Meet the Executive Team
Oaklands is committed to creating and maintaining a safe environment for all our students, staff, friends and visitors. Our Executive Team ensures that teaching and learning provision and standards are in line with the current educational curriculum and national levels of expectation. The Executive is responsible for steering and supporting the strategic direction of the College.
Andrew Slade
Principal & CEO
As Principal and CEO, Andrew is responsible for the College’s governance, strategic direction, people and knowledge management, as well as serving as Chief Accounting Officer. Working closely with the Corporation, he shapes the College’s educational character, vision and mission and leads the organisation in achieving its strategic goals.
Andrew has extensive Further Education experience having held a number of senior positions, including Principal at South Thames College and Deputy Principal at London South East Colleges.
He is passionate about education as a key to unlock people’s potential. He feels privileged to work in a sector that makes such a significant difference to people’s lives and that contributes so much to our society and economy.
Prior to working in Education, Andrew has worked in the Health and Safety Industry, Leisure industry and has been a Sport Psychologist. He has represented his County in a number of Sports and competed nationally in Martial Arts.
Kash Barlow
Interim Chief Education, Performance and Growth Officer & Deputy CEO
As Interim Chief Education, Performance and Growth Officer and Deputy CEO, Kash leads the College’s curriculum, quality, performance and growth agenda, supporting its strategic direction and continued improvement.
Kash brings over 18 years of leadership experience across further education, higher education and apprenticeships, underpinned by an MBA and a BA (Hons) in Business. She has led major transformation programmes spanning curriculum, quality, operations, organisational improvement and strategic growth. Passionate about social mobility and learner success, Kash champions high aspirations and inclusive opportunities for all and brings governance experience across the further education, primary and secondary education sectors.
David Lambert
Chief Operating Officer & Deputy CEO
David is responsible for the physical and digital operation and maintenance of the College’s estate and infrastructure. He leads both the Estates and IT teams, including the digital transformation team - a function he believes has the power to drive meaningful organisational change and improvement. In addition, David leads the MIS and Exams teams, overseeing the College’s data and management information systems.
Prior to entering the education sector, David completed an apprenticeship in construction and built a successful career in construction and project management. He later transitioned into teaching, where he progressed through various senior roles across a large college and multi-academy trust, overseeing all functions and departments.
Barbara Jones
Chief People Officer
Barbara’s primary responsibilities include overseeing Human Resources and Staff Development, where she focuses on driving initiatives that support employee growth and organisational effectiveness.
Barbara is an accomplished Human Resources professional with extensive experience in strategic management within large, complex organisations. Over the past 15 years, she has successfully led HR and operational teams through significant organisational change projects, resulting in enhanced performance and efficiency improvements.
Imelda Galvin
Interim Chief Finance Officer
Imelda is responsible for leading the College's financial and investment strategy, governance and contracts, ensuring resources are used effectively to support excellent outcomes for students and staff.
Imelda brings over 35 years of senior leadership and board experience across further education, professional services and industry. A Chartered Accountant and Trinity College Dublin graduate, she has led major financial, digital and organisational transformation programmes, strengthening governance, managing risk and improving performance. She is passionate about using strong commercial leadership to support innovation, create opportunities for learners and secure the College’s long term success.