About EMPRA

• Ruth Sparkes, Director
  

Ruth has handled contentious and crisis issues, as well as marketing and strategic public relations for Cornwall College (the UK's 3rd largest college), Harlow College, East Surrey College, South Kent College and The University of Winchester. 

She has also worked with AimHigher and other various public and private sector organisations such as the former DfES, TheStudentRoom, Coursework.info and the CSE at Sheffield Hallam University.

Ruth was a contributing writer of the Principals' Qualifying Programme - a 'must' for all college principals.

• Shelley Whitehead, Account Director EMPRA24
  

Shelley specialises in stakeholder engagement and supporting strategic change within Education and the Not-for-Profit sector.

She is an experienced and award winning school Governor at both Primary and Secondary level, works across the Academies and BSF programmes and has a particular focus in supporting education partnerships.

In addition, her background includes a strong and successful career in Relationship Management, Change Management, Business Process Consultancy, Project Management and Business & Market Development - where she can demonstrate a successful track record in supporting clients to achieve sustainable business and performance outcomes.

• Judy Belbin, Head of Editorial
  

Judy has a wealth of experience as a journalist. She has worked for every kind of newspaper, including national Sunday and daily, regional daily and weekly newspapers.

Her experience spans more than three decades and includes every kind of story from those in the international spotlight such as the Falklands Conflict to more modest parish council meetings. She has interviewed people from all walks of life including bestselling authors and Lords of the Realm to postmen – and everyone in between.

Her years as a journalist have given her an in-depth understanding of the newspaper industry and how it works.

• Paul Deb, Digital Services Director
  

Paul has over 10 years digital experience in the public sector.

He has worked on numerous high-profile projects in education, with clients such as the British Council, DCSF, LSC, LSN, CWDC, Learndirect, the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, and numerous universities, colleges and schools. He has also significant experience in the health sector, specifically the NHS Cancer Screening Programme; being responsible for the 6 separate local area websites that comprise the London Breast Screening service, as well as the Intranet for the National Bowel Screening Programme.

• Debbie Greene, Head of Communications & Events

Debbie has worked in PR and communications for over 10 years. In fact, her first PR role was with Ruth in helping to turn a failing college around. She’s highly creative but has her feet firmly on the ground.

She connects her creativity and her superb organisational skills to be an inspired event manager. Debbie has won national awards for her work in both the education and housing sector; and in 2009 was a finalist in the UK wide Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Excellence Awards.