Board of Governors

Dave Wibberley began his Higher Education career as a Senior Lecturer at the Royal Docks Business School in 2010. Prior to that, he had had a successful career as an executive in the international music industry, working with a variety of commercially successful artists. Between 2018 and 2024, he served as the Head of Management at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, founded by Sir Paul McCartney in 1996. Dave's pedagogical approach is about embedding contemporary industry and business realities into higher education teaching and learning, and always making sure that the student experience is inspirational, empowering and transformative.

Jackie McCoy, MBE, SFHEA, MIoD, is Emeritus Professor of Management Development, former Associate Dean for Development & Partnerships International at Ulster University (UU), and current Chair of the Board of Governors at Victoria College of Arts & Design (VCAD). Professor McCoy is a recognised authority in business and management and has advised government on issues relating to the Northern Ireland economy and skills, enterprise development, business growth, and the advancement of the third sector. She developed and managed international strategic partnerships, oversaw Ulster Business School’s international student intake, safeguarded the student experience, ensured compliance with UKVI regulations, and promoted global mobility opportunities for staff and students. Jackie has designed and delivered a significant portfolio of bespoke management development solutions, including the MSc in Executive Leadership, and has completed extensive national and international consultancy assignments. Her research includes co-investigation in a major international, cross-disciplinary ESRC-funded project under the Global Regional Challenges Fund. Beyond academia, she has served on Community Business Development boards, was a founder member and seven-year Chair of the Belfast International Arts Festival, and was awarded the MBE for services to higher education and the arts by the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Alex Birks joined ATHE as Chief Executive in November 2017 and is based at the UK head office in Norwich. From there, he coordinates an operational hub that supports 240 centres in more than 40 countries through a network of 70 associates. His early career provided a broad base of commercial experience, managing multi-million-pound public and private sector accounts for a UK Government agency and helping take the organisation through a successful privatisation. After completing an MBA at Henley Business School—focusing on the key factors for successful business transformation at The British Library—Alex worked as a management consultant producing strategic plans for the National Construction College and its parent body, CITB. This led to his appointment to head strategy for the £300m national training organisation. Further leadership roles at CITB involved new ventures and technology development, culminating in the delivery of a pan-industry skills strategy for construction. Alex also headed CITB’s Standards & Qualifications department, partnering with governments, regulators, and awarding bodies nationwide. Alex’s two decades of senior management experience in vocational education, much of it in a regulatory environment, translate directly to his role as ATHE’s Chief Executive and Responsible Officer accountable to Ofqual. He lives in rural North Norfolk with his Swiss wife and enjoys travel, country pursuits, and cookery, having trained at Leith’s School of Food & Wine in London.

Zain Kanwal has dedicated nearly a decade to the education sector, gaining extensive experience in recruitment, admissions, management, and quality assurance. His attention to detail and commitment to excellence have been crucial in enhancing educational quality. Zain's broad expertise and strong educational foundation have significantly advanced Higher Education in the UK. He consistently contributes valuable insights to improve institutional effectiveness and student outcomes. As a member of the Board of Governors, Zain Kanwal's proven dedication and comprehensive experience make him a valuable asset, ensuring the institution's continued success and exceptional educational delivery.

Deborah Trayhurn brings extensive experience in senior leadership and board-level Higher Education roles across various UK and partner institutions. Deborah's career spans delivery in Computing, work as a Dean, learning and teaching, partnership management and University Director of Standards and Academic Quality. Her consistent track record delivering high-quality, student-centred innovative curriculum securing professional practice with academic skills, was recognised by a Teaching Fellowship award. She combines these experiences with roles accountable for engagements with regulators including producing TEF submissions, academic governance and regulatory compliance and Student Affairs working in complex, multi-partner, and international contexts. She has led successful development of institutional systems and staff transformation activity particularly new programme review approaches, implementation of student voice systems, open curriculum practices, student and programme records systems and academic practice development. Deborah is an experienced reviewer on behalf of the Quality Assurance Agency.