Having joined the University of Cumbria in October 2007 as the Head of Further Education at the Newton Rigg Campus, Elaine is currently the Head of Educational Partnerships and Lifelong Learning, with the responsibility for the development of academic partnerships with new and existing partners, which may include Further Education Colleges, Work Based Learning providers and other organisations.  Elaine has responsibility for a number of cross university projects and currently this includes the development of Higher Level and Degree Apprenticeships in a number of key areas across the University, further supporting the development of employer focussed provision to meet the needs of business clients and work based learning students.

Elaine completed her BSC in Education Management at Leeds Metropolitan University and continued her studies with them to graduate with a MSC Leadership and Management in 2010.

During her career, Elaine  has been  heavily involved in the delivery of Further Education and Work Based Learning in Yorkshire and Cumbria,  recognising the value in enabling young people and adults to have access to opportunities which enable them to develop skills and expertise in order for them to progress in their chosen career.