VTCT and iTEC has added three new board members, exemplifying the vocational and technical awarding body’s period of growth
The new appointments include former Welsh Language Commissioner, Meri Huws (April 2019), Executive Director of M Squared Media, Jayne Lewis-Orr (February 2019), as well as higher education specialist, Stephanie Richardson (October 2018)
VTCT (Vocational Training Charitable Trust), market-leading specialist awarding organisation offering vocational and technical qualifications, has announced today the appointment of three new members to its board of trustees.
Joining the trustee board, VTCT welcomes former Welsh Language Commissioner Meri Huws, Executive Director of M Squared Media, Jayne Lewis-Orr, and Consultant to the professional association sector, Stephanie Richardson.
Having worked in the higher education sector in Wales and Ireland, Meri Huws brings with her a wealth of skills in development and community engagement, with a key focus on life-long learning. She recently completed a seven-year tenure as the first Welsh Language Commissioner bringing with her a broad knowledge of educational expertise to the board.
Jayne Lewis-Orr is Executive Director of the Professional Beauty Group. Having been actively involved in the hair and beauty industry for over 30 years, Jayne brings her extensive industry knowledge and experience to VTCT & iTEC as well as her passion for raising industry standards and positive profiles of the markets. Jayne’s knowledge and understanding of how to make the hair and beauty industry more commercial and relatable will be a key area of focus.
Stephanie Richardson brings many years of leadership experience in higher education and membership organisations. Her previous roles included working as a careers information specialist in higher education before moving into the professional association sector. Over the years Stephanie has been responsible for leading significant professional learning, digital and data transformation projects and is currently an independent consultant to membership associations.
To enhance VTCT’s continued core mission, the new trustees will hold vital positions within VTCT; responsible for overall governance, leadership of the organisation with strategic direction and financial health. The new trustees will be required to fulfil an active role on the VTCT board at its head office in Eastleigh, Hampshire.
VTCT now has twelve trustees, led by Professor Dr Chris Laws as Chair. The expansion will allow the board to concentrate on the organisation’s charitable purposes, whilst providing qualifications and education resources which support the challenges and opportunities faced by learners, educators and businesses.
Alan Woods OBE, CEO at VTCT and iTEC, said: “We are delighted to welcome Meri, Stephanie and Jayne to the Board of Trustees at VTCT and iTEC. Alongside their professional skills and expertise, they each bring the dedication and passion needed to help support our mission and charitable objective for the advancement of education for public benefit.
Our new trustees will significantly add to the already excellent mix of skills the present board of trustees and we’re proud that we’ve been able to attract individuals who are so dynamic and well-respected in their fields.”
Professor Dr. Chris Laws, VTCT’s Chair of the Board of Trustees, said: “After an extensive open recruitment process, we are delighted to have secured Stephanie, Meri and Jayne as our newest trustees. These three individuals will continue to ensure that VTCT and iTEC go from strength to strength in the pursuit of securing our charitable vision and ensuring learners have a direct line of sight to a job, or have the ability to enhance their career prospects with new and improved skills, demonstrated by world-class qualifications and assessment.”