Michael’s background is in adult community education. He originally worked as a lecturer in the Further Education sector. He subsequently worked for The Workers’ Educational Association between 1995 and 2003, involved in national and local initiatives to develop community-based provision in vocational, academic and personal development areas. This included international work within the European Union, accession countries and Africa.

Since joining the Alliance he has focused attention on realigning various aspects of Alliance service provision including vocational training quality improvement, curriculum development and inclusion. The vision is to ensure that all these aspects combine to improve the early years experiences of children and the provision offered to families.

He holds a BA (Hons) in Law and Politics, a PGCE (FE) and Masters Degree in Education Policy.

He is a Trustee and Board member of CACHE (the Council for Awards in Care, Health and Education) and chairs their Scrutiny Panel. He is a member of the Expert Group involved in the Nutbrown review of Early years Qualifications.