Our Team

Our Team

The UVAC team consists of a small group of highly committed and enthusiastic individuals who share a passionate belief in the value of higher vocational learning. Some of the team members are based at UVAC’s office – situated within the University of Bolton – whilst others work from locations around the UK.

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Professor Graham Baldwin (Chair)

Vice-Chancellor, University of Central Lancashire

Graham is the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Central Lancashire having previously been the Vice-Chancellor of Solent University, Southampton for five years. Prior to joining Solent, he also worked at the University of Central Lancashire in a number of senior-management roles, culminating in the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor. He also had a mid-career secondment into the nuclear industry where he worked as the National Skills Research Director for the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

Mandy Crawford-Lee
Dr. Mandy Crawford-Lee

Chief Executive, University Vocational Awards Council

Having worked extensively with government departments, providers in further education, higher education institutions, awarding organisations, professional bodies and public and private sector employers, Mandy has developed effective business and commercial partnerships. Mandy specialises in research, leadership of strategic projects and in skills policy advice, development & implementation including advocacy and lobbying. Higher and degree apprenticeships and higher technical, professional education and skills are her fields of interest.

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Rebecca Rhodes

Associate Director

Rebecca is UVAC’s long standing associate and supports delivery of our extensive web-based technical support programme, described and appreciated by members as “terrific sessions – they are beacons in the darkness”. She works extensively with employers of all sizes in the public and private sector on their apprenticeship and skills programmes and also with employers and universities to set up or expand their apprenticeship delivery.

Karen-Jones
Karen Jones

Finance Associate

Karen has been a freelance book-keeper since 1997, and has worked for UVAC since 2006. The longest standing member of the team, her primary role is the accurate maintenance of UVAC’s financial accounts. Karen is a very experienced book-keeper, providing financial services to a portfolio of local businesses. Karen also provides valuable admin support to UVAC, particularly in relation to member services and the annual conference. Prior to becoming a freelance book-keeper, Karen was North West Regional Accounts Manager for Shell UK.

UPCOMING EVENTS

UVAC on X

Celebrating 25 years of championing higher level vocational learning!

We’re planning some exciting activities to commemorate our achievements:
-Monthly reflections by the UVAC board
-A compendium of published articles
-Launching the UVAC Awards

Look out for news coming soon!

Thank you to our amazing judging panel for the #EDIAwards 2023 from @E_T_Foundation, @SkillsEduGroup, @UVAC1, @airproducts, @ABPI_UK, @AoC_info & @MulticulturalAA, with thanks to @nwslc_official for hosting. We'll announce the winners at the #HousesOfParliament on 7 March! 🎉

Thank you to our amazing judging panel for the #EDIAwards 2023 from @E_T_Foundation, @SkillsEduGroup, @UVAC1, @airproducts, @ABPI_UK, @AoC_info & @MulticulturalAA, with thanks to @nwslc_official for hosting. We'll announce the winners at the #HousesOfParliament on 7 March! 🎉

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