English UK is delighted to announce that its new deputy chief executive for professional services is Huan Japes.

Mr Japes is well-known in the ELT sector, where he has worked at all levels, with his most recent role being as chief examiner in TESOL for Trinity College London.

He is one of two deputy chief executives at English UK and will take over responsibility for professional services, leading the association's work on quality assurance and professional development, including ambitious projects on continuing professional development.

Chief Executive Tony Millns said: "We are really delighted to have appointed Huan and are looking forward to him starting work with us in February. He has extensive experience at all levels in English language teaching and will be very well-placed to take forward our work to further professionalise the sector."

Mr Japes said he was really excited about his new role, adding: "I am hoping to make a real difference to professional lives in the industry across a wide a range of our membership as possible, whether that's in further training and developing confidence or through courses and workshops, or working with teachers' managers. I want to find out what they might need.

"English UK has been pioneering a lot of this work, but it would be good to see if there is any room for development," he said, adding that he was particularly interested in looking at teachers' CPD".

Mr Japes, 44, took a degree in History and History of Art and had begun museum work when he got a desire to travel and completed his CertTESOL before spending 18 months teaching in Turin. After returning to London he moved back into teaching and the English language sector, taking an MA TESOL at the Institute of Education at the University of London.

He then worked in a number of EFL-related positions in London, including welfare officer, assistant director of studies and teacher trainer, before becoming training and recruitment manager for EF Education. Since September 2005 he has worked for Trinity College London as Chief Examiner TESOL.

Mr Japes joins Annie Wright as joint deputy chief executive.  Ms Wright, who is currently on maternity leave, is responsible for Business Services and leads the International Team.

Notes to Editors 

1. English UK is the world's leading language teaching association, with more than 450 accredited centres in membership. It covers university and further education college language departments, international study centres in independent schools, educational trusts and charities, and private sector colleges. English UK is a UK registered charity (www.englishuk.com).
2. All English UK members must be accredited by the quality assurance scheme Accreditation UK, which is run by the British Council in partnership with English UK. It was the first scheme in the world specifically designed to inspect teaching in language schools. Students who come to the UK to learn or improve their English contribute about £2.5 billion to the UK economy in course fees, accommodation and general spending. Many students go on from English language courses to UK degrees or professional qualifications. There are long-term affinity benefits to Britain as well, since many students go on to be opinion-leaders and senior figures in their own countries.
3. For further comment please contact Tony Millns, Chief Executive at English UK on 020 7608 7960.