Employ My Ability (EMA) Ltd. is an Independent Specialist College that provides students aged between 16 and 25 with a unique learning environment in which to develop the skills that support their preparation for adulthood. This provision is underpinned by a Board of Non-Executive Directors (NEDs), which meets at least once per academic term.
The Board is made up of the EMA Founders, who are the Nominated Trustees, and is supported in its governance obligations by the Board members. The current members of the Board are listed below, and a short biography of the external advisors can be found here: NEDs Summary
Steve White – Group Managing Director (Trustee & Chair)
I have worked in the SEND and LD sector for the past 30 years and have undertaken numerous roles within the industry. Other achievements during this time include leading teams in the establishment of children’s homes, respite services, residential services, supported living services, vocational day opportunities, adult learning services, and the resettlement of inpatients leaving specialist hospitals. In 2010, I won the Skills for Care – Ted Gully Award for Social Care Management with a special commendation for ‘commitment to involve people who use services and the community.’
I led the foundation of EMA, and the aim was to improve Dorset’s local offer of vocational training and SEN further education by providing a college setting that offered real work experience opportunities and vocational qualifications.
My experience working as a senior manager in the Regard Partnership gave me a sound understanding of strategic commissioning and project delivery, which gave me the confidence that I could, with the right people, make this happen. I began planning for the provision in late 2013 and we welcomed our first students in 2015.
My aim is to continue leading and working with EMA’s senior leadership team to continually improve our offer and ensure that our students receive a quality education that meets their needs and allows them to achieve their aspirations.
James Dunham – Director of Education
I’ve been part of the Employ My Ability (EMA) family for nine incredible years and have the privilege of now serving as Director of Education. In this role, I’m deeply committed to ensuring the highest quality education is provided, advocating for our staff and students across our campuses, and building our connections and partnerships in Dorset and beyond that allow for greater opportunities today, and in the future for all who are part of EMA.
I’m fortunate to work alongside a team of dedicated professionals who help uphold our ethos of creating a space where everyone feels valued, safe, inspired, and motivated.
Together, we strive to make every student’s journey at EMA fulfilling, meaningful, and enjoyable.
- Simon Linard – Quality of Education (External)
- Tracey Zimmerman – Leadership & Governance (External)
- Sherry Ralph – Safeguarding & Inclusion (External)
These assignments will be reviewed on an annual basis.
A copy of the Non-Executive Director’s terms of reference can be found here:
OFSTED
You can find our most recent OFSTED report here: OFSTED Report.
