Who's Who

David SmithDavid Smith BEd Hons, MA (Ed), FIfL, FRSA

David has worked in a variety of educational settings, schools, sixth form colleges, tertiary colleges, further education and the university sector. He maintains good links with the Institute of Education, University of London. As well as working for a variety of national and regional bodies and organisations: LSN, LSC, QCA, Edexcel, DCSF and others David has supported a number of WBL providers, schools and colleges in meeting various staff and curriculum development needs. David is chair of the South East 14-19 Advisers’ Network. David has also worked internationally supporting the implementation of vocational qualifications in Libya, Oman, Syria and Greece.

 

Mike CooperMike Cooper BA (Combined Hons), PGCE

Mike has worked in the further education sector for nearly 30 years, including 17 years in colleges. Free-lance since April 2006, he was LSDA’s Regional Director for the South East from 1999-2006. This post spanned work with the full range of post-14 sub-sectors and bodies – locally, regionally and nationally. Mike also worked in schools and the voluntary sector for 6 years. Mike’s consultancy work has been with LSIS, LSC, LSN, IfL/LLUK, Lifelong Learning Networks and local authorities, amongst others. It has encompassed policy, research, quality and related areas – through writing, editing, field and desk research, facilitation and presentation.

 

Michael LigginsMichael Liggins MA (Oxon), PGCE

Michael has a wide breadth of experience across the learning and skills sector including colleges, adult learning, offender learning and private training providers. Prior to working for national agencies including LSDA and CfBT Education Trust, Michael enjoyed a successful career as a teacher and manager in Further Education. One of Michael’s proudest achievements has been to teach at Ruskin College, Oxford, after being a student there. Michael has worked on a wide range of projects including Skills for Life, Functional Skills, Train to Gain, Diploma Support and Foundation Learning. Michael was also involved in the design and establishment of the successful Increasing Flexibility Programme.

 

Tony TaitTony Tait BSc Econ (Hons), MA, PGCE

Tony Tait works as an independent advisor and consultant in learning and skills. He has more than thirty years experience working as a teacher, manager, researcher and advisor in local and national government.

Tony achieved a national reputation for pioneering work on unitisation and credit which led to the development of the QCF. He led policy, research and development activity on qualifications, unitisation and credit for LSN and its predecessor organisations (LSDA, FEDA, FEU) from many years. He also worked as a programme manager a range of major national support programmes.
He now also works as a Research Associate with the Institute of Education, University of London leading a project on UK Qualifications Frameworks reform.