Kelly Cumming

About Me

An experienced careers adviser, with a strong background spanning higher, further and secondary education. Currently Regional Director at FutureSmart Careers, I oversee multi-region delivery of careers programmes across schools, colleges and sixth forms, leading geographically dispersed teams and working closely with senior leadership to drive growth, quality and measurable impact. Alongside my strategic responsibilities, I remain an active careers adviser, delivering impartial careers education, information, advice and guidance (CIAG) to young people, ensuring my leadership remains grounded in current practice and learner need. My role combines careers/employability delivery, operational management, business development, financial oversight and performance accountability, alongside recruitment, workforce development and the design of robust training frameworks. Previously, as a Specialist Practitioner at the University of Southampton, I worked as an active careers adviser, holding responsibility for the provision of CEIAG for students within the Business School, Law School and Doctoral College, delivering both one-to-one guidance and tailored faculty-based interventions. I also led the design and delivery of careers and employability programmes across multiple faculties, ensuring quality assurance, inclusive practice and alignment with national standards. In this role, I also I gained extensive experience in curriculum enhancement, stakeholder engagement, coaching, project leadership and evidence-based evaluation, and was nominated for a Vice-Chancellor’s Award in recognition of my contribution to student experience and professional standards. My previous CEIAG roles at the University of Portsmouth and EBP South, working across schools, colleges, and universities, have strengthened my expertise in delivering impartial careers guidance, engaging with employers, evaluating services, and fostering effective partnerships. These experiences are complemented by professional qualifications in career guidance (NVQ Level 6), teaching and academic practice (PGCAP, HEA Fellow, BA Hons in English Literature), and health and safety (NEBOSH). I bring a balanced leadership style focused on delivering high-quality careers guidance, fostering partnerships with employers, and continuously improving services, shaped by my formative experience in the Royal Air Force.