Peter Lavender Obe

Biography

I was appointed to the University in January 2015. My research interests include post compulsory education; inclusive education; and learner voice. I have undertaken many research projects and most recently a number of evaluations. These have included evaluation of Learning for the Fourth Age with Middlesex University and learner voice in education and training with the University of Ballarat (Australia). I have worked as academic coordinator for lifelong learning on the Open University’s doctoral programme where I remain a research supervisor. Formerly a national full-time FE inspector, a local authority officer for special educational needs, co-author of the FE report ‘Inclusive Learning’ (the Tomlinson Report) and a teacher, I have a doctorate in applied research in education (volunteers, adult education and social policy). I received an OBE for services to education in the Queen’s birthday honours in 2006. I am a NIACE senior research fellow (an honorary role) and was the former Deputy CEO there (until 2011), where I directed research and development there for more than ten years. I have been an adviser to the National Union of Students and chaired the interim team for the new Society of Apprentices. I am assistant chief assessor for the AoC Charitable Trust’s Beacon Awards. I was Chair of the Corporation of North Warwickshire and Hinckley College, was eight years a governor at Leicester College, and a trustee of the National Extension College, Cambridge. I have chaired the education committee and been a board member of UNESCO UK.

Research Interest

Learner voice, Adult and further education, Volunteers and voluntary action, Inclusive learning/education