ADAM FIDLER
Chair of the Corporation
Adam Fidler joined the Corporation in September 2021 as a Governor, having worked in the public and private sector, for a number of high-profile firms including Boots Plc and the Bank of America. In 2008, he qualified as a teacher, before working in a management role for Salford City College, where he was involved in all aspects of the college merger, operations and strategic planning. In addition, he continued teaching part-time, as well as teaching privately and through Pitman Training Group and internationally. Adam’s extensive corporate and commercial experience led him to open his own private training organisation in 2016, where he continues to deliver a bespoke curriculum and qualifications for business professionals and corporate clients. Adam became Vice-Chair of the Corporation in March 2022 and Chair of Corporation in September 2025.
REBECCA PARKS
Group Principal – Ex-Officio Member
Rebecca was appointed Group Principal of Salford City College Group in February 2022 and was appointed to serve on the Board of Governors from that date. Prior to being appointed as Group Principal, Rebecca was the Deputy Principal for Salford City College Group. Rebecca has significant experience of working in further education, particularly in relation to curriculum development and management.
MATTHEW AINSWORTH
Since 2022 Mat has been the Director for Skills, Work and Inclusive Economy at Salford City Council. As a senior leader he has strong business planning, performance management, oversight and scrutiny skills, including overseeing significant staff resources, managing multi-million pound budgets, ensuring maximum value for money and that social value is delivered for the public purse. Prior to this he was Acting Director for Education, Skills and Work at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. Mat is also a local Justice of the Peace and is a proud Salfordian, born and raised in the city where he still lives.
SAM BUTLER
Sam joined the Corporation in May 2022, having previously been a Co-optee to the Human Resources & Organisational Development Committee. He is an employment lawyer and has previously served as a Councillor on Bury Council. His external roles have been across the university sector and student leadership movement having served on boards for the University of Law, University of Liverpool, and NUS Services and he is currently a Social Mobility Ambassador for the Law Society.
ADRIAN CONNELL
Vice-Chair of the Corporation
Adrian joined the Corporation as a Governor in October 2022. He qualified in 1989 as a Chartered Accountant with one of the large accountancy practices and since then has held a number of commercial finance roles of increasing seniority. Until recently he worked as a Director and the Chief Finance Officer for the Europe, Middle East and Africa Division of a US listed Corporation. Adrian has extensive finance experience in the corporate sector including strategic and operational planning, budgeting, financial reporting, governance, compliance, and auditing. Adrian became Vice-Chair of the Corporation in September 2025.
ROGER CUNLIFFE
Staff Governor – Academic
Roger joined the Corporation in September 2022 as a Staff Governor. He is employed at the College as a Management Training Associate specialising in the delivery of project management, sales, marketing and human resource qualifications. Prior to his 15 years’ experience working in the educational sector, Roger had a 25-year career in Senior Management roles within the Automotive sector. During this time Roger was also a regional representative in the Skills and Technical Vocational Education and Training development between the UK and China which involved delivering presentations in China to Senior Managers of polytechnics.
BEN DAVIS
Ben joined St. Ambrose Barlow Roman Catholic High School as Headteacher in September 2015. He is the Chair of both the Salford Headteachers and Principals Association and the In Year Fair Access Panel. Prior to coming to Salford he led a secondary school in Ayrshire and was part of a national Headteachers’ group advising on the development of Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a founding member of the Education Policy Alliance and a Square Peg Attendance Champion who advocates for inclusive education.
SALLY KELLS
Sally Kells joined the Corporation in March 2020. She is a Chartered Accountant, having trained and qualified with a leading professional services provider. Sally currently works within the Senior Management team of a private equity-backed Financial Services Group which aims to support and meet the needs of underserved consumers. Sally is responsible for the consolidated forecasting and reporting of financial performance and the cash management of the business and has previous experience working with real estate funds, private equity funds and public sector entities.
PAULA SUMMERSFIELD
Paula joined the Corporation in December 2019. She is a CiPFA qualified accountant and holds a director’s role in a Salford based community interest company who provide support to people with learning disabilities, older people and people living with dementia. Paula has over 30 years of finance experience and has worked at a senior level within the finance team at Salford City Council where she worked extensively with schools, governing bodies and council members.
MARTIN TOWNSEND
Staff Governor – Professional Services
Martin was appointed Staff Governor (Professional Services) in September 2022. He joined Salford City College Group in 2017 and has worked across Marketing and Admissions. Martin is currently the Head of Student Operations for SCC Group. Before joining the College, Martin previously worked within the Higher Education sector.
DR MARTIN TONER
Clerk to the Corporation
Martin was appointed Clerk to the Corporation/ Corporate Governance Officer in January 2024. Since obtaining his PhD from the University of Manchester, Martin has held a range of administrative and professional roles in the higher education sector, in areas including academic quality and standards, corporate governance, senior executive support and operations management.
