A Strong Start and Solid Foundations

From the very beginning, it was clear that this role would require energy, pace and a hands-on approach. I needed to hit the ground running, and I was fortunate to do so alongside highly skilled, committed and capable teams within my directorate. Their professionalism, openness and willingness to embrace change have been critical over what has been a busy and productive year. After a sustained period of activity driving forward positive change, we are now in a strong position to build on the foundations we have put in place. We have remained on time, on budget, and aligned with our strategic priorities, reflecting the collective effort and shared focus across the organisation.

Discovering the Impact of Skills and Education Group

One of the most rewarding parts of my first year has been stepping into the world of Awarding Organisations and learning more about the breadth of Skills and Education Group’s work. Understanding how deeply rooted the organisation is in supporting skills, education and lifelong learning, and the impact this has on improving people’s lives, has been both inspiring and motivating. The commitment across Skills and Education Group to advancing opportunity through education is clear, and I am grateful to Yultan Mellor (Previous Interim CEO) for the guidance and support provided as I found my feet in this new landscape.

Driving Financial Transformation

A significant area of focus over the year has been driving a financial transformation that supports long-term sustainability and resilience. This has meant strengthening financial processes, improving clarity and consistency, and ensuring that finance plays an enabling role across the organisation. It is important that this work supports decision-making and helps Skills and Education Group continue to deliver on its mission, now and in the future. I would like to thank Farzana Sultan (Head of Finance) for working so closely with me throughout this journey. Our partnership has been central to delivering meaningful and lasting change, and I truly value the trust, collaboration and shared ambition we have developed over the past year.

Collaboration in Action

Collaboration beyond finance and operations has also been a real highlight. One particularly memorable example was working with the Marketing and Communications team to bring together our first Heritage Open Days event. This was a wonderful opportunity to showcase Skills and Education Group’s rich history and celebrate over 100 years of impact since 1912. The event brought our story to life and reminded us of the strong foundations on which the organisation is built. My thanks go to Maya Yates (Senior Marketing Manager) for fully embracing the vision and helping turn it into a successful, engaging event that reflected the pride we all feel in Skills and Education Groups’ heritage.

Strengthening Leadership and Teams

Building strong teams has been another important focus over the year. People are at the heart of everything we do, and making the right appointments has been key to enabling positive change across my directorate. I am delighted to have welcomed Ben Saxton (IT Manager) as our new IT Manager, strengthening leadership and capability in an area that is essential to our operational effectiveness and future development. We have also been pleased to welcome Jazmyne Shah, Roslin Xavier, Sophie Pham and Yara Bahri (Finance Officers) into our finance team. Each has brought valuable skills, fresh thinking, and a strong commitment to collaboration, helping to shape a supportive, high-performing team.

A Culture of Trust and Ambition

What has stood out most during my first year at Skills and Education Group is the culture of collaboration, trust and ambition. Change on this scale is never straightforward, but it becomes possible when people are willing to work together, share ideas openly, and support one another. I have been consistently encouraged by the way colleagues across Skills and Education Group engage with change, asking thoughtful questions, offering constructive challenge and remaining focused on the bigger picture. This collective approach has been a real strength and something I believe sets the organisation apart.

Looking Ahead

As I move into my second year at Skills and Education Group, I do so with a strong sense of optimism about what lies ahead. I am looking forward to continuing to drive positive change under the leadership of our Chief Executive, Emma Beal, whose clarity of purpose and commitment to impact provide strong direction for the organisation. I am also excited to continue working closely with my Senior Leadership Team colleagues, Elin Longley (Director of HR & Governance), Kaye Jackson (Director of Business Growth and Engagement) and Verity Swan (Director Quality, Assessment & Regulation), as we focus on delivering a high-quality offer to our members, customers and partners.

This past year has reinforced for me that transformation is not just about systems or structures, but about people, relationships and shared values. Skills and Education Group has a proud history and a meaningful mission, and I feel privileged to be part of its ongoing journey. With strong foundations now in place and a shared commitment to continuous improvement, I am excited about the opportunities ahead and confident in our ability to continue making a positive difference through skills and education.