Dr Alison Birkinshaw: Principal

I took up this post in January 2008 having previously been Principal at Nelson & Colne College. Prior to that, I was Deputy Principal at another Lancashire College, Runshaw.  I am very proud to be Principal of such a fine college and we have already achieved excellent results this summer. Our A level pass rate was once again above the national average, our vocational results were similarly excellent with 178 students gaining the equivalent of three distinctions and Ofsted saw our work with employers as a key strength. I am also Chair of the national FE Reputation Strategy Group.

When I am not working I enjoy spending time walking in the Lakes or by the coast with my son, swimming or going to opera and the theatre.

Anne Tyrrell: Deputy Principal

I previously worked at Coventry College before I came to York with my family. My daughter was previously a student at the college. I was the main person responsible for the new college building and worked with the builders on the huge project for several years.

Graeme Murdoch: Deputy Principal

I have worked at the college since 2003.  Prior to that I spent 20 years working in land-based colleges and moved here from Askham Bryan College. I like to have a high profile around the college keeping in touch with as many people as I can, because it is ‘good to talk’.

In my spare time I am keen on sports (more watching than doing these days) and I go out with the Pocklington Runners (occasionally).

Trevor Armer: Director of Finance

I joined York College in 2001, having worked in senior finance roles both in the Private and Public sector for over 15 years.  Prior to joining the College, I was Director of Finance at Askham Bryan College.

Out of work, I am very keen on sport having played rugby at school and university for many years until a knee injury put a stop to it.  Now my participation is limited to the increasingly occasional visit to the gym at weekends.  In what spare time is left, I enjoy time walking, working in our allotment and planning trips abroad.

Both my children are currently at Millthorpe School and will be enrolling at the College in the next few years.

Clare Wareing: Assistant Principal: 14-19 Vocational

Until recently I was Head of Faculty at the college for Services to People, this included Health & Social Care, Child Studies, Sport & Leisure, Business Management and Professional, Hair & Beauty and Hospitality, Travel & Tourism.  With the recent re-structuring I now have overall responsibility for Vocational courses.  In addition I am strategic lead for Enterprise and a Director of Pure Business Solutions (the College Company). I am also a Director and member of the management committee for an out of school club near Scarborough.

I am married with two young daughters, 3 “wild” kittens and live near the coast.

Prior to taking up post at York College I worked at Yorkshire Coast College, Beverley College, (as an External Consultant) and (many moons ago) Craven College in Skipton, where I also ran my own business for a number of years.

Louise Lawrence-Crockford: Assistant Principal: Employer Engagement

I used to be the worked based learning strategy manager at Darlington College. I now undertake a similar role here at York having moved to the College in February 2008.

I have overall responsibility for Employer Engagement across the college with direct management of the following divisions : Building Services, Business Management and Professional, Construction Crafts, Engineering and the Business Development Unit

In my spare time I like to design and make Jewellery and walk my two Springer spaniels.

Bob Saynor: Assistant Principal: Lifelong Learning & HE

I have worked at York College since 1993 when I was appointed as Head of School of Art & Design. I have managed various areas of the college including our HE activities, International Office, ILT (Information & Learning Technologies), Teacher Education, Skills for Life and the Learning Development Unit. My wife also works in FE as a Beauty Therapy tutor at Leeds City College. We have four children and live in Leeds.

Glyn Jones: Assistant Principal: 16-19: A Level

I have been at the college since 1996, and have previously been in charge of Biology, then Science. I still try to consider myself a scientist and I take a keen interest in our links with the University of York, Hull York Medical School and the National Science Learning Centre. I live in York and am married with two daughters. In what little spare time this leaves me, I enjoy climbing and walking.