Fiona Richardson
Lecturer: Business
fiona.richardson@bil.ac.uk
A career in local government as a senior manager of two departmental offices and their staff, as well as dealing with a diverse range of stakeholders including local and national companies, was followed by a switch to running my own educational services company. Later, I moved onto an educational management position in a business school where I designed course materials and taught both business subjects and academic skills which I have now been doing for many years both in the UK and abroad.
Interests
My main interests are reading, particularly history, gardening and walking.
Qualifications
- Master of Education (M.Ed.)
- Honours degree in Sociology and Politics
- Dip.C.G.&C.
Annell Smith
Lecturer: Law and Business
annell.smith@bil.ac.uk
I regard education as a catalyst for social justice, hence as a Senior Lecturer in Law and Business at Bloomsbury Institute, I prioritise student experience. I am the module leader for ‘Introduction to Law’ ‘Organisations: Leadership and Management’.
Following legal studies, I trained as an accredited civil commercial mediator. I have supported various pro bono initiatives, working with Vocalise, the Bar Pro Bono Unit (Advocate) and as trustee for a legal advice charity.
Business Development within the the justice and business sectors has been my consultancy remit. Examples include Solution Leadership for Carillion plc’s Transforming Rehabilitation bid and mentorship training for a CSR Employability project (2014). I have also advised the UNODC and Commonwealth Secretariat on Alternative Sentencing (2009).
My leadership experience is largely derived from a justice sector career, including civil service secondments to the Home Office and Ministry of Justice and 12 years within the probation service.
Interests
I am currently exploring the impact of regulation and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategies on the financial sectors; focusing on asset management and investment. A contract-intelligence internship at an AI start-up (2018) increased my interest in understanding how technology is increasing efficiency and transforming practice across industries. Consequently, I am seeking opportunities to gain exposure to how FinTech and RegTech can be used to improve compliance and performance within the financial sectors.
Other interests include Arabic language, badminton, nature walks and producing hearty vegan meals.
Qualifications
FHEA, LLM QLD, MA, BA (Hons)
Graham Ward
Lecturer: Business
graham.ward@bil.ac.uk
I am a Lecturer in Business at Bloomsbury Institute and I teach Organisational Leadership, Ethics and Information Technology modules.
I am the co-founder of a South African based company called Award Training (Pty) Ltd, which is based in South Africa. The company specialises in Further Education and Training qualifications for the South African market, since 2008.
In addition to starting Award Training, I have started and successfully run numerous other businesses, ranging from Real Estate to an IT Support company. This has allowed me to gain experience in different industries which has broadened my understanding of the essential basics of business and customer service. As a start-up owner of various businesses, I have learned how to create systems for business growth as well as how to manage the people who work alongside us as employees and contractors.
Interests
Having achieved a doctorate in entrepreneurship from the Nelson Mandela University in South Africa, I am passionate about assisting people who would like to start businesses of their own. In order to provide assistance to budding entrepreneurs, I recently completed a book called: “10 Simple Steps to Start a Business”.
I am also a keen amateur golfer and I enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and the architecture of each golf course.
Qualifications, Affiliations and Memberships
In addition to the doctorate obtained in the field of entrepreneurship, I obtained a Masters Degree in Family Business Succession in 2011.
Research and Publications
The article which stemmed from my doctorate titled: “Entrepreneurship in-South Africa An-Empirical Analysis of the Perceived Global Individual and Financial Success as an Entrepreneur” was published by JMME in January 2019.
Asare K Amaning
Lecturer: Accounting
asare.amaning@bil.ac.uk
After qualifying as a Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) in 1995, I worked in various industries including Accountancy practice, Industry and Commerce and Education. I currently run a small practice dealing with individuals, and small to medium sized companies. Teaching is my passion and I have been teaching on professional exams and academia. I have tutored Professional Accountancy and Post and Undergraduate students over the last 23 years. The last main stream university I worked at was Anglia Ruskin University.
Interests
My interest is in reading text books, professional journals, attending professional forums for discussions, Christian meetings, Bible discussions and I also enjoy my football.
Qualifications, Affiliations and Memberships
- B.Com Bachelor of Commerce
- MA – Strategic Financial Management
- FCCA (Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
- AHEA (Associate Fellowship)
Orlagh Maye
Lecturer: Law
orlagh.maye@bil.ac.uk
I am a Lecturer in Law here at Bloomsbury Institute. I recently graduated from the two year accelerated course with a first class LLB from Bloomsbury Institute and I am currently studying for my master’s degree in Legal History at the University of Reading.
I was nominated as a student representative in my first year, and activities officer in my final year. I trained as a Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) Leader, and attended the PASS/PAL/SI Conference 2019 in Loughborough as a representative of the Institution.
I received the ‘Student Guild President’s Award for outstanding contribution to the student community’, and the ‘Bloomsbury Institute Award for enhancement of the academic community’.
In the past I was also awarded a scholarship to study French language in Nice.
Interests
Academia has always been of importance to me. My current field of research involves women’s equitable rights in history, with a focus on the imbalance of rights within marriage.
Though the majority of research I have completed has been centred on equity, international law, and human rights, I am yet to come across an area of law that does not interest me!
My aim is to ultimately achieve a PhD and continue in the field of academics.
Qualifications
LLB, MARes (currently studying)
Aneta Dec-Ali
Estates and Facilities Executive
aneta.dec-ali@bil.ac.uk
I joined Bloomsbury Institute in late 2019 as a Front Desk Executive, and in 2020 I was promoted to Estates & Facilities Executive.
My role involves providing support to staff and students across the institute which I find a great pleasure.
Prior to joining Bloomsbury Institute I was Close Protection Operative (CPO) to UHNW individuals and a fully qualified Beauty Therapist many moons ago.
Interests
I enjoy many things in life including fitness, theatre, ballet, opera and cinema. I also have a keen interest in Psychology and Human Behavioural Studies. However, my main passion is my family.
Qualifications
- Level 5 Diploma in Management Studies
Gemma Rhoden
Lecturer: Law
gemma.rhoden@bil.ac.uk
I deliver lectures/seminars to Level 4, 5 and 6 students in a range of Business and Law subjects. These include Contract Law and Consumer Rights, Research Project, Project Management, Human Resource Management, Operations Management, Employability Skills, Working With and Leading People and Marketing Essentials, Employment Law and Tort Law.
I also assist students with their assessments, providing guidance on structure and relevant legal knowledge. I examine students’ presentations and provide final grades and constructive feedback. On a personal level I also provide advice and support to students.
Prior to the completion of my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, I worked as a paralegal for a number of years in numerous departments including criminal, residential and commercial property and family.
Interests
My research interests cut across a number of areas within International Commercial Law such as International Investment Law, International Commercial Arbitration and International Commercial Litigation.
Qualifications
- I am a PhD Researcher in Law at Canterbury Christ Church University
- LLB Law, University of Bedfordshire
- LLM in International Commercial and Dispute Resolution Law with Distinction, University of Bedfordshire
Publications
- Gemma Rhoden, Chrispas Nyombi et al., “International Business and Human Rights: It time for hard law?” (2016) International Company and Commercial Law Review 27(10), 343-350.
- Gemma Rhoden, ‘Justification for the Creation of a World Investment Court’ (2018) International Company and Commercial Law Review 29(2), 81-94.
Cordelia Gartside
Academic Lead for Student Employability
cordelia.gartside@bil.ac.uk
My background is broadly in EFL, which I began teaching after acquiring a CELTA. I have taught in Bulgaria, Peru and Honduras, and have taught groups ranging from primary school students to teachers of English.
I joined Bloomsbury Institute as a Foundation Year Tutor in 2017, teaching across three modules. In 2019 I became a Fellow of the HEA, and I am now the acting Academic Lead for Student Employability.
In addition to teaching, I’ve also spent time working freelance in poetry analysis, selling music for advertising, and organising community-driven events.
Interests
I believe a critical education is the key to understanding yourself, your surroundings, and your capacity to make change. My professional focus is therefore on critical thinking, particularly regarding AI and political polarisation.
I’m currently teaching myself about permaculture, political philosophy, fungi and coding.
Qualifications, Affiliations and Memberships
BA Ancient History, MA (Distinction) Reception of the Classical World, CELTA, HEA Fellow
Alina da Franca
Academic Administrator and Assessment Executive
alina.dafranca@bil.ac.uk
In September 2020, Bloomsbury Institute gave me the opportunity to become part of the Registry family as an Academic Administrator (for Law and Accounting) and Assessment Executive.
Not only have I learnt a lot of new things, but it has given me the opportunity to use the skills I’ve gained from previous jobs.
I started working young and gained experience in a range of professions. I worked in the German School of Lisbon while I was running an Irish bar there. When I moved to London, I worked at an Estate Agent and as a bar manager while doing my degree here at Bloomsbury Institute in Business Management.
Interests
I am passionate about politics and ecological issues, as well as anything cultural. I love alternative films, art and music. I am interested in languages and different cultures, and I find it interesting to find similarities and differences between the countries I have lived in.
I enjoy working with people and doing a job with a purpose.
Qualifications, Affiliations and Memberships
- BA (Hons) Business Management
- AUA Member
Taffie Christian
Compliance Manager
taffie.christian@bil.ac.uk
In April 2021 I joined the Quality and Compliance Division at Bloomsbury Institute as the Compliance Manager. Amongst other duties I ensure UKVI compliance of the Institute’s student and skilled worker sponsor licences and I also serve as the Data Protection Officer within the organisation.
Working in Immigration and compliance has always been my passion and ideal career choice. After working in corporate immigration in law firms for several years including H2O Law LLP and Magrath Sheldrick LLP I decided to work in the Higher Education sector. My most recent employment was at Study Group where I worked in the Visa Compliance Team.
Interests
I have a keen interest in learning new things, meeting new people and traveling (I have a large collection of fridge magnets from all over the world!). I also like embarking on adrenalin filled adventures such as sky diving and bungee jumping.
I am passionate about the less privileged children in society and currently support the InnerCity Mission charity.
Qualifications and Memberships
- BA (Hons) Laws LLB
- International Student Advice and Support – PG Certificate
- OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership
- UKCISA – Member
- Independent Higher Education (IHE) – Member
- ECCTIS (Formerly NARIC) – Member
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