Essential Learning Company is run jointly by directors Clare Graham and Sharon Elliott.

Key personnel are from a range of backgrounds, all qualified and experienced in their industries. Specialist consultants are also recruited to the team when needed. This gives Essential the opportunity to be diverse and flexible in order to meet client needs.

Sharon Elliott, Director

Sharon became involved in training and development in 1995 following a career as a general nurse. She specialises in enhancing the skills of trainers and managers as well as those involved in assessment and verification.

Sharon acts as consultant, trainer, verifier and assessor within the company. Her career history also includes working as an external verifier for Edexcel and associate trainer for ENTO.

Clare Graham, Director

Clare was enrolled in the armed forces for 9 years, which developed her personnel administration and leadership skills. Her strength in systems and procedures has assisted the company growth and given a sound and accredited basis for the future.

CIPD qualified in the Learning and Development specialisms, she has developed a good awareness of current learning and development practices across industries.

Clare also acts as an assessor, verifier, trainer and consultant within the company.

Hilary Suffield-Willis, NVQ Centre Manager

After a 20-year career as nurse, Hilary became a qualified assessor in care and worked with a local college. She joined Essential Learning Company in January 2003 as an NVQ care co-ordinator and lead internal verifier. She now oversees the verification process of all NVQs and is a Moving and Handling instructor.

Carol Bennett, Administrative Manager

Carol started working with the company in August 2003 and co-ordinates all the administration systems, documentation and information technology. Previously, she was a member of the Local Government office in Stockport and High Peak Tec, where she was in charge of monitoring contract and funding for direct contracting.