A national broadcast | Modern Work Experience: Let’s Make It Work.

Olly spent 12 years in the Department for Education working on policies including 14-19 diplomas, raising the participation age and finally as Head of Apprenticeship Strategy. Olly is now Executive Director of the Edge Foundation, where he oversees a programme of primary research, policy development and the Deeper Learning UK practice network. Olly was Specialist Adviser to the House of Lords Committee on Youth Unemployment and a Commissioner on the Independent Assessment Commission. Outside work he volunteers in Scouting and Mountain Rescue.

Uptree is an award-winning social mobility organisation working with employers to create meaningful pathways for young people into the world of work. Uptree’s mission is to ensure every employer offers experiences that demystify careers and help students transition confidently from education to employment, so that no young person is left behind. Drawing on over 15 years of leadership across the youth, social impact, technology, and EdTech sectors, Oby has led transformation and growth in global non-profits and mission-driven start-ups. A qualified psychotherapist, she is also an advocate for inclusive leadership, mental well-being, and equity in the workplace, bringing a people-centred lens to every aspect of her leadership.

Catherine leads a team of over 6,000 auditors serving companies from large, listed corporates to family-owned businesses and across the full spectrum of sectors. Prior to this, she was Regional Chair for KPMG in Scotland and Edinburgh Office Senior Partner. Catherine has a career spanning more than 30 years with KPMG, working in Edinburgh, London and Chicago. She has worked primarily within the assurance function, providing external and internal audit services, but has also worked on several advisory projects, including IFRS conversion and client money regulations. Catherine has worked with a diverse portfolio of clients in financial services – across banking, asset management and insurance and her experience on large listed companies combined with global audit experience means she has a well-established international network.  She also spent two years on secondment to the US, working on global banking clients. Catherine is a past President of ICAS, having also completed a term as Chair of the Audit Committee and Chair of the Oversight Board there.  She has also served as a member of the Financial Services Advisory Board to Scottish Government and the Council at CBI Scotland.

Nicola enjoyed 13 years teaching and leading in three secondary schools across Greater Manchester, with a strong focus on teaching and learning. Nicola went on to spend a short time working in Salford, supporting the Local Authority to deliver on 14-19 Diploma implementation, and developed the raising of the participation age strategy, continuing her drive to improve outcomes for all young people. Nicola spent time working for New Economy, developing a sub-regional approach to youth participation, including a strong focus on levelling up access for young people to high-quality careers education, advice, and guidance and leading on innovative practice and delivery. Nicola now works as Director for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Education, Work and Skills Team, leading work on the implementation of the Devolution Trailblazer Deal for post-16 including Devolved Adult Skills Funding, oversight GM's new mandate for an all-age careers strategy and enabling the development of flexible place-based employment support delivery. In the last year Nicola has been leading on the development and design of the Mayoral ambition for an integrated technical education city-region and the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate.

Emily is a creative, well-qualified and experienced educationalist. Emily graduated with a First Class honours degree, before completing a Masters degree in Educational Leadership. A teacher for all her professional life prior to joining the Trust in 2021; her six years as an Executive Head leading both primary and secondary schools served as the perfect preparation for her present role as Trust CEO. Emily is deeply committed to ensuring that all young people have access to high-quality educational experiences that inspire and empower them. She is a passionate advocate for innovative approaches to education, recognizing that the needs of students are constantly evolving. Emily actively contributes to re-imagining educational provision, focusing on equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. Her vision involves creating dynamic learning environments that foster curiosity, critical thinking, and resilience, preparing today’s students to be the leaders and problem-solvers of tomorrow. Her dedication drives impactful change within the education sector.