LINK19 College Members/Directors:
Maddie Arnold-Jones
Maddie Arnold-Jones is LINK19 College Chair of Directors. Maddie is a founding LINK19 Director, leading and supporting the strategic vision for post-19 learners working collaboratively and in partnership with all members of the Board. Maddie is currently Headteacher at Ifield School, an outstanding provider for pupils with profound, severe and complex needs. Maddie obtained Qualified Teacher Status in 2008 and an MSc in Cognition and Learning in 2013. Maddie is a trustee of the Kent Special Educational Needs Trust (KsENT) and a trustee of the Gravesham Learning Partnership (GLP). Maddie is also the Safeguarding Governor at Bower Grove School and the SEND representative for Kent's Association of Headteachers (KAH) North Area Board. Maddie is a passionate and innovative leader committed to providing the very best educational provision and outcomes for SEND learners.
Sheila Dance
Sheila was appointed as a LINK19 Director on 24 August 2022, with significant experience of the local education system and opportunities available for young people, particularly those with special educational needs.
Sheila has spent 35 years working in Kent secondary and further education and has 20 years of senior leadership experience. Sheila’s most recent two positions were Deputy Head of a local High School and Assistant Principal, North Kent College, with responsibilities for English/Maths delivery, SEN and safeguarding (Designated Safeguarding Officer).
The Rev Dr Andrew Davey
Andrew was appointed as a LINK19 Director on 24 August 2022.
By occupation, Andrew is an Anglican parish priest. Andrew is currently vicar of Christ Church, Milton-next-Gravesend. Andrew’s experience includes voluntary sector management, community development and networking, youth work, and various church organisations. Andrew’s experience also includes the development of pastoral care partnerships for those with learning and mental health needs.
Andrew is a Doctor of Theology and Ministry, (University of Sheffield, 1998) and has a BA (Hons) (University of Southampton, 1982).
John Gorton
John Gorton was appointed a LINK19 College Director on 24 January 2023. Head of Transport for several UK police forces and leader of the National Association of Police Fleet Managers, John's knowledge of special education is derived largely from having navigated his son through SEN provision, and eventually into full time employment in a professional field. John's primary interest is to support LINK 19 College's role in developing learners' confidence and employability skills, sufficient to achieve gainful employment, enhancing independence and sense of value and inclusion. To broaden the recognition of the social and commercial benefits of organisational inclusion, John acknowledges the need for LINK19 College to prioritise proactive engagement with organisations outside of education/SEN.
Sam Presneill
Sam joined the LINK19 College Board in February 2023. With an extensive background in coaching, training and development, Sam leads a diverse team at the Careers & Enterprise Company supporting Kent schools and colleges with careers delivery. Before joining the LINK19 College Board, in Sam's Enterprise role, working closely with LINK19 College provided Sam the passion to support LINK19 College learners' success, increasing learners' access to local and wider community opportunities. Sam is a very welcome addition to the LINK19 College Board.
Farhat Sadik
Farhat was appointed to the LINK19 College board on 30 June 2023.
Programme Director at Police Now, Farhat leads the National Graduate Leadership Programme and National Detective Programme.
Former roles include Head of Safeguarding & HR compliance for Age UK.
Farhat is passionate about exceptional organisational leadership and professionalism. With personal strategic leadership of two national graduate police recruitment and training programmes, Farhat has developed the provision of high-quality training, high-level governance and project management with national stakeholders.
Farhat also actively volunteers with a Medway Scouts group, and personal positive experience of additional educational needs enables Farhat to contribute effectively to LINK19 College's strategic leadership.
Skilled in leading departments in the intelligence, domestic abuse, safeguarding, child sexual exploitation and serious and complex crime investigations, personal interests include personal and leadership development and creating healthy, productive and diverse work environments.
