Our people
The central UK online centres team is made up of around 35 people. Leading the team are Chief Executive Helen Milner, Director of Operations, Kevin McLean, and Director of Strategy, Anne Faulkner.
- Helen Milner, Chief Executive
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Helen is the Chief Executive of Online Centres Foundation, the social enterprise that runs the UK online centres service. She is passionate about the using digital skills to build capacity in local communities, and the benefits that 'digital by default' service delivery can provide.Helen has over 20 years experience of working in the e-learning industry, starting in 1985 in the private sector with The Times Network Systems, developing online education services for schools. She joined Ufi in 1999, where she previously led the operation of the learndirect learning network and learndirect advice services. She also led the ippr and University of Sunderland 'university for industry' pilot, following the Labour victory in May 1997. Helen has led UK online centres since its establishment and in 2011, she established Online Centres Foundation, the staff-owned mutual which won the contract to run the UK online centres service.
Read Helen's blog Follow @helenmilner
- Kevin McLean, Director of Operations
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Kevin is the Director of Operations at UK online centres, responsible for the organisation's technology and the delivery of its services. Before joining UK online centres in June 2010, Kevin had a long career in the Civil Service. Until June 2008 he was based in the Home Office leading a small team working to Sir Ian Magee on a year-long review of criminality information. This was followed by a short stint based in the Cabinet Office, with responsibility for developing the e-Government strategy. Most recently, he worked in the Strategy team at the Home Office.From 2004 to 2007 Kevin led the then Department for Education and Skills' eGovernment programme, latterly as Chief Information Officer. Kevin also worked for David Blunkett's office, ran the Permanent Secretary's office for two years, led a team working on the international aspects of Higher Education policy and developed the strategy behind the Connexions service for young people.
- Anne Faulkner, Director of Strategy
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Anne is Head of Director of Strategy for UK online centres. Her role involves liaising with stakeholders to develop partnerships and ensure that the centres' potential to tackle social and digital exclusion is fully exploited. Anne worked for the National Extension College and in further education before joining Ufi in 2003. She is also a Trustee of the Helena Kennedy Foundation, an educational charity. - Margaret Bennett, Finance Director
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Margaret is UK online centres' Finance Director, and manages the business's financial planning and controls. She joined the organisation in 2011 from LSIS, where she was Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Finance and Resources. Margaret has previously held roles in the Department for Education and Skills, and spent 5 years managing the National Library for the Blind. She is currently a Trustee and Director of RNIB.
