We’re thrilled to announce that Dr. Doug Cole, a leading global expert in embedding learning foremployability and supporting student success in higher education curricula, has joined the TG Consulting Associate team! Doug’s exceptional expertise, innovative approach, and deep commitment to enhancing
student outcomes will enable us to further amplify our work across the UK higher education sector.
A Game-Changer for TG Consulting
Doug is internationally recognised for his pioneering work in developing strategic, research-informed frameworks that integrate learning for employability into the curriculum for all subject areas and students. Here’s a glimpse into his expertise and contributions to the field:
A Trailblazer in Employability Frameworks: In 2012, Doug developed the concept of the first-ever research and practice-informed framework for embedding employability across higher education curricula. This integrated approach has shaped how some universities design their courses to ensure learning for employability is central to the student experience. Doug has since gone on to adapt and enhance this work over the last decade, creating bespoke frameworks for several institutions and organisations.
Co-Author of the HEA Framework: Doug co-authored the original Higher Education Academy (HEA) framework and guide, Defining and Developing Your Approach to Employability: A Framework for Higher Education Institutions. This widely adopted resource has become a cornerstone for universities aiming to integrate employability into their institutional strategies.
PhD Expertise:With a PhD focused on designing more effective approaches to embedding employability in higher education, Doug has spent over a decade working closely with institutions to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application.
Transformational Institutional Impact: Working with Senior Leaders, Doug’s work has been instrumental at institutions such as Buckinghamshire New University, Northumbria University, the Open University and Nottingham Trent University. He has embedded employability principles into course design, as well as validation and revalidation processes, ensuring they are tailored to meet the unique needs of every student.
Global Reach: Beyond the UK, Doug has provided strategic reviews and consultancy for universities worldwide, including projects with the Ministry of Education in Bahrain, the Ministry for Human Resources and Emiratisation in Abu Dhabi, and over 15 universities in Australia.
Thought Leadership: As a keynote speaker and author, Doug has contributed extensively to key sector discussions, publishing with AGCAS, HEPI, WonkHE, and Times Higher Education. His thought-provoking papers, such as Shifting the Narrative and Beyond Employability, challenge institutions to think bigger and bolder about preparing students for the future.
Doug’s Vision at TG Consulting
On joining TG Consulting, Doug shared:
I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with Tonia and TG Consulting. I have long admired andrespected Tonia’s work and am excited to now collaborate with colleagues across the sector to tackle awide range of shared challenges. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experience to develop morecomprehensive, strategic-level, and cost-effective approaches to embedding learning for employability andstudent success in the curriculum—ensuring this work is contextualised at a course and individual student level.
Doug’s expertise perfectly aligns with TG Consulting’s mission to empower higher education institutions to create meaningful, student-centred solutions. Together, we’ll be able to work with even more clients, tackling challenges head-on and driving positive change for students and graduates across the UK.
A Shared Commitment to Transformation
As the higher education sector faces growing challenges—from the shifting graduate employment landscape to economic pressures—Doug’s addition to the TG Consulting team strengthens our ability to provide innovative, impactful, and tailored solutions. With his leadership, we’re excited to support universities in embedding employability at the core of their learning and teaching strategies, creating transformative outcomes for students, staff, and employers alike.
Let’s Make an Impact Together
With Doug on board, TG Consulting is more committed than ever to driving positive change across the UK higher education sector. If your institution is looking for strategic-level support to embed employability in the curriculum, enhance student outcomes, or reimagine your institutional approach , we’d love to help.
Get in touch today to explore how we can work together to support staff and empower the next generation of students and employees.
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