Pennine Magpie

    General manager Gill Sheard

Gill has managed Pennine Magpie since 1996 overseeing many changes along the way. Added to her great people skills and intimate knowledge of business processes she is fully qualified to teach special needs students. Gills hobbies include hill walking, gardening and spending time with her family and friends.

   Katrina Atkins Receptionist and Admin clerk.

Katrina joined us in 2002 since when she has applied herself to managing our admin systems - everything in its place, filed away neat and tidy, she's passionate about her work and nothing is too much trouble.

  Janet Lord Training Co-ordinator

Sometimes described as a whirlwind Janet has a huge energy for her job, add to this her talent for drama and the pot begins to bubble! It is true to say that things have never been the same since Janet joined us in 2008, and we don't know how we ever managed without her. Qualified to HND in Performing Arts and holding a C&G teaching certificate plus recently attaining her NVQ Level 4. She also holds many other relevant qualifications and is a talented and accomplished team leader.

  Peter Kenny

With a military background and many years working in care services Peter brings a mix of skills and talents to our organisation. Leading orienteering sessions, rambling on the open moorland and having fun with metal detectors are just some of the outdoor activities that Pete has developed - much to our students delight. An avid reader with a deep interest in local history Pete is a committed family man who likes to spend quality time with family and friends.

 Sue Cordingley

Sue joined the team in 2009 after working for many years as an access worker for the Calderdale Colleges Corporation, she has a BA in fine arts and many qualifications relative to working with people with learning difficulties in an educational setting. Sue's happy smile and calm personality make her a joy to be with.

 Kay Hubber

Kay holds qualifications in Health and Social Care, computers and administration and runs the personal development and social awareness sessions. Before joining Pennine Magpie Kay worked in educational and care organisations supporting people to achieve their objectives. 

 George Byers

 George has worked for Pennine magpie for nearly two years now and in that time he has undertaken Basic Food Hygiene , Challenging Behaviour , First Aid at Work, NVQ level 2 in health and social care, handling confrontation, LDQ qualification and is currently undertaking Personal centred planning and NVQ level 3 in health and social care. His hobbies are photography,ICT and spending time socialising with friends and family. Before joining Pennine Magpie he worked for Npower Retail.

Saoirse Corboz

Saoirse is our most recent team member, she started out here at Pennine Magpie on work placement whilst on a Foundation Health and Safety course. She was already a pleasure to work with and we welcome her with open arms to the team. She has since started her top up year for a full degree. 

 Richard Bell

Richard is 33 years old and has worked for Pennine Magpie for a month now and is enjoying his time with us. He enjoys football and socialising with friends.

Richard used to work with disadvantaged youths and holds an NVQ level 2 and 3 in child care and is currently working towards the level 3 qualification in health and social care. Richard has a great sense of humour and is integrating very well into the team, we hope to continue working with him for many years to come.

  Natalie Higgins

Hi, my name is Natalie Higgins, I am 21 years old . I have worked for Pennine Magpie for two months now and I am really enjoying it. I have a BTEC diploma in health and social care which i completed in 2006. I am currently undertaking my NVQ level 3 in health and social care. I look forward to learning lots of skills and working with the students at Pennine Magpie.

Interests : My favourite artist is Prince and my favourite song is Pink Cashmere

    Marie Lord

Marie is a brand new support staff employee who has been with us for a few weeks now, she has already integrated well into the team and she is loved by all the students.

    Barry Withington (Development Manager)

Barry is our latest staff member. He has recently moved to Halifax from Orkney where he lived with his wife and daughter for a number of years. His career history is Senior Internal Auditor, Practise Manager and was in the Royal Air Force for 16 years rising to the rank of Squadron Leader. His hobbies are reading military history, rugby and photography.