Salutem Governance

The Salutem board has representation from both education and industry and formally meets every quarter to ensure that we follow the AELP code of good governance for independent training providers. This includes:

•  Putting the learner, apprentice and employer first.

 •  Promoting high expectations and ambitions for learners, apprentices and staff.

 •  Listening to learners, employers and staff.

 •  Promoting inspirational training, teaching and learning and assessment.

 •  Creating a safe environment for learners and apprentices to train, learn and develop.

 •  Providing strong strategic leadership and challenge to the senior team.

 •  Demonstrating accountability to all stakeholders, including publishing accurate and timely information on performance.

Malcolm McDermott

Managing Director 

McDermotts Building and Civil Engineering

 

Gemma Kemp

Operations Director

Salutem

With a career spanning blue-chip organisations and entrepreneurial ventures, I bring a wealth of experience in people development, leadership, and operational excellence.

I began my career as a graduate trainee in HR with Allied Domecq, building a strong foundation in HR and organisational development before progressing through several leading companies. During this time, I honed my expertise in strategic HR, culminating in my role as HR Business Partner within the R&D function at AstraZeneca.

After starting a family, I established my own coaching and management training consultancy, supporting individuals and organisations to unlock performance and leadership capability. This work led to a collaboration with McDermott Building and Civil Engineering Ltd in 2014, where I delivered management training and provided board-level coaching.

In 2015, I joined Salutem as Operations Director, where I have played a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s growth and direction. A key milestone came in 2019, when I successfully led the transition from a subcontracting model to gaining direct acceptance onto the Register of Apprentice Training Providers.

Since then, I have continued to lead the team with a focus on continuous improvement, consistently driving high-quality outcomes and opportunities for construction apprentices.

Stefan Cheeseman

McDermotts Building and Civil Engineering 

I bring extensive experience across both education and ICT, enabling me to support strategic decision‑making with a strong understanding of teaching, learning, and digital development. I have well‑established safeguarding knowledge, which I actively apply in my role providing guidance for Salutem, ensuring that policies and practice consistently prioritise the safety and wellbeing of the Salutem Apprentices. My focus as a governor is to champion high standards, strengthen accountability, and help create an environment where every learner can thrive.

 

Emily Humphrey

Salutem

As the Office Manager and Functional skills tutor, I play a key role in supporting learners throughout their apprenticeship journey, delivering high-quality Functional Skills training and managing the day-to-day operations of the office.

I hold a law degree from university, which laid the foundation for starting a career in administration. Since joining the organisation my passion for teaching and supporting others led me to pursue additional qualifications, achieving both Level 3 and Level 5 certifications in education and training.

With a unique combination of administrative skills and teaching skills I thrive on the variety the role offers, from mentoring apprentices and delivering tailored learning sessions to working through paperwork in the office.

Outside of work, I enjoy staying active through running and regular visits to the gym. I value hard work, and I bring the same level of energy and commitment to my professional life.

 

 

Kathy O’Donnell

Salutem

 

As the external accountant for Salutem, I bring over 30 years of experience as a Chartered Certified Accountant, having worked across a wide range of industries. This depth of experience allows me to offer strong financial insight and meaningful support to the organisation as it continues to grow.

In recent years, Salutem has made impressive progress and is clearly moving from strength to strength. This success is driven by exceptional leadership — from the Operations Director,  through to a highly committed and forward‑thinking Board of Governors. Their shared vision, alignment and dedication have created a solid foundation for continued development.

What truly sets Salutem apart is its unwavering commitment to young people. The future here is bright and genuinely exciting. Every apprenticeship delivered, every new alumni photo added to the board, and every learner who moves into a promising career reflects the organisation’s purpose in action. The support offered to young people is transformative, helping them move toward amazing futures and careers they may never have imagined possible.

With such strong leadership and a clear mission, I am proud to contribute my expertise and to be part of an organisation that is making such a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.