Stephen Exley Email and Phone Number

I am responsible for developing and implementing PR and public affairs strategies and programmes for the UK's largest social enterprise dedicated to education, with a turnover of more than £160 million and more than 3,000 employees across the country. This encompasses stakeholder management, communications, media relations, public affairs, advocacy, external relations, events and project management. I use policy knowledge and political intelligence to raise the profile and increase the… Show more I am responsible for developing and implementing PR and public affairs strategies and programmes for the UK's largest social enterprise dedicated to education, with a turnover of more than £160 million and more than 3,000 employees across the country. This encompasses stakeholder management, communications, media relations, public affairs, advocacy, external relations, events and project management. I use policy knowledge and political intelligence to raise the profile and increase the influence of the Group as well as its constituent parts - The Manchester College, Novus, UCEN Manchester, Total People and MOL - which span further education, higher education, apprenticeships, prison education and professional training. Show less

Editor of two essay collections: "Using skills excellence to build back better" (2020) and "Breaking down barriers to opportunity through skills excellence" (2024). This involved editing and compiling thought leadership articles from skills sector leaders in the UK and overseas, working in collaboration with contributors and WorldSkills UK staff.

This role encompassed managing communications, media relations, public affairs, advocacy,external relations and marketing activity. Using policy knowledge and political intelligence, I identified opportunities for external engagement and for attracting funding. I raised the profile of the charity using social media, press coverage and newsletters, as well as by collaborating with third sector organisations,universities, campaign groups and other partners. I reported to the charity’s… Show more This role encompassed managing communications, media relations, public affairs, advocacy,external relations and marketing activity. Using policy knowledge and political intelligence, I identified opportunities for external engagement and for attracting funding. I raised the profile of the charity using social media, press coverage and newsletters, as well as by collaborating with third sector organisations,universities, campaign groups and other partners. I reported to the charity’s trustees, and was responsible for engaging and directing subcontractors. The role also involved working with course managers to ensure that the success of programmes was measured, evaluated and communicated in order to strengthen the organisation’s reputation. Show less

Author of research report "Blame or betterment? Regulation and intervention in further education" and several blogs on skills policy.

As TES’ ambassador for further education and skills, I was responsible for managing its editorialoutput in the sector. My role encompassed communications, public affairs, external relations andjournalism. I managed my own budget while line managing two reporters and directing a team offreelance contributors. I commissioned and edited online, print and social media content, as wellas planning strategic communications campaigns and writing editorials, features, news storiesand… Show more As TES’ ambassador for further education and skills, I was responsible for managing its editorialoutput in the sector. My role encompassed communications, public affairs, external relations andjournalism. I managed my own budget while line managing two reporters and directing a team offreelance contributors. I commissioned and edited online, print and social media content, as wellas planning strategic communications campaigns and writing editorials, features, news storiesand speeches. The role involved working with high-level contacts in government, sector bodies,awarding organisations, colleges, training providers and unions, and regularly speaking ateducation policy events. I was also project manager for the TES FE Awards, and managed strategicrelationships with partner organisations. Show less

During this period I was responsible for planning, commissioning and editing print and online news content and line managing the team of 12 reporters.

I wrote features and news stories on a range of subjects, including further education, industrialrelations, qualifications and the national curriculum. Through cultivating senior contacts ingovernment, the trade unions, think-tanks and awarding bodies, I uncovered many exclusivestories which were picked up by the national press.

I reported on major incidents, crimes, community news, court hearings, inquests, pressconferences and council meetings for online and print coverage. I spent time at head office andworking independently in district offices, and worked both as a general news reporter andeducation correspondent, organising supplements and managing fundraising and editorialcampaigns, as well as filming and editing video