All About the IoL
Who We Are
The IoL is the professional body for licensing practitioners across the UK, comprising licensing practitioners from local authorities, other public sector organisations, licensed trade and private legal practice.
What We Do
The IoL exists to promote and increase awareness of licensing related issues for its members and the public, increase the professionalism within licensing andpromote mutual understanding between interested parties.
How We Operate
The IoL operates with twelve regions throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, overseen by an Executive Board and an Advisory Council.
The Advisory Council includes twelve locally elected Regional Representatives for each of the IoL regions.
Join Us!
If you have an interest in licensing, join us to be part of the leading professional body for licensing practitioners, and enjoy the benefits of IoL membership.
(LINK TO MEMBERSHIP PAGE)
People
Paul Adams - CEO
Paul Adams is an experienced chief executive specialising in professional and membership institutions, with a particular interest in strengthening organisations, developing professional capability and ensuring that governance and systems support their long-term purpose.
His executive experience spans a range of professional and membership organisations, including the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Institute of Directors and Civil Mediation Council. He also works through a portfolio executive model across the professional-institution sector.
Before his institutional career, Paul served for 17 years as a British Army officer and subsequently produced horses for international competition. These different environments helped shape his approach to leadership: clear purpose, distributed authority, accountability, patient development and making good decisions when information is incomplete.
He describes the resulting philosophy as Constitutional Stewardship: leadership that improves judgement, develops potential and leaves institutions stronger.
Sue Nelson - Director of Policy and Stakeholders
Sue is Director of Policy and Stakeholders at the Institute of Licensing (IoL), leading the work on policy development, stakeholder engagement and strategic partnerships. She is committed to promoting high professional standards and supporting effective licensing that helps create safe, vibrant and sustainable communities.
Born and bred in Mevagissey, Cornwall, Sue began her licensing career in local government and developed extensive experience across a wide range of licensing functions. As Licensing Manager at Restormel Borough Council, she chaired the Cornwall Licensing Officers Group, bringing together licensing professionals from across the county to encourage collaboration, consistency and the sharing of best practice.
Sue first joined the IoL as a member in 2001, when it was still known as the Local Government Licensing Forum. In 2003, she became Company Secretary and Vice Chair of the South West Region, and subsequently in 2007 she became the IoL’s only employee. Having been closely involved with the IoL’s development for over 20 years, Sue is passionate about championing the licensing profession, supporting licensing practitioners and strengthening partnerships between regulators, businesses and communities.
Sue is proud of her Cornish roots, while loving life in Devon with her husband, their football-mad son, horse-mad daughter, and a slightly mad labrador who ensures life is never dull.
Ellie Birch - Policy & Stakeholder Administrator
Ellie joined the Institute of Licensing (IoL) in August 2022 as Executive Assistant and Administrator, bringing experience in high level organisational support. In 2025, she progressed into the role of Policy & Stakeholder Administrator, where she now supports the delivery of coordinating the Institute’s policy and stakeholder engagement activity.
Events Team
Jenna Parker - Head of Events
Jenna joined the Institute of Licensing (IoL) in 2014. She manages the programme of training events and conferences. Previous to the IoL she had over 10 years’ experience in local government licensing in the South West.
Hannah Musson - Events Co Ordinator
Hannah joined the Institute of Licensing (IoL) in 2020 as an Events Coordinator. She supports the events Team managing the regions, supporting conferences and day to day events. Hannah has completed an Events Management degree in Cardiff University and prior to working for the IoL she worked at Airbus.
Lauren Grace - Events Administrator
Lauren joined the Institute of Licensing (IoL) in 2018. She manages administration of all training events and customer communication. Prior to the IoL she worked for CPL training, licensing department.
Chantell McNeish - Events Administrator
Chantell joined the Institute of Licensing (IoL) in September 2026 as Event Administrator. She has over 12 years’ experience in event management and coordination, as well as a background in administration, operations and marketing. She enjoys the variety that comes with organising events and supporting the people and teams involved.
Finance Team
Caroline Day - Head of Finance and Commercial
Caroline Day is Head of Finance and Commercial at the Institute of Licensing (IoL). With extensive experience in finance and commercial operations, Caroline has worked across a range of sectors, including legal services, investment banking, telecommunications and fashion.
Since joining the IoL in 2009, Caroline has led the organisation’s finance function, playing a key role in ensuring its financial stability and supporting its strategic objectives. In 2017, she also took responsibility for commercial activities, where her passion for growth, partnership development and relationship management has contributed significantly to the IoL’s continued success.
Caroline is committed to building strong and lasting relationships with sponsors, commercial partners and stakeholders, helping to create opportunities that support the Institute and its members.
Born in Sevenoaks, Kent, Caroline spent many years living and working in London before moving to the West Country in 1993. Outside of work, she enjoys a busy family life with her partner, Josh, their four children and four much-loved cats.
Francesa Parr - Accounts Administrator
Francesca joined the Institute of Licensing in September 2026, having recently completed a Business Administration apprenticeship and with experience across a range of business support areas. She oversees day-to-day finance processes and the accounts inbox, supporting the Institute’s financial operations.
Professional Standards
Clare McMillan - Head of Professional Standards
Clare started with the Institute of Licensing (IoL) in 2015. As the Head of Professional Standards, she manages the development of professional standards and qualifications for licensing practitioners. Prior to working for the IoL, Clare worked in local government for 10 years in environmental health and licensing.
Communications Team
Matic Semenič - Head of Communications
Matic joined the Institute of Licensing (IoL) in 2025 alongside colleague Paula of Seza Digital, he is leading communications and marketing across the organisation. Matic has more than 10 years of experience in marketing and communications.
Paula Semenič - Marketing & Communications
Paula joined the Institute of Licensing (IoL) in 2025 alongside colleague Matic of Seza Digital. She has more than a decade of experience in graphic design and communications and works closely with the editorial team on the design and production of IoL publications.
Louis Krog - National Communications Officer
Louis joined the IoL in 2014 as the National Communications Officer for the Institute of Licensing (IoL), supporting the organisation’s external communications and news reporting. Louis also works Head of Public Protection at Cheltenham Borough Council and has been working in licensing and regulatory services for over 15 years.
Membership Team
Natasha Roberts - Membership & Publications Officer
Natasha joined the Institute of Licensing (IoL) in 2011 and has enjoyed working across a variety of roles within the organisation. She now looks after the membership function and publications, as well as the IoL Awards. With more than 14 years’ experience in local government licensing before joining the IoL, Natasha brings a wealth of practical knowledge, sector insight and enthusiasm to supporting members and the wider licensing community.
Bernie Matthews - Membership Administrator
Bernie joined the Institute of Licensing (IoL) in 2017 and currently oversees all membership operations. Prior to her role at the IoL, she worked for the Wirral Chamber of Commerce.
What We Do
The Institute of Licensing (IoL) is the professional body for licensing practitioners across the UK, comprising licensing practitioners from local authorities, other public sector organisations, licensed trade and private legal practice.
The IoL exists to:
- promote and increase awareness of licensing related issues for its members and the public;
- increase the professionalism within licensing; and
- promote mutual understanding between interested parties.
How We Operate
The Institute of Licensing (IoL) operates throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The IoL is governed by an Executive Board of 6 Directors, together with an Advisory Council composted of 12 regional representatives, and others co-opted to the Executive Board and/or the Advisory Council for their skills / experience or to undertake a particular role, and supported by the IoL team, and its volunteer regional officers and committee members covering England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Accountable to the membership, the Board and Council set the general direction and policy for the IoL, and are responsible for the governance of the charity and its subsidiary trading company (Institute of Licensing Events Ltd) in accordance with both charity and company laws.