Academic Leadership Team

Bilal Bobat, Interim Vice Principal – Curriculum Development and Planning

Bilal started teaching in 2010 and is still as passionate about Teaching and Learning as he was then. Having taught in community settings, alternative provision and in another London FE college, he joined UCG in October 2020 as an Assistant Principal for the Creative and Digital Industries. Bilal started his teaching journey delivering Maths and progressed into leadership and management roles at his previous college, he has worked in several different areas within Further Education including Study Programmes, Adult Education, ESOL and Access to Higher Education. As a practitioner, Bilal participated and delivered practitioner led research with the Education Training Foundation, University of Sunderland and also for Jisc, and benefitted from continuous professional development, highlighting the importance of communities of practice. Bilal is a passionate about the student experience and believes in the power of FE to transform the lives of young people, adults and the local community.

Nicola McLean, Interim Vice Principal – Student Services

Nicola has worked in Further Education since 2007 and has been with UCG since 2019. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Nicola’s background is varied, first starting off in graphic arts and then working in Beauty Therapy & Aesthetics for many years prior to Further Education. Nicola has worked all over the world, including USA, Canada, the Middle East and Europe, as well as five years on cruise ships that covered the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Nicola has worked in several different areas within Further Education, including vocational, and morphed into Additional Learning Support/ Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Nicola has a Masters Degree in Specific Learning Difficulties and is an advocate for learners with SEND and ensuring we aim high for our students and their families. Nicola started off as a student in her local college, became a volunteer, then HPL and worked her way up to her current position.

Luci Ord, Director of Business Development and Apprenticeships

Luci has worked in Further Education since 2009, starting her career as a lecturer in Hospitality. Since then, Luci has worked for a number of colleges who provided opportunities to develop a personal and professional skill set. Whilst working full time her employers supported her to complete a degree in Education and Professional Development, followed by a Master’s in Education. Over the years Luci has managed employer focused provision for both large and small employers, as well as training for individuals who are unemployed or looking to progress their careers. Luci has worked for United Colleges Group since 2022 within the Business Development department. She is committed to working with employers to develop their existing workforce, as well as supporting the College’s students to progress into employment.