Ufi welcomes two new Trustees
Ufi welcomes two new Trustees to our Board; Hayley Barnard and John Cope. Both bring extensive experience that will support our mission to harness the power of technology to improve skills for work and open up access for those furthest from opportunity.
Hayley Barnard
Hayley Barnard is a distinguished leader in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Currently CEO of Mix Diversity, Hayley works with global brands to refine their strategic approaches to EDI, helping organisations build both competency and confidence in fostering truly inclusive cultures. Additionally, as the founder of MixLEARN, a SaaS-based EDI learning platform, Hayley is working to raise the standard of EDI education - ensuring learning translates into meaningful action to drive equity and inclusion.
Hayley is a vocal advocate for the role of technology in democratising skills development. She believes in the power of digital learning, combined with measurable impact and compelling storytelling, to break down barriers and create opportunities for all. Previously, Hayley chaired the Impact & Engagement Committee at YHA, supporting initiatives that drive social change through education and experience.
Hayley said:
"I’m thrilled to be part of an organisation that is making vocational training more accessible through technology. Ufi’s work empowers people from all backgrounds to gain the skills they need for meaningful careers—who wouldn’t want to be part of that?”
John Cope
John is currently a strategic advisor to a portfolio of schools, colleges, universities, employers, EdTech firms, and charities, as well as serving on the advisory boards of College Online and the Access Project, non-executive director of the Youth Employment UK, and the Local Government Association's Children & Young People Board.
With a career spanning education policy, skills strategy and a deep-rooted commitment to social justice, John has held many senior roles including as Executive Director at UCAS. He was appointed by the government to the board of the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education which oversees the skills system in England, and the Digital Skills Council. He was also previously a co-founder of the Education Policy Institute, advisor to several Education Ministers, and advised business leaders on labour markets and education while at the CBI.
John’s passion for education and social justice is deeply personal. Born to a 14-year-old mother on a council estate, he spent time in foster care before being adopted - an experience that shapes his commitment to tackling major social challenges and expanding opportunity.
John said:
“I’ve seen first-hand how the right opportunities at the right time can transform lives. I’m proud to join Ufi VocTech Trust in its mission to use technology to open up access to learning and help people from all walks of life gain the skills they need to thrive.”
We are delighted to have Hayley and John join us as we continue our strategy to increase the adoption and deployment of vocational technology Their combined expertise across EDI, education policy, digital learning, and social mobility will strengthen our journey of unlocking the full potential of technology to get adults learning.
Dominic Gill, Chair of Trustees at Ufi, said:
"Hayley and John bring fresh perspectives and deep expertise at a pivotal time for Ufi. Their experience across inclusion, policy, and digital learning perfectly aligns with our mission of unlocking the full potential of technology to get adults learning and create positive outcomes for those furthest from opportunity."