Advisory Board

Michael Coltham is a Detective Chief Inspector with Kent Police.

He has served in a number of roles ranging from the command of high risk firearms incidents, leading investigations into criminal business involved in international human trafficking, and protecting young people from being exploited by gangs. He is passionate about protecting the vulnerable from exploitation and harm.

He currently works across the Eastern Policing Region to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of 7 polices forces. 

Michael is also a composer and music producer, working within the media industry where he produces music for libraries, TV and film. 

It is the combination of a desire to help young people combined with a passion for music that drew him to SupaJam. 

​Michael joins the SupaJam Advisory Board and as well as being involved in all aspects of SupaJam will be overseeing Safeguarding.

Dr Amanda Bates is a Chartered Psychologist and works in health and care research in addition to delivering Disability Equality training.

Amanda is an Ambassador for the charity Changing Faces and is involved with The Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA) and Face Equality International charities. Via these organisations, she has appeared on BBC World (live), ITV and Channel 4, as well as other media, to challenge pervasive beauty norms and resist negative societal perceptions of difference.

I am the co-founder and Principal of the Oaks Specialist College, the Oaks opened in 2018 with 10 learners, currently we have 126 young people on roll. Prior to setting up the Oaks I had 20 years’ experience of working with young people with SEN in a local maintained school. My first role was a LSA, I then moved on to cover supervisor/unqualified teacher and finally went on to train and qualify as a teacher.

For the last 6 years at the school I was head of sixth form and a senior leader.
My passion is to enable young people to achieve their goals and dreams so they can go on to live fulfilling lives, whilst challenging society to be more equitable.

Alongside my role as Principal I work closely with Natspec, recently I have been in conversation with the DfE around the blanket rules that affect English & Maths conditions of funding.

Away from work I enjoy spending time with family and friends and traveling abroad. I have two grown up daughters and two grandchildren, I also have a VW camper van which I very much enjoy going out in. I’ve recently set myself a challenge to get fit and have signed up to the moon walk marathon next May!!

I am a recently retired bank manager of thirty nine years working within retail, corporate and wealth management. I live locally with my wife in Tunbridge Wells and have two daughters who also live in and around the town.

Now retired I spend my time helping friends with building projects as well as volunteering at a local charity, supporting people with debt and budgeting difficulties.

To relax my wife and I love to walk our dog and I like to play golf and tennis and watch football and rugby. I have known David and Nick for over twenty years and seen how they have helped so many students improve their education through their love for music.