Skills policy forum at SP Jain London school of management

As Chief Executive of Independent Higher Education (IHE), Alex represents the interests of 90 independent providers of higher education, professional training and pathways across the UK. He has led IHE since 2011, growing its membership, services and profileto become the second largest representative body for UK higher education and a recognised champion of diversity, flexibility, innovation, student focus and collaboration within the sector. Alex is widely known as an expert on higher education policy and international education, having helped to establish the All Party Parliamentary Group for International Students, and having served as a Trustee of UKCISA and a member of the UK Government's Education Sector Advisory Group.

"Arthur Fyfe-Stoica is a Policy Advisor at the Federation of Small Businesses, where he leads on education, skills, and childcare policy. He has previously held roles at the Good Growth Foundation, Magic Breakfast, the House of Commons, and in social housing, building expertise across economic and social policy. Arthur has authored and contributed to several policy reports and has engaged government, Parliament, and the media to drive evidence-based policy change."

Evie Matthews is a Senior Policy Advisor at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI); a lobbying organisation representing a cross-economy range of businesses of different sizes, regions, and sectors. Evie has worked on various workforce-related policy areas, including skills and education, and led public campaigns on top policy asks. For example, ensuring the full amount of money raised through the Growth and Skills Levy is spent on skills.

Ginny is the Education Director at First Intuition Limited after qualifying in audit 30 years ago.  First Intuition provide training programmes for school leavers and graduates to become qualified accountants both within or outside apprenticeships.  She has over 20 years of experience in delivering professional education and represents First Intuition with professional bodies and apprenticeship trailblazer groups.  Ginny has also worked in industry including 2 years in a board role in a professional football club.

Laura Keen is EY’s Head of Student Experience, leading apprenticeship strategy and professional qualification delivery for more than 3,500 students across the UK, including as a training provider for the Level 7 Accountancy & Taxation apprenticeship. A former EY school leaver and qualified Chartered Accountant, she has over 18 years’ experience shaping skills, progression and pathways.

Lindsay currently serves as Chief Executive of the Association of Apprentices, where she is leading the organisation’s ambitious mission to build the professional home for apprentices across the UK; amplifying the apprentice voice, strengthening peer networks, and improving outcomes for apprentices from all backgrounds. Alongside this, as Director of Policy and Strategic Engagement at The 5% Club, she works closely with employers, policy makers and sector leaders to shape national conversations on skills, social mobility and workforce development, supporting employers to deliver meaningful and impactful work-based learning opportunities.

Pete has been immersed in work based learning since 2009 and has deep experience of apprenticeship delivery and the UK apprenticeship sector. At UCAS, Pete works with valued partner organisations to raise awareness of the power of apprenticeships amongst career choosers, employers and training providers. On this mission, he is always interested in hearing about organisations, products and services that UCAS can work with to make the connections that ensure apprenticeships are accessible for as many people as possible.

Simon is currently the Director of Policy and Deputy CEO for the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP).

AELP is a national membership body, proudly representing around 800 organisations. AELP members support thousands of businesses and millions of learners in England by delivering a wide range of training, vocational learning, and employability programmes.

Simon joined AELP in January 2017 and has worked in the further education and skills sector for over twenty years in a range of strategic and operational roles with different training providers and employers.

Stephen was appointed Chief Executive of the ISE in June 2013 following seven years as Head of Graduate Recruitment UK & Ireland at EY. At the ISE he is now responsible for market intelligence and thought leadership, for expertise and analysis, for policy direction and guidance to help members develop their early talent strategies. Working closely with the Joint CEO for membership & operations, he supports all ISE employer, education and supplier members to achieve best practice in early talent recruitment and development. Stephen has managed graduate recruitment and development programmes in both the private and public sectors and has extensive experience in the recruitment and development of students, both graduates and school leavers. He has worked closely with education throughout his career and is focused on the career development and employment of students.