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. He was recently elected National Chairman of the Conservative Councillors’ Association which represents and supports over 5,000 local councillors across the country.
Previously, John was Executive Director at UCAS where he launched a new corporate strategy and led the integration of apprenticeships. Alongside UCAS, John 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 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.
“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.”