Senior Management
Ian Benison - Chief Executive
After 12 years working in education within a variety of roles Ian set up SLIC Training Limited in January 2008 to provide premium quality training in a flexible format. With a 7 year background working with City & Guilds, NPTC, and a Quality Auditor and holding various positions within the education sector, Ian has become extremely knowledgeable about the world of education and government funding. His favourite achievement is his success in UK Skills for Landscaping, and is always looking for raw talent to represent the UK. With what little time he has left, Ian is a family man and likes to go on holiday with his family.
Lynne Benison - Director
Lynne assists in managing our head office and the direction of the company, mainly working behind the scenes. Lynne keeps the company wheels in motion and the paperwork and business administration for our happy candidates up to date and complete. In her spare time Lynne loves spending time with her family
John Hall - Quality Manager
Although his vocational background is as a Horticulturist he has been involved in training and assessment for 18 years and now manages and ensures the quality systems of SLIC Training. Previously John could be found playing keyboards for a soul funk band, and he has dreams of a reunion. He enjoys cooking and the great outdoors, and as a kid had lunch with “The Who”.
Tom Ironmonger - Operational Manager
A previous UK Skills Champion for Horticulture, Tom joined the SLIC Training team in February 2008 as a Horticulture Assessor, and from there went on to manage the Offender learning program, eventually becoming a member of Senior management. Tom has worked in the Horticulture industry for 9 years, previously working for the National Trust as a Forester, Adlington Hall Estate as a Groundsman, and the University of Manchester Botanical Grounds as a Horticulture Technician. In his spare time Tom likes the outdoors and Surfing.
Management & PA's
James Annerson - Business Development & Marketing Manager
James assists existing and prospective Employers, Candidates, and Apprentices to gain the right qualifications for their vocational area. His background is in Business, Sales, Advertising, and Marketing, having prepared and pitched advertising for companies of all sizes and been a published copywriter. James is now, amongst other things, an accomplished open water Scuba Diver and enjoys watching National rugby and Ice hockey.
Angela Booker - PA to Chief Executive
Angela deals with the accounts, HR, and the Certifications of our many candidates. Angela has previously worked for a local Solicitor for 15 years, starting as a Junior before proving her competence to become the PA to the Senior Partner. She has also worked in a local community centre dealing with the public and the accounts for the centre. Outside the doors of SLIC Angela is a “Soccer mom” who can often be found on a touchline cheering on Chesterfield Town FC under 9’s and under 14’s!!
Janine Atkinson - PA to Quality & Operational Managers
Janine has extensive experience in working within the Community and Voluntary sector as a Development Worker. More recently she has been working as a PA for local companies and the NHS, and now aids Angela with the accounts and gives support to the Managers. In her spare time she is a Salsa dancer and is learning to ride a Motor bike.
Assessors & Tutors
Linsey Higgs - Customer Service Assessor
Linsey has a vast background in Customer Service including working as a Travel Rep and in a large bank. Linsey helps many of our clients to ensure that they offer exceptional service through our qualifications. The well travelled Miss Higgs is very bubbly and takes care of the younger members of staff.
Jenny Nicol - Environmental Conservation Assessor
Jenny assesses Environmental Conservation, Business Administration, and Customer Services for SLIC Training. With qualifications in Countryside Management, Equine Studies, and British Horse Society Stages 1 & 2. Jenny has practical experience of Business Administration and Customer Services whilst working in a college, Agricultural consultancy, and an NPTC Assessment Centre, and as such she is well qualified in her chosen field. In her spare time Jenny enjoys horse dressage, stock car racing, walking her dog, and has a passion for Hedge laying and encouraging correct countryside use.
Mark Price - Horticulture short course Assessor
Mark is an A1, V1, and NPTC Assessor who is highly commended in City & Guilds having received a medal of excellence in 2008. He is also heavily involved with EDI’s qualifications and the area of Horticulture having previously been a Course Manager for NVQs and Apprenticeships at a top land based college. In his spare time Mark enjoys camping and walking.
Emily Pears - Customer Service & Business Administration Assessor
A new, but highly skilled Assessor, Emily has improved her vast Customer Service, Sales, Business Administration by becoming a fantastic Assessor with SLIC. Previously working as a Travel Advisor and Recruitment Consultant Emily has valuable experience to pass on to our candidates. In her spare time she likes to pursue her love of travel.
Bridget Wood - Food, Drink and Hospitality Assessor
Bridget has 20 years experience in the catering and hospitality sector, culminating in being the Manager of a Michelin Starred establishment for 10 years. Once a professional dancer, she now sings in a vocal harmony group and enjoys watching cricket
Rob Ironmonger - Skills for Life Assessor
Having received a degree in Environmental Forensics at university, Rob decided to join our busy Skills for Life team here instead, which is their loss. Rob enjoys mentoring candidates to increase their numeracy and literacy skills. Outside of SLIC Rob has an FA coaching qualification and a qualification in Archery.
Robert Brooks - Skills for Life Assessor
Robert is extremely knowledgeable with the Skills for Life discipline and can explain numeracy and literacy at the suitable level for any candidate level. Rob offers reassurance to nervous candidates and prides himself on a job well done. Outside work Robert keeps alive his love for golf and used to be a golf coach.
Administrators
Sian Cutt - Apprentice Administrator
Having achieved a level 1 qualification in Business Administration at college, Sian is a valued part of SLIC Training with a variety of duties including Apprenticeships and registrations. Having completed an Apprenticeship with our company she is now a key member of the team. In her spare time she enjoys shopping and swimming.
Gemma Halfyear - Administrator
One of the youngest members of the team, Gemma helps make sure that staff and candidates have all they need to get their nationally recognised qualifications. Gemma is busy outside work liking the usual young people activities such as shopping and clubbing.
Instructors
Mark Leeds - Horticulture Instructor
Mark is a horticulture Instructor and has been involved in teaching horticulture for nearly 30 years . He has worked in many different areas ranging from local authority work to working in the prison service teaching young offenders horticultural skills. In his spare time mark enjoys many out door actvities but walking the mountains of the lake district are his real love.
