I completed a very full-time, 3 year, Hair, Beauty & Wigmaking course at Havering College of F&HE in 1984.

I worked as a hairdresser/therapist in hotels, salons & spas in Romford, Cornwall & Reading, until 1988 when I established my first business within a hairdressing salon in Chelmsford. After approximately a year, I enrolled on a teacher training course and returned to Havering College with a sessional post, progressing to a full time lecturer in 1992. I was introduced to City & Guilds by my head of department, as an examiner and was actively involved with the development and introductions of NVQ’s. The role of examiner turned in to that of external verification and I was fortunate enough to hold the post of Hair & Beauty Regional Lead Verifier for London & South East for a few years. I really enjoyed this role, however gave it up in 2001 when I left Havering College to set up my own training centre. The organisation has changed greatly over the past 15 years to meet the demands of learners and the industry. I have managed to keep a semi active role as a consultant with City & Guilds over the past fifteen years, working on a variety of product developments and in particular with the assessment team. Having delivered funded provision for the majority of the business’ life, the organisation has taken a change in direction; we now offer City & Guilds qualifications to 19+private learners who are able to create their own learning plan around the units they would like to study. Upgrading form training and development to qualifications, refresher and one to one developmental support is our specialty and I am currently developing an online training programme to support this work.

My passion is around quality and assessment practice whilst ensuring the practicalities of our responsibility to learners is maintained.

Louise’s key strengths: Taken from the ‘Insights discovery model’ personal profile.

Ø Identifies the possibilities in every situation

Ø A natural entrepreneur, inquisitive and adaptable

Ø Builds relationships quickly and effectively

Ø Her glass is usually half full

Ø Displays high levels of energy

Ø Direct and quick thinking

Ø A natural go-getter with great enthusiasm for life

Ø Initiates new activities

Ø Will look for the good in people and events

Ø Assertive, strong communicator who thinks on her feet.