Call us on
01284 788 005
Executive Chair & Board Advisors
Jane Wood
Founder & Executive Chair
Jane commenced her career as an employment officer working in a Suffolk Jobcentre. After a brief break she returned to employment as a training officer as part of the government-funded YTS programme. Her career progressed within the sector until 1995. While working for a Suffolk FE college, Jane identified an opportunity in the market to deliver commercial training to the construction sector.
She set up West Suffolk Training from home, equipped only with envelopes, paper and yellow pages. The business model was an instant success and through her drive, determination and strong business development skills, Jane grew the business to become a multimillion-pound training provider. She has won various awards including being recognised for her contribution to business with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Her proudest professional moment was attending No. 10 Downing Street and meeting the Prime Minister in recognition of her work within the education sector.
Having been part of many business networks and chair of the Enterprise agency Menta and the Suffolk and Norfolk Training Provider Network, Jane has ensured that she has been part of the business community for the past 28 years.
Jane’s passion for the business has driven it on through the most challenging of times. Her motto for many years has been “We are proud of what we do”. As Executive Chair of the business Jane ensures this lives on through the CEO, Kirstie Wright, and the amazing team at WS Training.
“We are proud of what we do”
Marina Gaze
Board Advisor
Marina is an education consultant who specialises in helping providers to rapidly improve the quality of their leadership, management, teaching and learning.
Before becoming a consultant, Marina was Ofsted’s Deputy Director, Further Education and Skills, responsible for establishing and overseeing Ofsted’s inspection policy and methodology for the sector. Marina developed the 2015 Common Inspection Framework and inspection methodology.
Previously, Marina was a Senior HMI responsible for Ofsted’s further education and skills work in the East Midlands and Ofsted’s judicial services inspections nationally and has 23 years of inspection experience of work-based learning, judicial services, colleges and community learning.
Marina also has ten years of teaching experience as a Programme Director and Director of a Learning Provider, and six years as a Chief External Verifier.
Marina has developed and delivered Master’s degrees in Inspection with Warwick University and the Institute of Education.
Marina has a Master’s degree, post-graduate qualifications in executive coaching and operational management, adult teaching, assessor qualifications, and external verifier qualifications.
Dave Muller
Board Advisor
Professor Muller’s experience in education is known to many. His principalship of Suffolk New College for over 16 years saw the provider achieve a Grade 2 result, a new physical build and the creation of a University!
He has accomplishments within Inspire Suffolk Charity as the Chair (2019-2021); A founding chair of Ipswich Chamber of Commerce. His work in this makes him an excellent advocate for safeguarding, where his skills as an evidence-based psychologist embed an effective support and challenge to the safeguarding team on a monthly basis.
His current portfolio includes:
- Visiting Professor University of Suffolk
- Editor-in-Chief of Disability & Rehabilitation
- Director DJM Academic Ltd
Dave’s specific focus on fiscal knowledge assists in a strong steer toward making the company leaner and more economically viable. He remains close to labour market intelligence for the county and through his network has close links to business.
Brian Pring
Board Advisor
Brian is a Chartered Accountant and Business Advisor who has worked for more than 40 years in the accountancy profession.
During his time as a Partner at a leading regional firm, Brian specialised in advising family-owned corporate businesses in strategic, tax, and financial management utilising his experience to facilitate growth and sound business planning.
For the last eight years, he has worked as an independent advisor and continues to provide strategic, management, and financial support to the company.
