Biography

After 14 years of teaching and managing higher education in the land-based college sector, Alan joined UCEM in 2016 with a remit to manage out its previously validated programmes as UCEM transitioned to being a fully independent organisation as an awarding body. After a spell as Associate Dean, Alan became Dean of the School of the Built Environment in 2020. He provides academic leadership to academic staff within the school, which informs module and programme design, pedagogical enhancements and academic administration, as well as leading on areas of strategy that relate to the School.  He develops and maintains effective working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, such as external examiners and also presents information, analyses and opinion within areas of responsibility to the Academic Board and other deliberative committees.

Appointments

Chair – Validation BSc and MSc Building Control. UCEM, Reading, April 2019

Chair – Validation MSc International Construction Management. UCEM, Reading, June 2017

External Examiner – FDSc Animal Health & Welfare

University of South Wales. June 2013 – June 2017

External Academic Panel Member – Validation HND/C Landbased programmes, Bridgend College, University of Glamorgan, April 2013.

External Academic Panel Member – Validation FDSc Animal Health & Welfare, FDSc Animal Business Management

University of Wales, Newport, May 2012

External Validation Panel Member

GradCert Community Arts and Media Professional Practice

University of the West of England, June 2009

External Examiner – Periodic Subject Review – Animal Welfare

BSc (Hons)/FdSc Equine Management,

BSc (Hons)/FdSc / HND/C Applied Animal Studies, MSc Animal Welfare

University of Northampton, May 2009

Qualifications and memberships

Qualifications

PhD in Agricultural Botany, Queens University, Belfast

BSc (Hons) Applied Biology Trent Polytechnic (now Nottingham Trent University)

Memberships

SFHEA (Senior Fellow, Higher Education Academy)