Biographies

Prior to her return to academia, Professor Godsell developed a successful career within industry, beginning at ICI/Zeneca Pharmaceuticals. Following this, she worked up to senior management level at Dyson, in both Supply Chain and Operations Management functions. At Dyson, she undertook a number of operational and process improvement roles within R&D, customer logistics, purchasing and manufacturing.

Professor Godsell is a Chartered Engineer and Member of the IMechE. She is on the board and scientific committee of EurOMA (European Operations Management Association), the cabinet of the UK roundtable of CSCMP (Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals) and the manufacturing steering committee of the IMechE. She is on the editorial board of 3 journals, including the International Journal of Operations and Production Management, and she is an advocate for improving the uptake of STEM subjects by school children.

Jonathan Brill has directed Eduvate for the past 5 years, during which the company has developed a unique service platform, www.eduvate.biz featuring Ambition Alley, a job exploration experience for young people. He is a seasoned education industry professional, having held senior positions in Universities and in industry, both in Publishing and Research. Previously he chaired the governing body at Rose Bruford College, the Benedetti Trust and the London Arts Board. One of Eduvate’s leading partners is the recruitment Company, K&A Resource Group in Detroit, where eduvate has been involved with development initiatives with the talent acquisition pipeline in the automotive industry. Jonathan is leading Eduvate’s latest development, centring on VR development in Ambition Alley, allowing young people to plan a life full of jobs, with advice and direction directly from employers; they in turn will have the opportunities of early engagement with young people to evaluate cultural fit. Jonathan estimates he has held 40 + jobs for which he has been paid and reckons leading Eduvate is the toughest and most rewarding.

Neil Black is a Partner with extensive experience of advising on a full range of UK employment law, with contentious and non-contentious expertise. He is a seasoned tribunal advocate. He has particular experience in respect of TUPE, re-organisation, collective redundancy and strategic HR advice. Neil is also experienced in advising in respect of large scale changes to terms and conditions of employment and post-acquisition HR integration. Although he acts for a wide range of clients, Neil plays a key role in the manufacturing sector, sitting on the firm’s cross-office, cross-sector team and leading the manufacturing sector focus for the Manchester office. In addition to this, he heads up the Manchester Employment team and leads the National Employment Group’s Manufacturing Sector team. Neil has a particular interest in the food & drink and automotive sectors and prior to entering the legal profession was employed in a non-legal role with a major US automotive company.

Helen Grover was appointed HR Director at GEFCO UK in June 2016. As HR Director Helen and her team are responsible for the full range of HR functions in GEFCO UK but also focuses herself and team on delivering HR excellence and developing the business to achieve its growth strategy through collaborative networks and partners within the industry. Helen is a Fellow of the CIPD. Prior to GEFCO UK she worked for National Grid and E.ON specialising in Talent, Performance Management and HRIS programmes.

One of the overarching goals of GEFCO UK is to achieve Employer of Choice status in the Times Top 100 by 2021, Helen and the team are focused on delivering employee engagement initiatives that will deliver this goal.