Simon Parkinson

Simon joined the WEA from Co-operative College where he was Principal and CEO for 4 years and previously worked for 19 years at the Royal Mencap Society, including as Director of Education, Learning and Work.

Simon is involved in a range of external networks including Co-operative Council Innovation Network, where he is vice chair of the Values & Principles Committee and an advisor to the Executive Oversight Committee, and is the Vice-Chair of SOLIDAR. He is currently a commissioner on the Greater Manchester Co-operative Commission and is a trustee of Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice.

Growing up in Salford, Simon attended both Salford University and Warwick University where he gained a Master's degree in Public Administration.