Gerry Baker is an experienced research and development professional working in the learning and skills sector for over 40 years. He held a number of senior positions and directorships at the Learning Skills Council, Training Enterprise Council, overseeing research, development, planning and strategy. He also has experience in several start-ups and small businesses working in the sector. Gerry is a specialist at employer engagement and learning strategies that encourage the development of people.

Tim is an experienced research and programme manager in the FE and skills sector. From 2010-15, Tim worked for AELP leading their research and managing large-scale programmes to support training providers. With a firm knowledge of government policy, his research has been used to inform policy decisions at the highest level. Tim heads up SDN’s research and leads on communications with sector organisations, stakeholders and the press.

With over 20 years of expertise in Further Education (FE) management, delivery, and assessment, Zoe has a proven track record of integrating performance management, compliance, and quality systems for Independent Training Providers (ITPs). Zoe’s supported organisations in the effective development and delivery of Apprenticeships, Traineeships, and various funded work-based learning initiatives, tailored to meet the evolving needs of employers and communities. At SDN, Zoe heads up commercial activities, blending our team's expertise to successfully guide and support providers and employers through the process of launching, delivering, and improving their skills training and workforce development programs.

Sally Forsyth is Marketing Director at SDN Mesma Group. She began her career in sales and recruitment before moving into employer engagement and employability, leading a national team and building strong employer partnerships. Over the past decade, she has helped to grow Mesma from an ambitious tech start-up into the market leader for quality assurance and improvement in further education and skills. In her current role, Sally leads the Group’s brand and marketing strategy, guiding the integration of two established organisations into one unified presence. She also takes responsibility for (and enormous joy in) the behind-the-scenes support at the Quality Professionals Awards. She is driven by excellence in brand and customer experience, and inspired by the role of further education, skills and employability in shaping brighter futures.

Kelly leads the organisation’s events programmes, including the extensive commercial, apprenticeships and T Level events programmes. Since joining in 2020, she has managed close to 400 online events and delivered a series of regional conferences, ensuring the highest quality events and prides herself on excellent service for speakers and delegates. Kelly oversees all aspects of event delivery, supporting colleagues and partners to achieve the best outcomes. More recently, also becoming a T Level ambassador. She previously spent eight years in events management at AELP and began her career as a business administration apprentice at the University of Bristol.

Nicki is a highly experienced executive with over 25 years in customer services, including senior administration roles in a leading City of London financial institution and a Kent-based charity. For the past six years at SDN Mesma Group she has played a pivotal role in driving operational efficiency and supporting business growth. Known for her outstanding organisational skills, ability to streamline complex processes, and approachable style, Nicki ensures teams and projects run seamlessly while building strong, trusted relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.

Chloe is an experienced Marketing Executive with aptitudes in design and data management. She particularly enjoys branding and standardisation, and loves being organised (especially with the help of a good spreadsheet). She joined SDN in 2020 to work within the education sector and solidify her role in marketing and design. Chloe undertook a Marketing Apprenticeship in 2023 and enjoyed getting to know the learning and assessment process from an apprentice perspective.

Karen is a high-level administrator and coordinator with over 25 years of experience predominantly working within the education and skills sector on Government and stakeholder funded projects. She is skilled at programme coordination, event management, business administration and fostering productive relationships. Previously associated with SDN, Karen re-joins the company to provide her expertise in operational support.

Aimee has over 11 years of experience in learning and development, working in the construction and professional services industries. She specialises in coordinating training events of all sizes, in person and online. She has a keen ability to manage all aspects of event planning and execution, guaranteeing each event runs smoothly and delegates have a seamless and impactful learning experience.

Ruth Joseph is one of SDN Mesma Group’s partnership specialists aiming to bring people together to get things done. She’s worked in both the public and private sectors, with experience ranging from large organisations to small businesses, which gives her a real feel for how employers think and operate. Since joining SDN in 2022, she has led the Gatsby Charitable Foundation’s Education Landscape programme, working with almost 200 organisations to help employers navigate education. Ruth now plays a key role in securing intermediary engagement for T Levels.

Carly Ward has 16 years of experience in the education sector, I have built a career dedicated to supporting growth and opportunity. My background includes founding and running a training provider, giving me first hand insight into leadership, strategy, and the importance of delivering high quality outcomes. I bring professionalism with a touch of humour, making the process as enjoyable as the results. I enjoy building strong, lasting relationships, and connecting with others in ways that spark collaboration, inspire fresh ideas, and open doors to new opportunities for everyone.

Stephen King is an experienced Operations and Quality Director with a strong track record in funded learning, commercial strategy, and apprenticeships. Over the past 18 years, he has worked with organisations to strengthen curriculum, drive quality improvement, and navigate compliance with confidence. He enjoys partnering with clients on everything from SAR reviews and T Level planning to governance and strategic change. Stephen works alongside a team of knowledgeable, committed colleagues who bring deep sector expertise — together, they help providers deliver outstanding outcomes, meet regulatory expectations, and embed lasting improvements.

Bradley Goldsworthy has over 14 years’ experience working in delivery, curriculum, management and governance, mainly within Apprenticeships. He’s enthusiastic about creating opportunities for learners and employers, and enjoys finding practical, creative solutions that make a real difference. With a strong understanding of the FE sector and a collaborative approach, Bradley is used to working through complex challenges. What he values most is seeing the positive impact that both apprenticeships and T-Levels can have on people’s lives and careers, something that continues to drive his work in education and skills.

David has over 20 years’ experience in FE as a specialist consultant in funding compliance and quality. Having represented some of the leading stakeholders in the sector, including at Director-Level, David’s compliance consultancy Lockhart-Hawkins has supported providers of all scale in developing compliant, effective and efficient evidence systems and policy including leading on apprenticeship reforms and funding risk management.

Chris is a specialist in national 11-18 education policy, quality improvement, leadership development, problem solving and organisational policy development. Chris has a strong track record in the implementation of projects, especially in challenging and politically sensitive environments. Chris has worked closely with sector bodies, employer partnerships and providers, particularly around assessment, innovative approaches to delivery and inspection support.

Karen has more than 20 years of knowledge, skills and management experience in FE. She has developed and managed apprenticeships from all relevant angles; as an employer, training provider, consultant, policy and senior manager for the Skills Funding Agency. Karen works with employers, training providers and colleges and is committed to driving quality, progression and business growth. She meets challenges and demands head on and works with a positive and pragmatic approach to make things happen.

Following a career in the public sector, Breda has been engaged in FE and skills since 2001. She has worked with several sector skills councils, and public sector bodies promoting workforce development through standards and qualifications. Breda has worked extensively with providers engaged in delivery of Apprenticeships and has supported the development and implementation of Trailblazer Apprenticeship Standards.

Mandy has a strong track record of managing national and strategically important projects in vocational education and skills, including the successful Higher Apprenticeship programme on behalf of the National Apprenticeship Service. Having worked extensively with government departments, providers in HE/FE, awarding organisations, professional bodies and employers, Mandy has developed effective business and commercial partnerships. Mandy specialises in research, contract management and policy development.

Erica Farmer, Founder and Director of Welcome Two and Co-Founder and Business Director of Quantum Rise Talent Group, has over 20 years of designing and delivering learning and development programmes in both large and small organisations. Erica has a depth of experience with apprenticeships and funded learning, including a unique and specialist mix of experience having been both a levy decision maker and a provider lead, chairing the customer service trailblazer and sitting on various apprenticeship provider boards.

Hayley Bird is the Co-Founder and Delivery Director of Quantum Rise Talent Group and has 10 years in employability and corporate learning and development. Hayley has been a lead virtual facilitator for various virtual faculties and now supports the Quantum Rise Associate Delivery Partner team to deliver programmes and sessions.

Brian has 35 years’ experience in the Further Education Sector with over 23 years managing apprenticeship delivery and business development; working in either operational management or directorship roles for colleges. Since 2015 Brian has operated his own management consultancy concentrating on supporting providers with their self-assessment, continuous improvement and subcontract management, writing RoATP bids and generally supporting a small group of regular customers in developing their apprenticeship offer and transitioning to the new standards.

Paul has been appointed as an Education Advisor to the DfE each year for the last seven years. This is in addition to his wider consultancy work within the education and training sector, which includes many of the UK's leading awarding organisations and IfATE. Paul works on a wide range of policy, research, evaluation and quality assurance initiatives, most recently focussed on the development of the new T-Level qualifications.

Sam is an enthusiastic and experienced educator with a proven track record (15 years) in achieving outcomes consistently above national average, via a responsive curriculum offer serving the needs of the community. She is a successful manager of curriculum teams working collaboratively to deliver topical and engaging content rated OFSTED outstanding, and a highly experienced maths and English manager, now providing training and consultancy services and interim support to education providers.

With over 20 years of leadership and management experience in a variety post 16 education sectors, Mark has a wealth of knowledge and practical experience of how to be successful within senior and executive roles. In recent executive positions, Mark has experience of leading a sixth form college as Principal and Chief Executive of an independent training provider. As Vice Chair of an Interim Executive Board, he has also overseen the academisation of a school. Now as a Managing Director at Evoko, Mark continues to utilise his experience in assisting education and training providers to maximise their potential through interim placement, mentoring support and curriculum product development.

Drawing on over 30 years of experience working across further, vocational & technical education, Claire has a broad knowledge and understanding of curriculum development, assessment, organisational leadership and regulation. Having worked in and with FE colleges, as well as government agencies and regulators, Claire has particular expertise in helping colleges, providers, schools and awarding organisations in understanding and implementing policy expectations. Claire’s mentoring of new managers and leaders continues to benefit them, their teams and their organisations.