National leader in student progression from Herts
Ian Douglas from the University of Hertfordshire has been appointed National Chair of the Higher Education Liaison Officers Association (HELOA).
HEOLA, which has over 700 members from over 140 higher education institutions in the UK, is the professional association of staff who work in the field of education liaison. It provides guidance and information to prospective students, their families and advisers.
Ian Douglas from Bushey, has worked within Education Liaison at the University of Hertfordshire since 2000. He is currently undertaking an Ed D (practice based PhD) looking at student progression to higher education. His role as Chair of Governors at Greenford High School, Ealing began four years ago and ensures he is in touch with secondary education. He previously worked at Stanmore and Harrow Colleges. He began his career in the 1970s as a teacher in the North East having studied Engineering and obtained a PGCE at Sheffield University. He has also studied at Sunderland, Oxford Brookes and Westminster universities.
Speaking about his appointment Ian Douglas said: “My personal aim in this new national role is to support students in making an informed and well researched choice about the right course for them at the most appropriate institution. I see this as the central focus for HELOA. I am looking forward to leading the association during this exciting period of change. Issues impacting on the sector include changes to student funding, the changes in the 14-19 curriculum including diplomas as well as the impact of segmentation and further differentiation within the sector.
“My experience at the University of Hertfordshire will be invaluable in this role and the University has supported my success in this national appointment.”
Tim Longden, Director of Marketing and Communications at the University of Hertfordshire said: “We have a diverse student body at the University of Hertfordshire and Ian Douglas has been instrumental in developing our education liaison work, especially in building relationships with schools and colleges within our region. In 2005 he was recognised for this success when he was presented with a Vice-Chancellors Award for Widening Participation. We wish him every success in this national position and we are delighted that through Ian our university will play a leading role in national developments.”