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The SLIM Team

The Skills and Learning Intelligence Module is managed by the Marchmont Observatory, at the University of Exeter.

Brief biographies of each member of the team are available below.

If you are coming to visit our office view the map and directions online.

Chris Evans (Director)

Chris EvansChris is Director of the Marchmont Observatory, established at Exeter University in 1998, with responsibility for overall strategic developments and the oversight and commissioning of research. Chris has 15 years experience working at the national level on learning, skills employment and economic regeneration issues. She has eight years experience of managing European programmes promoting skills, learning and employment and has assessed and evaluated a large range of projects.

Email: chris.evans@exeter.ac.uk

Ben Neild (Assistant Director)

Ben NeildBen Neild is Assistant Director of the Marchmont Observatory and manages the development of SLIM.

Ben has been working in the field of workforce development and lifelong learning since 1991 and is also an experienced project developer and manager. He has experience within the private sector and as a provider of training.

Email: B.Neild@exeter.ac.uk

Dr Andrew Dean (Researcher and Co-ordinator)

Andrew DeanAndrew Dean is the Co-ordinator for Marchmont / SLIM. His responsibilities include:
• virtual communications, through networks, discussions and on-line conferencing
• dissemination, including design and production of materials, presentations, writing/producing electronic newsletters
• the management of events and conferences

Andy is an experienced events manager. He also has nearly 10 years experience in managing research projects. He has experience managing sub-contractors and multi-partner projects and acted as an internal auditor for ISO 9001. He has gained useful experience in the use of complex ICT systems for data analysis and the design and management of web-sites.

Email: A.Dean@exeter.ac.uk

Jo Pye (Senior Researcher)

Jo PyeJo Pye has worked for over 25 years with public and private sector research organisations. For Marchmont, Jo designs and leads regional and national evaluations of the impact of learning on adult learners, trainers and small businesses. For SLIM Jo plays a major role in learning themes, for which she analyses national and regional evidence to inform regional policy development. Within the team she specialises in migrant workers, functional skills, tutor training and technology based learning. Jo has recently completed an impact analysis of the Objective One European Social Fund in Cornwall and has developed regional evaluation guidelines for the Learning and Skills Council's ESF projects.

Email: J.Pye@exeter.ac.uk

Kevin Aggett (Associate Research Fellow)


Kevin AggettKevin joined Marchmont in 2006 as an experienced IT professional with a strong background in scientific project management. He is competent in a range of computer programmes, including Microsoft Office and Adobe web design suites and statistical packages such as MapInfo and SPSS.

Kevin is our IT Systems Administrator overseeing our IT infrastructure, databases, websites & social media. He is also responsible for routing information within the team, online dissemination, marketing and data visualisation in research publications. In 2011 Kevin took on the role of Assistant Editor for our news services under Dr. Andrew Dean.

Email: Kevin.Aggett@exeter.ac.uk

Hilary Stevens (Research and Development Manager)

HilaryStevensHilary specialises in programme evaluation, strategy development and policy research and is SLIM's lead researcher on age and employability issues. Current projects include an examination of economic disadvantage in the South West ("Moving to Inclusion"), providing best practice research and programme evaluation for the ESF ITM "Ageless at Work" project and contributing to a European project on "Flexicurity". She also provides research support to the ESP Age Management Standing Group and the European Equality Monitoring Group, contributes to SLIM publications and events and responds to helpdesk queries. Hilary joined SLIM in 2006 to lead the research and evaluation function on the SWOOP EQUAL project following previous research and evaluation roles at the South West Observatory Core Unit, Prism Research Ltd and Somerset Training and Enterprise Council.

Email: H.J.Stevens@exeter.ac.uk

Lee Bingham (Finance Manager)

leeLee has a background in the field of Accountancy havinig spent most of his time working between a number small/medium sized Accountancy practices. Lee also spent a brief spell within Industry. At present Lee works as a part time finance officer for an Exeter charity.

Lee joined the team in May 2008, working part time with his main role being the preparation of all the necessary grant claims to the external funders.

Email: L.D.Bingham@exeter.ac.uk

Hilary Todd (Administrator)

Hilary ToddHilary has a background in administration, banking and personnel and training. She currently has responsibility for management of the office and assists in the financial running of the team. She also organises the workshops and finalises reports and publications prior to printing. She is competent in a range of software packages including Microsoft Office and Access.

Email: M.H.Todd@exeter.ac.uk



SLIM Address Details

SLIM (Skills and Learning Intelligence Module)
The Marchmont Observatory
University of Exeter
Research & Knowledge Transfer,
Innovation Centre,
Rennes Drive,
Exeter,
Devon,
EX4 4RN

Tel: 01392 724850
Fax: 01392 724966
Email: m.h.todd@exeter.ac.uk