People Directory

Andrew Johnson is the Dean of University of Manchester Bolton.

Before moving into academia he served in the British Army for 24 years in senior rank, leading hundreds of soldiers of various nationalities on high-tempo operations across the globe. Andrew served 4 years as a leadership instructor and programme manager at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Whilst serving in Iraq he produced and delivered the Security Sector Reform Roadmap for the Basra City Division of the Iraqi Police Service. Upon retiring from the military, he studied for an MBA at Staffordshire University. Andrew then became a manager in the Public Sector and a Chairman in the Education and Charity Sectors. He has owned several small businesses and limited companies. His key academic interests are leadership, change, influence, and organisational behaviour. In his spare time, Andrew enjoys long-distance running and has published several historical fiction novels.

Anisa Maljee is a Senior Lecturer; she is a beacon of inspiration in the field of accounting and finance education; with a remarkable career in business, banking, sixth-form, colleges and universities.  Her journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to fostering academic excellence and empowering students to reach their full potential.

With an academic background including a degree in Accounting and Financial Management.  Masters in International Banking and Finance, Post Graduate Certificate in Education, Further and Higher Education and in pursuit of a PhD and Professional Accountancy Examinations.  Anisa Maljee is armed with a formidable arsenal of knowledge and expertise.  She is dedicated to continuously improving her educational and professional development.

Anisa’s expertise extends far beyond the confines of traditional academia.  She possesses a deep understanding of accounting principles, practices and terminologies, coupled with a flair of delivering engaging lecturers that captivate and motivate students at all levels.  Her teaching philosophy revolves around creating inclusive learning environments where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed.

As a Module Leader and Personal Tutor at the University if Bolton, Manchester, Anisa has spearheaded initiatives to enhance student learning experiences and support academic success.  Her innovative approach has made this relatable to students from diverse backgrounds.

Throughout her career, Anisa has consistently demonstrated her ability to adapt and thrive in diverse educational settings.  Her leadership roles, including Head of Department, Cohort Leader as well as others other prestigious positions has reflected her natural aptitude for guiding and inspiring others towards excellence.

Beyond her professional achievement, Anisa is known for her warmth, empathy, and genuine passion for making a difference in the lives of her students.  Her unwavering dedication to their success, coupled with her infectious enthusiasm for learning, has left an indelible mark on all who have had the privilege of crossing paths with her.

Ayman joined UoBM in September 2023 after completing a two-year stint as a Sessional EAP Lecturer in the foundation year at Anglia Ruskin University in London (ARUL). Previously, he worked at the University of Nottingham as a Pre-sessional EAP Tutor (three years), delivering Pre-Masters (EAP/EASP) courses to a diverse cohort of international students primarily from mainland China and the Middle East. Prior to that, he served as an English Language Instructor for a decade in Saudi Arabia delivering English and ESP courses to university students, cadets, military and police officers on various training programmes.

Ayman holds an MA degree in TESOL and Applied Linguistics. He also has A Cambridge CELTA and a BA (Hons) in Education and English Literature. His main areas of research interest are: Second Language Acquisition (SLA) and Adult Education.

As an educator, Ayman's philosophy revolves around nurturing independent learners and fostering critical thinking among his students. He is also keen on employing technology to enhance teaching/learning and to motivate leaners in class to achieve their potential.

Ben Hodgson is our sessional EAP lecturer for foundation year students at UoBM. He has been teaching for over thirteen years and has a background in teaching academic English and maths to international students. He began his teaching career in 2010, teaching English in France, as part of his undergraduate degree.

After graduating from the University of Leeds in 2012, Ben gained invaluable teaching experience in SEND schools in Manchester before spending a further two years teaching English in France and Spain. On his return to the UK, Ben undertook a PGCE in maths and ESOL in 2017 at Nottingham Trent University and he has since been teaching maths and English in further and higher education institutions. Notable recent achievements include being acknowledged as the highest rated tutor at EF language school in April 2021, from all of its branches in the UK and Ireland. In his spare time, Ben plays tennis in the Manchester parks tennis league, looks after dogs, and private tutors a range of clients. He has been drumming for 20 years and gigs around Manchester with his alternative rock band.

Before Bethan joined UOBM, she was a sessional lecturer and master dissertation supervisor at multiple higher education institutions. Before her academic career, Bethan held various support and mental health positions, including working as a mental health support worker, a specialist mental health mentor, a SEN teaching assistant, and a social prescribing link worker. Currently, she leads several modules in the Health and Social Care program and aids in the foundation year courses' delivery. Bethan prioritizes employability and practical experience in her teaching, assisting students with connections to the sector through volunteering and work experience. She is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).

“Having worked in the industry, I enjoy sharing authentic case studies and examples, connecting students to the knowledge we impart and cultivate. I encourage students to recognize their current skills while discovering ways to enhance and develop them further. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or considering a career shift, university life can equip you for the future”.

Declan has years of experience within the facilities management profession servicing public, private and third sector clients .

In 2015 he began a facilities management apprenticeship with a social housing company based in Manchester and is professionally qualified from Manchester College in Facilities Management Services with additional complementary accreditations for the sector such as SIA CCTV license and fire marshalling. He is passionate about progressing his facilities management knowledge and skills and continues to educate himself on all aspects of the profession.

Declan is consistent in delivering a high standard of facilities management and a key part of this is his ability to build a good working rapport quickly with internal and external customers with his positive, “can-do” attitude and diligent, hands on approach. Declan will “go the extra mile” to proactively address facilities issues and risks and is constantly looking for opportunities to improve.

He welcomes proactive and direct collaboration with colleagues and external customers.

Rich’s educational background and professional experience lie in General Medicine and Academia. He is a graduate of the Latin American School of Medical Sciences in the Republic of Cuba. Having graduated with his M.D. as one of the top foreign students at the age of 23, he went on to complete a MSc as well as a PhD at Anglia Ruskin University. During his PhD he began teaching in Higher Education.

He has a keen interest in Public Health Nutrition and Dementia Research and is a contributor for the online publication The Conversation. He has lectured both at the BSc and MSc levels, and is currently the Module Lead for the Anatomy and Physiology as well as the Health and Social Care Professional modules here at UoBM. Rich enjoys playing the piano and violin, a game of tennis and cooking Caribbean cuisine in his free time.

Dr Yuvraj Bheekee joined the University of Bolton Manchester as a Senior Lecturer in September 2023. Recipient of the Vice-Chancellor Doctoral Scholarship, he completed his PhD at Bournemouth University. He holds a BSc. Information Systems, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management, an MBA and a distinction in MSc. International Hospitality and Tourism Management. For his fellowship, he completed a Postgraduate Certificate Academic Practice (University of Liverpool and Advance HE).  

He firmly believes that education is and remains a powerful tool for self- and societal transformation. His academic journey started at Bournemouth University. He had the privilege to teach at Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester. In both universities, he taught Marketing modules and supervised dissertations at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He is enthusiastic about encouraging student voice, critical thinking and active engagement in the process of knowledge transfer.

His research expertise and teaching and industry experience in UK and Mauritius have enabled him to obtain comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge and understanding of critical, practical and theoretical issues relevant to Marketing, Events and Tourism Management. His research interests are centred on authenticity in festival and tourism experience, pilgrimages and sacred sites and the perceived impacts of tourism development and events on local communities. He continues to build his international network with scholars and to work on his publications.

Dr Sadaf Shariat is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Bolton, Manchester. She holds an MBA in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) from the University of Nottingham and a PhD from Durham University. Before joining UoBM, Sadaf led seminars on Intellectual Property and Commercial Law at Durham University. She later served as the Director of Law, Technology, and Innovation at the University of South Wales, where she was also the Programme Leader for the Master’s in International Commercial Law and the Module Leader for various technology and business-themed subjects. From 2018 to 2024, she delivered modules on International Business and Competition, as well as Patent and Information Technology Law, for the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO). Subsequently, she served as Head of the Intellectual Property course in partnership with the UK IPO, overseeing the quality of this bespoke postgraduate training programme.

Over the past 14 years, Sadaf has actively participated in and presented at international conferences on CSR, intellectual property, and business technology. More recently, she has contributed to the Palgrave Macmillan book series Studies in Governance, Leadership, and Responsibility. She has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate research projects, including PhD theses, in the broad areas of law and business, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence and the legal and ethical aspects of international business and intellectual property.

“As a business law and CSR educator, I take a learner-centred, research-informed approach that fosters critical thinking and real-world application. I encourage students to see law as a powerful tool for shaping a fairer, more sustainable society. By integrating law with ethical reasoning, I aim to inspire future business leaders to make informed, responsible decisions that balance commercial success with social and environmental responsibility.”

Erikson’s educational background and professional experience lie in the financial sector. He holds a degree in Bank Management and Administration and a master’s degree in Monetary and Financial Economics. Before pursuing a career in the education sector, he provided exceptional customer service as an administrative professional at a Bank.

In 2020, He moved to London to pursue an MSc in International Project Management at Anglia Ruskin University London – ARUL. He was recognized as one of the top two per cent of students with a top achiever award for an outstanding performance in the Postgraduate Major Project module. After completing his studies, he joined ARUL as an Information Centre (iCentre) officer.

As a team leader and administrator at UOBM, he is committed to working hard every day to support and motivate the students. He firmly believes that education is the key to success, which is why he is dedicated to ensuring the successful completion of degrees for all UOBM students and helping them reach their full potential.

 His specialist areas at UoBM are finance and student advice. Outside of work, he enjoys playing football, which reminds him of his childhood years and the importance of staying active.

Harrison’s educational background includes achieving a 2:1 in Business and Management BA at Leeds Beckett University.

His professional career has largely revolved around customer service roles, with these roles ranging from being a Multi-Skilled Operative for Sodexo during the Covid-19 pandemic to becoming a Librarian for the University of Leeds. Harrison is highly skilled in customer interactions and problem solving, with aspirations of furthering his leadership skills for the long-term. Having spent the last four years in the Higher Education sector, Harrison joins the ICentre team with a wide range of experiences to draw upon.

His specialist area for UoBM is Academic Offences, with further specialities being trained for his long-term roles.  In his spare time, Harrison can be found either playing football, reading a new book, or taking a hike.

With a background as an accomplished Operations Director, Harry has spent his career optimising business performance, streamlining processes, and driving strategic growth across industries. Now, as a lecturer at the University of Bolton Manchester, he brings his wealth of industry expertise into the classroom, equipping students with practical skills and real-world insights needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market. As the academic lead on employability at UoBM, his teaching approach is rooted in employability, ensuring that students graduate with the knowledge, confidence and adaptability to excel in the business world. Passionate about bridging the gap between industry and education, Harry is committed to shaping the next generation of professionals who will drive innovation and success in their fields.

Alongside his work, Harry is also a PhD candidate specialising in knowledge transfer within professional service firms. My research explores how organisations can effectively capture, share and apply expertise to enhance performance and innovation. This focus further strengthens the approach to teaching, ensuring that students gain a deep understanding of how knowledge is leveraged as a strategic asset in today’s business landscape.

“I firmly believe that education is a lifelong right, accessible to everyone regardless of their stage in life, empowering all to realise their full potential. From the classroom to the boardroom, I believe every experience – whether a triumph or a challenge- offers a chance to learn, grow, and inspire.”

Lindsay Steele is our designated Director of Studies at UoBM. Her background is in the luxury hospitality management sector. She held various roles in prestigious establishments for hotel groups like Relais and Chateaux, Leading Hotels of the World and Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir Aux Quat Saison before joining the Royal Household. In this position she travelled with H.M the Queen on official state visits such as the 2009 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago and worked on historical events like T.R.H the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding day, the 2011 presidential visit from Barack and Michelle Obama and the 2012 Diamond Jubilee celebrations. While there she became an instructor for Butlers teaching how to lead teams and manage luxury private households. Lindsay then went on to teach students in practical fine dining skills including wine pairing and cocktail mixology while studying for her own MA in Luxury Hospitality Management. She co-authored a textbook in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership. After this, Lindsay taught the theory of hospitality management before moving in to management of student progression and records. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening.

Henry is an IT professional with a solid foundation in computer science and networking. He earned his bachelor's degree from the Hong Kong Metropolitan University and master's degrees from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, launching a career spanning over 15 years within the university environment.

Since 2012, Henry has played a pivotal role in managing library systems, demonstrating exceptional communication skills in liaising with staff and students alike. His adeptness in handling diverse IT challenges has been instrumental in various projects, including digital collections and data management initiatives. 

In 2023, Henry made the transition from Hong Kong to the UK, driven by a desire to further enhance his IT expertise. His commitment to excellence led to his appointment as the IT support officer at the UoBM, where he leverages his extensive experience to deliver top-notch services. Specializing in first-line IT support and helpdesk operations, Henry excels in troubleshooting network, ensuring a reliable learning platform for UoBM students. 

Outside of work, Henry enjoys hiking and exploring the breathtaking scenery that the UK has to offer.

Mimi was educated in Hong Kong and holds a Bachelors Degree in Environmental Life Sciences and a Masters in Global Supply Chain Management.

She worked in the merchandising field over 16 years and managed teams since 2018. She is experienced in communicating with overseas clients like Brooks Brothers, JCPenney, The Children’s Place and took a lead role in managing factories in the Far East Asian countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam and Sri Lanka.

In 2023, she moved to UK from Hong Kong with the aim of broadening her skills and growing in her personal development. She has taken on the role at UoBM as she truly believes that varied working experience can lead to greater success in the future. With the precious opportunity working within the Professional Service team, she is committed to assisting and supporting the students all the way to graduation.

Her specialist areas at UoBM are resourcing, the library and student wellbeing. She enjoys baking and cooking especially Chinese food in her leisure time.

Sarah Carlisle is a Lecturer in Health & Social Care at UoBM. Sarah has a wealth of experience within the health & social care sector. While studying for her BSc Social Policy & Politics (Hons) at the University of Bristol, she worked for several private and voluntary organisations supporting individuals with learning disabilities, which sparked her interest in advocacy and social justice. Following this, Sarah trained as a Social Worker, completing her MSc Social Work at Royal Holloway, University of London. Sarah worked in the field of social work for over 10 years.

Sarah is an adult specialist within social work, focusing on mental health, learning disabilities, and older people’s care and support. Sarah has a particular interest in understanding and managing risk within health and social care. Sarah has held a range of roles within frontline practice, such as Safeguarding Adults Lead, Senior Practitioner, Approved Mental Health Professional and Best Interest Assessor.  

In her spare time, Sarah enjoys swimming and travelling to new places.

Yusuf’s educational background and professional experience lie in the photography sector. He is a graduate who recently completed his BA degree in Fine Art at the University of Salford.

He has the passion in doing creative and commercial photography for his own portfolio ever since his early years in high school. One of Yusuf’s greatest success that he achieved during his graduation was exhibiting his film photographic series for the Degree Show.

Yusuf has eight years of administrative experience through numerous roles in admired industries whilst merging his photography skills for his portfolio development. After completing his studies, he worked in the photography studios in Stretford and volunteered in supporting the studios when setting up equipment and preparing photoshoots.

He provides exceptional customer service and attention to detail, as he’s very passionate in working with students and staff. His professional development is improving job performance, developing new attributes, and expanding professional network with staff and students.

His specialist areas at UoBM are admissions and student records. In his spare time, Yusuf enjoys fitness training at the gym, and travelling to designated countries around the world.