Dan has always had a thirst for knowledge, a drive to learn more, and a desire to improve the spaces and communities around him. As the first in his family to have an A-Level, go to university and move out of their local town, Dan was fortunate to have gained so much from his education. But university quickly revealed that being the first to do something wasn’t necessarily the easiest path. Dan discovered that his background suddenly had significant ramifications on his social, cultural and educational capital. This realisation and related experiences have been the driving force throughout their career.
Since completing a postgraduate degree in educational research almost 20 years ago, Dan has worked collaboratively across the FE sector for organisations that share his values: creating opportunity, championing those who need support and inspiring the next generation.
This passion led him to join Peridot, where he works with colleagues and clients who share the same ambition. Building relationships with people who care about the communities they serve; Dan meticulously searches to find exceptional leaders who will champion and inspire.
Outside of work, Dan is a northern-based school governor, a kid’s football coach, a sports watcher, a book reader, a (very amateur) guitar player and a Pointless trophy winner. But most importantly, he is a husband and a dad to two amazing little people.
Talk to Dan about:
- Further education leadership recruitment
- Recruiting governors for colleges
- Environment and sustainability recruitment
- Special education recruitment
- Community-focused recruitment processes
“I’ve recently been appointed to the Corporation Board of Hopwood Hall as Chair and Peridot, notably Dan, really helped me to put my best foot forward. From the initial approach and briefing, Dan was warm, encouraging and thorough. Helping me to understand the appointment and organisation deeply enabled me to appraise my suitability and then make sure I was able to share the right things for Hopwood Hall so they could get the right appointment. My recruitment involved 3 stages… a written submission, a conversation with the Principal and Chief Executive and then a full panel interview involving the board and executive members. Dan was there to support me every step of the way… a cheerleader and critical friend. On being offered the role, Dan advised me of all of the next steps, handing me over to Clerk to the Corporation to pick up on my induction and integration. The whole process has been seamless and it will really help me to continue the great work of the organisation for many years to come.”
Gary Buxton, Appointed Governor, Hopwood Hall College
“Derwentside College has no hesitation in recommending Peridot as a trusted partner in governance recruitment. Their expertise, professionalism, and commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes have been invaluable in transforming the College’s governing body and ensuring its future success.”
Chris Todd, Principal & CEO, Derwentside College
Dan's track record:
Board appointments
Calderdale College | Chair of Governors and Governors
Derwentside College | 9 Governors
East Coast College | 9 Governors
Hereward College | Chair of Governors and Governors
Hugh Baird College | 7 Governors
Kendal College | Chair of Corporation, Vice Chair of Corporation and Chair of Finance & Resources Committee
LTE Group | Governors
Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) | 5 Governors
New College Swindon | 5 Governors
Scarborough Sixth Form College | Chair of Governors
Southport Education Group | Chair of Curriculum & Quality Committee and Governors
Stoke on Trent College | Governors
West Thames College | Chair of Corporation
Wirral Metropolitan College | Chair of Corporation, Vice Chair of Corporation and 6 Governors
Wyke Sixth Form College | Chair of Corporation
Executive appointments
Altus Education Partnership | Principal of Rochdale Sixth Form
Bridgend College | Principal & CEO
City of Wolverhampton College | Principal & CEO and Deputy Principal & CEO
East Durham College | Principal & CEO
Education Partnership North East (EPNE) | Bede Campus Principal and City Campus Principal
Hereward College | Vice Principal Finance & Resources
LTE Group | Deputy Company Secretary
Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) | Director of Finance & Corporate Services
Stoke on Trent College | Deputy Principal (Quality & Curriculum)
“A huge thank you to Dan from Peridot for their support throughout the recruitment process. I’m especially grateful to Dan for taking the time to really understand the role at EPNE, get to know me as a candidate and give me every confidence that it was the right opportunity for me to pursue, where I could add value to the organisation and reach my own goals – his support throughout the process was first class. Having been in role for a few months now, I can confidently say he pitched the job perfectly – I’m really enjoying being a part of the culture and working with our teams to further develop our curriculum offer and engage our local communities. I’m certain I made the right decision!”
Mike Chapman, Bede Campus Principal, Education Partnership North East (EPNE)
Read Dan's articles:
- Bob Shennan on how being a board member can make you a better leader
- Moving into further education without previous FE experience
- How to prepare for a charity trustee interview
- Five skills you need to become an FE College Governor
- I’m thinking about becoming a Further Education Governor – what do I need to know?
- How to fix the gaps in FE leadership recruitment
- How to write a cover letter that gets noticed
- Natspec: our new corporate membership supports the voice of specialist further education
- How inclusion drives Hopwood Hall College
- My first year in recruitment: using my further education experience to find passionate leaders
- Trusting the process: 3 building blocks for effective FE recruitment
- Become a college governor to launch your non-executive career
