Meet The Team

Meet Emma, our Head of QE Training Academy, who oversees the training needs and professional development of c.650 staff members at QE. With a multifaceted career, Emma has a proven track record in secondary and adult education, leadership, training, and military service.

Emma is dedicated to supporting others to pursue their potential. A qualified and experienced teacher, Emma is author to our Leadership Pathways programme, including the Institute of Leadership accredited Early, Middle and Senior Leadership courses, and is our lead trainer for our Qualsafe Awards in Education and Training, CitizenAID, First Aid, and Mental Health courses, and the Royal Geographical Society Off-Site Safety Management course. 

With twenty years in education and training, Emma epitomises the modern day ‘Squiggly Career’; since joining us in 2011 Emma has held Senior Leadership roles for Pastoral Care, Co-Curricular and most recently Training. 

Emma's academic background includes a Master of Education in Leadership Practitioner Enquiry with Distinction, a Post Graduate Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring for Teacher Development with Distinction, and a First-Class Honours Bachelor of Arts degree with Qualified Teacher Status for Secondary History and Physical Education. Her commitment to academic research is demonstrated by her receipt of the University of Newcastle Research Award in 2020. 

Beyond academia and full-time employment, Emma has committed to 18 years (and counting!) of service as an Army Reserves Officer, including an operational tour of Afghanistan. Emma continues to serve as a Learning Development Officer for the Education and Training Services branch of the British Army, where she teaches Leadership Development Programmes for regular and reservist officers and soldiers.

Aside from her roles in education and the military, Emma is a qualified Personal Trainer, with specialism in pre- and post-natal PT, a studio cycling instructor and loves to wind down with long dog walks, a spot of yoga and many laps of the swimming pool!

Anna is a founding member of the QE Training Academy team, having joined our parent company as a member of the Compliance and Training team five years ago. Since the Academy’s inception she has been involved in the development and planning of courses designed to engage both members of the local community and those from further afield looking to purse their professional potential.  

Anna is a qualified IQA, helping her ensure the Qualsafe Accredited courses offered by the QE Training Academy are always delivered to the highest standards. As well as the quality of training, Anna is most proud of the calming and welcoming space created for the Training Academy, which make it a conducive environment for the coaching and instruction of both large and small groups. 

Anna brings to her role extensive experience planning, scheduling and organising mandatory and developmental training for the c. 650 staff employed across QE. Working with everyone from the grounds staff and catering department to academic teams, she has advised and assisted countless colleagues to get the most from their roles and the opportunities available to them. 

With a background in sales and account management, Anna arrived at QE having worked for some of the world’s leading multinational brands. She has instigated and managed relationships with customers including some of the biggest and most famous hotel groups and major airlines. She is used to dealing with and enjoys collaborating with people from across the globe and brings these skills to bear to help every Training Academy client find the training courses and qualifications that fit their specific need. 

Beyond the Academy, Anna enjoys nothing more than a muddy walk in the Dales with her family and two dogs. She also enjoys holidays, learning about different cultures and enjoying new experiences, both in the UK or farther afield.

Gillian has a rich and diverse professional background, showcasing her versatility and expertise. 

During her tenure as a Communications professional at VisitScotland, Gillian demonstrated her proficiency by managing all Active PR initiatives, particularly in the realms of adventure sports, walking, and cycling. The recognition of VisitScotland as the PR team of the Year speaks volumes about her contributions to the organisation's success in public relations.

Her ownership of a PR consultancy, where she specialises in social media management for small businesses and charities, demonstrates her entrepreneurial drive and commitment to delivering tailored communication solutions.

Her contributions extend beyond her consultancy work, as she has also written many travel features for the Edinburgh Evening News, highlighting her versatility and ability to engage diverse audiences through written communication.

In her current role as the QE Training Academy Administrator, Gillian brings a wealth of experience to our training provision.

Outside of work, Gillian enjoys walking her dog, reading and captaining her netball team.