Pat is Principal of St Helens College and Past President of the Association of Colleges. A background in retail management led to a career in teaching in Further Education. Recently appointed as Chair of Lifelong Learning UK, Pat is also a Board member of the Association of Colleges (AoC), of BECTA and Foundation Degree Forward. Pat is a Director of St Helens Chamber, one of the most successful Chambers in the country and Chairs the Technology Portfolio group for the AoC.

St Helens College has a proud history of partnership working across Further and Higher Education; with the private, public and voluntary sectors. In OFSTED terms it is a good College with outstanding features. Pat is overseeing the completion of a £60m building programme. The College is a member of the 157 Group.