Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group

Adhi is an engineer and mentor who combines technical expertise in additive manufacturing with a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Alongside his professional role at Stratasys, he has supported colleagues and students through mentoring, training, and accessibility initiatives, including specialist notetaking for students with disabilities. His experience volunteering in community engagement and corporate social responsibility programmes has deepened his focus on creating inclusive environments where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive.

As a Silver Medallist in Additive Manufacturing at the WorldSkills UK National Finals 2024 and a WorldSkills UK Skills Champion, he brings both competition experience and a strong advocacy for accessible technical education to his role in the EDI group, working to ensure opportunities in advanced manufacturing are open to everyone.

Ben brings a wealth of experience to his role, having worked in senior policy positions in government before joining WorldSkills UK in 2014 and becoming Deputy Chief Executive in 2019. Following the departure of Dr Neil Bentley Gockmann OBE in May 2023, Ben acted as Interim CEO until 10 July when he was appointed as the new permanent CEO of WorldSkills UK. He combines a deep understanding of the UK and International skills landscape and its importance to UK competitiveness with a commitment to ensuring that young people have access to the best possible opportunities to develop their skills and reach their full potential.

Emma leads on championing future skills needs in the UK, ensuring that WorldSkills UK is actively engaged in the discussions, and providing unique insights into how the organisation and sector can help meet these needs. She is also responsible for using diagnostic research and insights along with impactful strategic partnerships to increase the profile of our work and drive change in our programmes to ensure they are fit for purpose.

Fiona has worked in the Manufacturing and Engineering sector for nearly twenty years, previously managing the national school’s engagement programme at Jaguar Land Rover for 12 years. During this time she launched the Young Women in the Know initiative which had a real impact on increasing female apprentices joining JLR. Then Fiona moved to Make UK for nearly seven years managing their engagement around Next Gen, focussing on raising the profile of the sector and attracting new talent. Fiona has recently joined Enginuity where she wants to have impact in supporting solutions for the skills challenges of the sector. Fiona is in the Class of 2023 in The Manufacturer Top 100 and received Highly commended as a Diversity Champion in 2020 from WorldSkills.

Her passion is increasing diversity within STEM and developing programmes and activities to attract more diverse young people to the sector and the apprenticeship route. At Make UK she was able to change the focus from just year 11 engagement to include all secondary and primary schools. Creating a dedicated STEM space enabling visits throughout the year to the Technology Hub. Fiona has delivered numerous webinars, talks and podcasts on how to engage with Gen Z and Gen Alpha so they are aware of the variety of opportunities and routes into the Manufacturing and Engineering sector. Embracing social media, engaging with your local schools and utilising relatable role models within your business are the key wins.

Jeff Greenidge is a seasoned senior education leader known for his independent and strategic thinking. He has taught at all levels, from primary and secondary to adult education and postgraduate teaching at Swansea University. Jeff worked with the Welsh and UK Governments on the National Curriculum’s design and implementation before spending three years developing European vocational training programmes.

He then spent 17 years at learndirect, starting as Director in Wales, then Northern Ireland, and ultimately overseeing education and training delivery across the UK. Since leaving learndirect in 2015, Jeff has supported education and community organisations to enhance their impact. He is currently the Director for Diversity and Governance at the Association of Colleges, a non-executive director at MTC Training and Ufi VochTech Trust, and a Board Director at Medr, overseeing post-16 education and research in Wales. In his spare time, Jeff enjoys walking and cycling in the mountains of South Wales.

My passion is to help people to explore their potential and achieve their dreams especially those furthest from work and have barriers to overcome. I have worked in education & with young people for 30 years after starting my career as an Apprentice.  I have managed apprenticeships for training providers, colleges, employers and a Children Home.  I have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience. I strongly believe that apprenticeships are a key vehicle to create a committed and diverse workforce and a brighter and more sustainable future.

Kerris Boulton is a passionate advocate for women in STEM. She works as a Technical Project Manager at Electrica, an electronics design company, overseeing projects and helping to bring innovative ideas to life. Kerris holds a first-class BEng (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Sheffield Hallam University, which she completed part time while advancing her career.

In 2018, Kerris competed in the WorldSkills UK Industrial Electronics competition, earning a Silver Medal. Although she didn’t go on to compete internationally, she became a WorldSkills UK Skills Champion, using her platform to promote apprenticeships, technical education, and STEM careers. She has participated in several events including Worldskills UK Confronting Perceptions and the Stonewall Young Futures campaign, sharing her experience as an LGBTQ+ woman in engineering to inspire others to pursue their passions.

Now, as a member of the WorldSkills UK EDI Advisory Board, Kerris is committed to ensuring that people from all walks of life have the opportunity to thrive in technical education and careers. Her journey shows how much is possible when barriers are broken down, and everyone is given the chance to succeed.

Dr Mandy Crawford-Lee has over 30 years’ experience of leading and negotiating skills policy, strategic planning and performance management in economic development, vocational education and training reform. She is a sound and respected resource for those involved in the development and delivery of apprenticeships at the higher level having led national policy, managed the Coalition Government’s successful Higher Apprenticeship Fund and revised the Specification of Apprenticeship Standard in England (SASE) leading to the opening up of pathways in higher level learning for apprentices beyond Level 3 and into a work-based route through to professional, senior technical and managerial occupations and, where appropriate, professional accreditation.

Marion Plant is Principal and Chief Executive of North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) and Chief Executive of the Midland Academies Trust which is responsible for secondary schools.  Marion also previously served a 3-year term as a non-executive director at the Department for Education.  In 2018 Marion was awarded the ‘Business Woman of the Year Award’ by the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce and in September 2019 was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Leicestershire Live Women in Business Awards, devised to celebrate the outstanding achievements of female professionals in the region.  Marion was also granted ‘Highly Commended’ in the Pearson National Teaching Awards ‘Lifetime Achievement’ category in 2022.

She serves on several national/ regional bodies including:

·        Chair and Trustee of WorldSkills UK

·        Member of Coventry and Warwickshire Skills Advisory Panel

·        Vice Chair of the Nuneaton Towns’ Fund Board

·        Trustee of the National Society Council (Church of England)

·        Member of the AoC’s Portfolio Group for Climate Change