The Directorate consists of executive and non-executive Directors. The executive Directors lead the management of the organisation, and are responsible for strategic management and development.
Andrew Whitehead (Executive Director for Business)
Andrew has an Honours Degree in Zoology and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). He has taught and managed courses in Further and Higher Education across a wide range of subjects including: Science, Health, Conservation & Environmental Studies, Information Technology and Animal Management. Andrew has been a Director of DLC since 2001 and has extensive experience of Business Management, previously running a Web Design Company and working as a Senior Manager in a Local Authority Environmental Management Department.
Karen Hayday (Executive Director for Curriculum)
Karen has a degree in Psychology and Sociology, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). She has been a researcher at a University and has taught and managed courses in Further and Higher Education for well over 30 years. Karen has been an external examiner for the Royal College of Nursing and is also a qualified Occupational Tester. Karen founded DistanceLearningCentre.com (DLC) in 1993.
Nicky Leeth (non-Executive Director)
Nicky has a Degree and Masters in Psychology also a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). She has been a researcher at a University. She co-founded DistanceLearningCentre.com (as Distance Learning Centre) in 1993 with Karen Hayday. Prior to working for the DistanceLearningCentre.com full time she managed and taught within the Social Studies department of a highly successful FE College in NW England where she was responsible for over 1000 students and 15 staff. Her teaching experience includes degree courses as well as level 2 and 3, adults , 16-18 year old learners and trainee teachers. She has been an examiner for AQA A level Psychology. Nicky is also a Leader for National Trust working holidays with a special interest in woodland conservation. In her spare time she is a bee-keeper and is back in the classroom as a student taking bee-keeping examinations.
![Emily]()
The website and materials were easy to navigate and the Facebook group gave me extra reassurance and support.
The tutors were supportive, patient and most importantly motivated me to carry on when I found it tough. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing to gain an extra qualification to achieve their dream career. Emily
![Yannick]()
The learning materials were excellent and they exceeded my expectations. I would like to thank my family and the tutors for their amazing support.
I am happy to say to have secured a place to study a Nursing Degree this September. I cannot recommend them enough. Yannick
![John]()
The course is excellently written with information perfectly explained for those who have been out of education.
I completed mine whilst working full time, undergoing several overseas military deployments in support of the COVID pandemic. I could not have done this without them, my tutors were with me every step of the way! John
![Richard]()
Support of tutors, & the wider student community were fundamental in enabling me to overcome adversity. The peer support of fellow students proved a wonderful resource. People of all ages & backgrounds united in their desire to study & self-develop, quick to offer help & encouragement. So I became active in supporting others through the Facebook Group. Richard
![Sam]()
I have dyslexia. They suited all my needs. It was flexible, affordable, and the modules offered would provide me with the fundamental basics to study a Law degree.
They did more than help me get into my dream Russell Group university studying Law. The whole experience finally made me feel academically worthy. Sam
![Aaliya]()
Tutors and staff have been fantastic in helping me achieve the grades I need, as well as any other situations I needed support with.
I applied to 2 universities and have received conditional offers from both.
I have achieved more credits than the offer requires, it wouldn't have been possible without them. Aaliya
![Mehluli]()
I loved the flexibility that comes with the course and the outstanding tutors.
I have since been offered a place from two universities to study a BSc in Adult Nursing.
It is in this regard that I strongly recommend them without hesitation for any person who would like to reboot their career. Mehluli
![Beth]()
I was very nervous about beginning my studies as I thought that Access to HE Diplomas were aimed at mature students, being 17 at the time of beginning my studies. But I was so wrong!
The Diploma is for anyone wanting to enter higher education. The staff, and my tutors especially, couldn't have been more accommodating and supportive. Beth
![Victoria]()
From day one I found my tutors to be incredibly friendly, supportive and accessible. They encourage independent learning, but are always there to give guidance and answer questions of any kind.
The learning materials are brilliant; extremely thorough and logically laid out in topics and sub-topics, so you move smoothly through. Victoria
![Sean]()
The materials were easy to follow. I received advice from others via the Facebook page & from my personal tutor, who was always so quick to answer any questions. During the modules, I developed my research methods & even my English improved. I am far more confident in finding the pros & cons of every theory. I now feel I am in a far better position & I am currently enrolled on an LLB Qualifying Law degree. Sean
![Fanny]()
They stood out for me because of their flexibility and affordability.
Enrolling to study remotely for a science course, was overwhelmingly nerve-wracking but my tutors were very kind, supportive and helpful. Their support allowed me to excel and achieve high grades. I have now secured a place at a university. Fanny
