Director
Martin Webster has been working within widening access since graduating from Liverpool Hope University in 2000. Between 2005 and 2011 Martin was Head of Widening Participation at Nottingham Trent University. During that time he was Co-Director of the East Midlands consortium for Routes into Languages, a national outreach project, as well as representing the University in the local AimHigher partnership.
In 2011, he helped to establish NEON, and became its Operational Consultant, taking an overview of all NEON activities. In July 2022 Martin became the Deputy Director of NEON leading on its day to day operations. In March 2025 he was appointed to the the role of Interim Director and in October 2025 the position was made permanent. Martin has contributed to many NEON research reports and has regularly presented and spoken at widening access events.
Email Martin - martin.webster@uwl.ac.uk
Membership and Finance Officer
As NEON’s Membership and Finance Officer, Maria-Anna will will be the point of contact for enquiries from members ensuring first class customer service and that NEON’s financial records are accurately maintained. Prior to this she worked as NEON’s Training and Events Officer,
Maria-Anna helps to organise the Summer Symposium, Awards, Access Academy Training and Summit events. She also worked for the Willow Foundation, a charity dedicated to bringing special days to seriously ill people, as their Special Events Manager. For eight years, she worked at Stonewall, the largest LGBT equality charity in the UK, delivering conferences, gala fundraisers, seminars and residential training programmes during a time of significant change for LGBT equality in the UK and around the world.
Email Maria-Anna - Maria-Anna.Petrou@uwl.ac.uk
Events and Membership Services Officer
Marion is a bilingual communications and coordination professional with experience across the education and creative sectors. Her background includes PR, textile design and long-standing involvement in a bilingual school community, giving her strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and a collaborative approach. Her experience in school settings has strengthened her ability to support diverse communities and contribute to positive, well-organised learning environments.
At NEON, she supports events, membership services, and communications, helping to deliver a professional, engaging, and seamless experience for members.
Email Marion - marion.angelin@uwl.ac.uk