Who’s Who in Student Services
Meet our amazing team in Student Services – they work hard to support our students and give them the help they need to achieve their goals!
Looking for more information about the work they do? We’ve created a handy video to help you understand more about the different roles within the team ⬇
Looking to make a safeguarding enquiry?
To make a safeguarding enquiry, please contact our safeguarding team.
Email: safeguarding@nhc.ac.uk
Phone: 01462 424214
Claire Cooper
Head of Student Experience
Hello, I’m Claire! As the Head of Student Experience, it’s my job to think about all of our students at all of our campuses to make sure that the support in college meets everybody’s needs.
One of the most important parts of my role is liaising with my team and all our Heads of Department to make sure that Student Services offers the best possible support for our community. I look forward to meeting you during your NHC journey!
Claire Anderson-Byrne
Deputy Head of Student Experience
Hi! I’m Claire, and I support the organisation side of the Student Services team as the Deputy Head. I also lead on the Personal and Academic Development programme across the College, ensuring that what our students learn about in these sessions really helps with their personal development, wellbeing, and academic skills to support you in your studies and the future.
I also oversee enrichment to give every one of our students the opportunity to try something new outside of the classroom.
CAREERS ADVICE AND GUIDANCE
Aminder Nijjar
Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance Officer
Hello, I’m Aminder. I’m here to make sure that, when you study with North Hertfordshire College, you’re able to find out everything you need to know for your career development and to help you confidently take your next step towards your goals. It’s really important to me and the team that you understand your options for careers or further study after you finish your course, so please do visit Student Services so that we can help you make a plan.
Charlotte Sandwell
Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance Officer
Hello, my name is Charlotte. As a CEIAG officer, I work across all our campuses to help you make your important career decisions for when you leave college. I have many years of experience in working with NHC students and can help you with all aspects of your next steps, from CV development, finding employment opportunities and apprenticeships, and even making university applications.
No matter what you choose to do after NHC, I am here to help.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Kerri Cocks
Industry Placement Coordinator
Hello, my name is Kerri. I support students across the curriculum at our Stevenage campus to find work experience and industry placements. Work experience is an integral part of being a student at North Hertfordshire College, helping you to build your confidence and develop skills required in the work place. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss your career aspirations!
Karen Molloy
Industry Placement Coordinator
Hi, I’m Karen. I look after work placements for learners on our Child Development Studies and Health & Social Care courses. I also support our ESOL students to find work experience. I have lots of links with the industry from my time working with the College which I can use to help you find the placement you need for your dream career. I look forward to helping you on your NHC journey, and helping you build the skills and experience you need for your next career move.
Jacqueline Smith
Industry Placement Coordinator
Hello, my name is Jacqueline. I look after work placements at our Hitchin campus for a range of curriculum areas. I have key links with many employers across different industries to help you find the placement you need to reach your goals. If we haven’t already got a connection in the role or sector you’d like to work in, I can also help to make introductions and find a solution.
Psst… you can read more about Jacqueline’s career journey so far in her Meet the Team interview!
SUCCESS COACHES
Nicola Dunlop
Support Coach and Mental Health First Aider
Hello! I’m your Support Coach and Mental Health First Aider at the Construction and Engineering Campus (ECC). My goal is to help you transition smoothly from school to college. Whether you need assistance with managing stress, navigating personal challenges or connecting you with external support and resources.
I can help you with financial support, including eligibility to apply for bursaries or providing budgeting tips to manage your finances effectively.
I pride myself on being friendly and approachable, and I’m always ready to listen if you need someone to talk to. Let’s make your college journey a positive and successful experience together!
Michelle Ksher
Support Coach
Hi, I’m Michelle, a Support Coach based at our Hitchin Campus.
I draw on my own experiences as a teenager to provide valuable, effective support for learners facing any type of challenges. My favourite quote is ‘you become the person that you needed as a child’, and it continues to be my driving force for working with and helping students. Nothing is better than seeing the small changes in students who often start out unwilling but eventually allow themselves to envision a career in a sector they enjoy.
If you’ve got any worries or concerns about anything from finance to mental health – come and chat to me!
Julie Lanaway
Hello! My name is Julie Lanaway and I am the Support Coach for the Stevenage Campus. I am part of the Safeguarding Team and have worked in Student Services for 11 years.
I am here to help you remove any barriers to your learning, including support with mental health and wellbeing, finance assistance, careers advice and guidance and pastoral support.
Tracy Smith
Support Coach
As a Support Coach for care-experienced students, my role is to ensure their wellbeing throughout their time at college. I work closely with them to make sure they are happy and settled in their courses, if any issues arise, I do my best to address and resolve them promptly.
I also manage the distribution of the Vulnerable Bursary, which supports students with essential costs such as travel and meals while they are at college.
Beyond academic support, I’m here to offer pastoral care—whether that means helping with personal challenges or simply being available for a friendly chat.
You can always find me in Student Services across any of our three college sites, as I work across all locations.
Nicki Ward
Support Coach and Mental Health Pastoral Lead
Hello, I’m Nicki. As a Support Coach and the Mental Health Pastoral Lead, I’m here for any student who needs someone to talk to. I can help with any issues you might have when you study at NHC, from finding study skills and methods that suit your learning style to any worries about completing work on time. I can help you make a strategy to take those worries away.
I also support our Care Experience students through their NHC journey.
