About us
Work & Learning Opportunities is a small, super-efficient, social enterprise that started in Brighton & Hove in 2010.
From our virtual office we plan our personal development programmes, coaching, project management, research and evaluation. We can deliver these virtually or in person.
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Chris Baker
DIRECTOR
Chris spent over thirty years in higher education, holding senior roles at both the Open University and Brighton University. In the last 7 years he has worked as a director in WLO. During this period, he has been Deputy CEO of the National Centre for Entrepreneurship in Education, delivered leadership programmes for universities and worked to develop our programmes aimed at supporting older people to remain economically and socially active. In addition to paid work Chris has been a school governor and is currently a volunteer for the Witness Service run by Citizens Advice.
When Chris isn’t working, he likes to don a rucksack and do some serious walking, especially if it includes hills and mountains.
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Debra Vice Holt
DIRECTOR
Debra began her career in theatre before focusing on education to fulfil her interest in helping others achieve their passions. An advocate of life-long learning, Debra took a Masters in Gender Studies, PRINCE2 Project Management and trained as a Coach. Previously a Director of Aimhigher Sussex, a national programme working with schools and colleges in areas of deprivation, she was also a university tutor for students undertaking work experience in the not for profit sector. Debra has worked to create links between business and education and set up the University of Brighton’s research and enterprise office near Gatwick. She has been a trustee for women’s charities in Brighton & Hove and is currently Chair of Governors for a federation of primary schools in Sussex. She enjoys spending time with her family, socialising with friends and being part of her local community.
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Maureen Haywood
DIRECTOR
Maureen returned to learning in her 40s having completed an Open University degree which led to a career in education starting with teaching adults at her local college, the WEA and the Open University. She then joined the OU full-time as an Instructional Designer to work with newly emerging technologies. Maureen later moved to Brighton University where she developed a careers advice service covering 9 counties before setting up Work & Learning Opportunities as a social enterprise in 2010. She now works from her home in Dorset where she is a volunteer organiser for Dorset Health Walks and a trustee of her local village hall.
When she isn’t working, Maureen likes to indulge her interest in the history of art.
How we work
Chris, Debra and Maureen were previously colleagues at Brighton University, all with an interest in creating opportunities for everyone, regardless of their starting point, to reach their potential in both education and employment. Debra and Chris are based in East Sussex and Maureen works from Dorset. We are grateful for all the technology that facilitates our team meetings, shared filing system and much more.
We help individuals and organisations to embrace and manage change. From an individual’s first career steps to re-thinking work and retirement; from evaluating a project to restructuring roles and responsibilities.
Our current work ranges from bringing educational opportunities to disadvantaged people of all ages to creating programmes that fit the government’s current push to encourage pre-retirees back to the workplace.