Experts in Leadership Search and Recruitment in the Further Education and Skills Sector

We deliver outstanding leadership appointments that make a lasting impact

We pride ourselves on our reputation as the go-to partner for leadership search and recruitment solutions. We work with colleges, universities and training providers to attract the best talent to leadership, non-executive and governor roles.

Our unique approaches to attracting and securing leading talent are built around our core strength – our team.  As well as being experts in educational recruitment, we are sector experts with our consultant team having worked in leadership positions in colleges and training providers.

Meet the Team

We have the most talented search and recruitment team in the Further Education sector today.

FE Associates

Suzanne Thurlow

Senior Recruitment Consultant

FE Associates

Amanda Hart

Senior Recruitment Consultant

FE Associates

Asma Ahmad

Senior Recruitment Consultant

FE Associates

Claire Ghelig

Senior Recruitment Consultant

Jo Johnston

Jo Johnston

Director of Recruitment

  • Placing
  • Recruiting
  • Developing
  • Advising
  • Training
  • Placing
  • Recruiting
  • Developing
  • Advising
  • Training

Connect With us

Contact our Director of Recruitment, Jo Johnston, today to discuss your recruitment requirements.

Contact number:

07500448282
Jo Johnston

Jo Johnston

Director of Recruitment

FE Associates
FE Associates
FE Associates
FE Associates
FE Associates
Craig-Hanlon-Smith

Fiona Morey OBE – Executive Principal – South Bank Colleges

“We have really valued working with FEA/Suzanne on the recruitment of the LSBTC Principal. Suzanne had an excellent understanding of our college and how critical the recruitment of the LSBTC Principal was for our college as we grow and enhance our reputation for technical education as part of the LSBU Group. The care and attention given throughout the campaign was exceptional and the knowledge and insights of the sector were invaluable in ensuring a successful outcome.”

Ken Merry – Principal and Chief Executive – York College

“Occasionally, we need to have some interim management support. When we do, the range of specialists available from FE Associates always gives us what we need. Recently, a longer-term interim Vice Principal for Curriculum and Student Experience role was filled by Joy Kettyle and supplied to us by FE Associates. By understanding the needs of the college really closely, FE Associates were able to provide us with an interim manager who neatly slotted into the current team and worked well with people at all levels of the organisation to ensure the college did not stand still under their interim leadership. Instead, the college has moved forward on some really important issues and I have been able to trust the interim manager to ensure things are done in the right way, as well as getting the right outcome.”

James Gould – Student Experience, Safeguarding and NewVIc Curriculum – Newham College London Deputy Principal

“The support from FEA while seeking my next leadership opportunity within the FE sector was exceptional. During the initial early exploratory stages, Jo provided helpful guidance on the skills and experience I needed to progress within the sector. By seeking opportunities to develop these skills in my previous role, this feedback was invaluable for my leadership development. I am grateful for the personal approach and clear feedback that enabled me to be successful in my application to be a Deputy Principal at Newham College.”

Lee Barrett – Assistant Principal – Kidderminster College

“FEA, and in particular Amanda, were amazing throughout the recruitment process. A fresh and modern approach to recruitment in the sector. This is the first company I have worked with who provide exactly what they promise: a person-centred approach to candidates, regular and highly effective communication, honest advice, guidance and support, whilst ensuring professional integrity is their top priority. I could not recommend them enough!”

Sallyanne Pearson – Director of Governance – Bishop Burton College

“As a Director of Governance, I found the communication, advice and support received from FE Associates during its recruitment search for our next Principal and Chief Executive to be really valuable. As a believer that ‘detail matters’, I cannot fault the team who answered each and every query I raised in recognition of the role all governance professionals have in supporting the Corporation and its members as well as the college as a whole.”

Craig Hanlon-Smith – Principal – London South Bank Technical College

“The application process for my new role was one of the most supportive I have experienced in my (almost) 30 year career. Suzanne met with me on three separate occasions before and throughout the process, and was not only helpful, but extremely positive and encouraging. I felt looked after throughout and was kept well informed of the process at all times. Thank you for such a great experience.”