Elaine is Chief Executive and Principal of Hull College having previously been Principal and Chief Executive of Salford College. She has worked in both the public and private sectors and has extensive experience of Further and Higher education which includes three years at Salem Community College in the USA.

Hull College is comprised of Hull College, Goole College and Harrogate College and is one of the largest Colleges in the country with 33,000 students in 2009. Ofsted awarded the College Outstanding in all areas in 2008. In 2009 the College was awarded Beacon Status by LSIS and other kite marks include the Training Quality Standard and European Foundation Quality Management 5* recognition award.

Elaine has a strong commitment to working closely with community and employment groups to promote lifelong learning and widen participation particularly within communities facing development and renewal. She has represented education and training on a number of bodies including having been: a Chamber of Commerce Director; an AoC Regional Chair; CIPD Committee Member; 157 Group Company Secretary and Chair. Elaine currently chair’s the AoC Sustainable Futures Group and is a member of the CBI Yorkshire and Humber Council; a Director of the 157 Group; a Director of Hull Forward; a Trustee of Sirius Academy and a governor of the University of Lincoln.

In 2009 Elaine was awarded the CBE for services to local and further education. She has a Doctorate in Philosophy from Lancaster University and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Lincoln.