Team Profile
Youth Development Director – Mat East
Mat East joined Al Shaheen in February 2010 as Youth Development Director. A former commissioned officer in the British Army with 27 years military service, Mat brings a wealth of experience in senior management, training program development and quality verification processes. More recently, he was responsible for developing strategic security plans for London’s world famous Natural History Museum in his role as Head of Security.
As Youth Development Director, Mat oversees the implementation and management of the Youth Development business unit’s internal policies, procedures and operational budget within the framework of the Al Shaheen Adventure Group.
As SCP Director, Mat is responsible for developing and driving forward the strategic vision of the SCP, and coordinating all departments of Youth Development to ensure the Program objectives are met. As head of the organization charged with delivering the SCP, Mat also regularly liaises with the project Stakeholders (UAE Armed Forces General Headquarters, Abu Dhabi Education Council and Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters) and other partners such as school authorities, to facilitate the continued success of the Project.
Youth Development Deputy Director – John Heaton
John Heaton joined Al Shaheen in October 2008 as the Deputy Director of the Student Citizenship program. He has an extensive amount of experience in youth development ranging from managing a number of charities for children and young people in the United Kingdom, to providing homes and care for the orphans of Romania.
John is responsible for the recruitment and selection of all personnel within the SCP and plays an integral part in unifying the reporting system. He is also accountable for the coordination of plans, resources and activities that are offered within the schools. He oversees the overall strategic direction and operations of the program, under direction of the Program Director.
Youth Development Section Head Curriculum & Instructional Material – Ian Firman 
Ian Firman began his career with Al Shaheen in October 2008 where he was appointed as Section Head of the Military syllabus and its associated UAE specialist personnel. Ian’s main experience stems from his twenty two years service with the British army. He has worked on various youth development programs for the services and has an extensive knowledge of the cadet ethos and values.
Ian is responsible for the implementation of all military training, whether it be practical or theoretical, that is conducted throughout the SCP. He has the direct responsibility for the coordination of the military instructors both Emirati and Expatriate. He also ensures the availability of all required resources needed to carry out all tasks related to the Military curriculum and instructional materials.
Youth Development Head of Operations – Gerry Gosling
Gerry Gosling joined as Head of Operations of the Student Citizenship Program in October 2008. Gerry brings to the Program a life time of experience of managing developmental programs which specialise in personal and youth development, including leadership and team building. His experience stems from his previous careers in the commercial sector of Outdoor Education and his career as a training officer in the Royal Air Force, specialising in Adventurous and Personal Development Training.
Gerry is responsible for all day to day running of operations within the Student Citizenship Program. He is directly responsible for the supervision of all personnel including Life Skills, Police and Military Instructors. The delivery of the course syllabus is Gerry’s main responsibility concentrating on the philosophy which will ensure that all of the students will receive a learner focused approach, which is considerate of individual learning styles and appropriate coaching to match. The coordination of logistical resources to support the staff delivering the Student Citizenship Program is an essential part of Gerry’s responsibilities.
Mr Ian Murray – Section Head, Quality and Evaluation
Ian Murray joined Al Shaheen in January 2009 as the Section Head of the Quality and Evaluation department. Ian brings vast experience having spent the last 20 years working within the youth development of the UK Army Cadet Force. Working his way through the ranks Ian reached the rank of Captain, where he was responsible for the co-ordination, administration and training of individual Cadet Force units based all over the UK.
Ian’s role is to provide quality standards across the program to ensure that key targets are met on time. The department is also responsible for the collation and reports of students figures including tests results, attendance etc.
Mrs Christina Bruton – Section Head, Office Manager
Christina Bruton joined Al Shaheen as the SCP Office Manager in January 2009. Educated in South Africa graduating with a BA Honours in literature and languages, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Christina has previously worked as a translator, a college lecturer and most recently within the Abu Dhabi Exhibition Centre as the Administration Manager as part of a large catering team.
Colonel Mohammed Al Muhairi – Military Operations Advisor
Colonel Mohammed has been with Al Shaheen since November 2008 after serving 26 years in the UAE Air Force within the Air Defence Department.
Mohammed has vast experience and knowledge of the UAE military and is appointed as a key Military Operations Advisor.
Major Jasim Mohammed Abdullah Alhammadi – UAE Specialist Operations Advisor
Major Jasim joined Al Shaheen in November 2008. Due to his vast knowledge and experience, he is now one of the main Operations Advisors on the military syllabus. Jasim spent 24 years as an Officer in the UAE Air Force and Air Defence units where he retired in the rank of Major.
