Clair Hawes

I work as the Health Lead for Connect to Work with Michelle Allen, helping to develop and lead on the implementation of the plan which will help support people with disabilities, health conditions or complex barriers back into paid employment. My role is about relationship building and connecting with health professionals who will make the referrals into the Hub.

I am a Nurse by trade and have the people we work with at the heart of everything I do. I have a long career working in the community as a district nurse in my hometown in Essex but have lived in Gloucestershire for 9 years now. Most recently I was working in Gloucestershire ICB as a Complex Case Manager with individuals who have a number of health and social issues as well as legal proceedings around Court of Protection. 

In my spare time I tread the boards in the local Amateur Dramatics group performing in musical theatre shows, watching my children in all their sporting events and singing a bit of karaoke down the local. 

Health Lead (Connect To Work) - Michelle Allen

I work as one of the Health Leads for Connect to Work along with Clair Hawes. We are helping to develop and lead on the implementation of the plan which will help support people with disabilities, health conditions or complex barriers back into paid employment. My role is about relationship building and connecting with health professionals.

I have worked for the NHS for 15 years and in my last role I was involved in setting up the LEAH (Linking Employment and Health) project which is all about linking employment and health and making employment part of a patient's non-clinical intervention. Working on Connect to Work now feels like a natural progression and I hope to continue to build on the work we started with LEAH.  

I've held various positions in the NHS over the past 15 years, working for 3 different NHS organisations. I love project management work, especially when you have the opportunity to start something new and watch it develop and hopefully succeed.

I'm originally from Dublin, but I've lived in Gloucester for 20 years, but I still consider Dublin my home and always love going home, taking my daughters in the hope that they might pick up an Irish accent!  Outside of work I'm normally found walking my dog (Séamus) or booking another holiday. 

Tutor - Jane Weeks

Hi, I am Jane, a dedicated tutor with a background in retail management who realised that my true passion wasn’t in stock takes or seasonal sales, but in helping people grow.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with organisations like Adult Education, Learndirect, and Prospect Training to design and deliver employability workshops and soft skills sessions. From writing CVs to running confidence-boosting Breakfast Clubs (complete with toast and biscuits!), I have loved every moment of supporting individuals on their journey into work and helping them enhance their skills.

If there’s learning to be had and laughter along the way, I am all in. 

Team Leader (Connect to Work) - Taylor Park

I am a Team Leader for Connect to Work and in this role, I will be supporting individuals who face significant barriers to employment, and I’m proud to be leading a passionate and dedicated team that’s committed to making a meaningful impact in our community.

My career began in retail management, where I progressed through various leadership roles spanning customer service, security, community engagement, and consultancy.

I then moved into the luxury health and beauty sector as an HR Manager before transitioning into the employability sector. Most recently, I worked as a Senior Business Manager on the Restart programme, helping those who had been unemployed long-term re-enter the employment.

While these roles have varied, the common thread throughout my career has always been supporting people and making a positive difference in their lives.

I'm truly grateful for this opportunity and excited to be part of such a welcoming and collaborative team.

When I was younger, I dreamed of becoming a ballerina!

Housing Lead (Connect to Work) - Paul Grace

I’m the Housing Lead for Connect to Work, acting as a link between housing services/providers and work to help people access employment opportunities.  It’s exciting to be onboard right from the beginning of the programme, as I can contribute to it’s development and see it put into action.

I’ve worked in the voluntary sector for over 20 years in a variety of roles at CCP (Caring for Communities and People), including tutoring, advice and guidance, tenancy support, mental health support, money advice and employment support.  I love building relationships with people and helping them to overcome obstacles that are in the way of them getting where they want to be.

In my spare time, you’ll find me spending lots of time with my Boxer dog, Bella, going to music and comedy gigs and dancing and DJing at local swing dance events.

Service Manager (Connect to Work) - Dale Hills

As the Service Manager on the Connect to Work team, I am proud to be part of a new and exciting initiative dedicated to helping individuals gain paid employment. The Connect to Work programme is designed to provide personalised, inclusive support, empowering individuals with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive in the workplace.

My role is to manage the various specialist teams which deliver the Connect to Work programme across the county. Throughout my career, my purpose has always been to support those in need, and this role allows me to continue making a positive impact in people’s lives.

Employment Adviser (IPS) - Dan Egan

I’m an IPS Employment Adviser here at the Employment and Skills Hub. Throughout my career I have worked in retail, hospitality, business management and during Covid I set up my own small business. After a recent move to Gloucestershire from Sussex I set out to switch careers with the aim of helping others.

In my spare time outside of work I’m a keen runner, play the bass guitar and enjoy spending time with my family.

Team Administrator (Connect to Work) - Ffion Meyrick

I have joined the connect to work team. My role involves providing administrative support to the team and completing initial triage with potential participants. I'm originally from Wales but I moved up to Gloucester a few years ago, it's been really rewarding being able to support my new community.

In my spare time I love watching films/TV shows and I enjoy baking.

Employment Specialist (Connect to Work) - Hannah Pye

I am an Employment Specialist in the Connect to Work team within the Employment and Skills Hub😊

I have previous experience of supporting adults to find sustainable employment in my previous role where I worked alongside the NHS in both Bristol and Wiltshire. It is a real pleasure for me to now continue doing so in my local area of Gloucestershire.

Outside of work I enjoy exercise and attending live music events.

Team Administrator - Stephanie Anderson

I support the team with a variety of duties including scheduling, data management, and minute taking. Before joining the Hub, I worked as a freelance illustrator in London. While I’ve always loved creating art, I discovered a real passion for helping people and this role allows me to do just that.

Since moving to Gloucester a few years ago, I’ve become part of a supportive team that’s committed to making a difference in our community. Outside of work, I enjoy baking, playing video games and spending time with family. I’m proud to be a part of a team that’s passionate about making a positive impact.

Employment Specialist (Connect to Work) - Oxana Poberejnaia

I work with individuals who face barriers to getting into work. Everyone's situation is different, and I apply a person-centred approach. My favourite part of the job is to see an individual grow in confidence and independence. I love motivating people to find their own strength. I enjoy contributing to the team effort of ensuring that every resident has an opportunity to thrive and find meaningful employment.

I’m Emily, an Employment Specialist at Forwards Education. In my role, I help people build confidence, write CVs, and prepare for interviews as they move towards employment. I enjoy helping people find and explore opportunities that align with their skills, passions, and long-term goals.

I previously worked as a Special Educational Needs (SEN) teacher, English teacher, drama teacher, and teaching assistant. I’m passionate about neurodivergence, advocacy, and accessibility. I’m currently learning British Sign Language, having completed Level 1, and I hope to become fluent one day.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing video games, swimming, reading, badminton, and anything to do with theatre! 

Employer Adviser (Connect to Work) - Harry White