Personal statement

Carole has a long career in education, mostly working in further education and skills, with a focus on supporting development and reform in the UK to improve access, success and progression.

She is an experienced Chief Executive, including as the first CEO of NOCN, a qualification awarding organisation that pioneered a credit system in the UK for recognising learner achievements. She co-founded Credit Works to provide consultancy, research and development on reform of the UK learning and skills system.

Carole is an experienced non-executive director in education and charity sectors. This has included Chair of the Board of Governors at Bath College and Chair of the Association of Colleges and of WorldSkills UK. She is currently a member of the Board of OFSTED.

Carole was awarded the MBE for services to adult education in 2012 and an OBE for services to education in 2021.

Academic qualifications

  • B. Phil Ed, University of Warwick
  • Cert Ed, University of London
  • Diploma in Company Direction, Institute of Directors

Other external roles

  • NED, OFSTED
  • Trustee, St John’s Foundation, Bath
  • Governor, NCATI

Areas of expertise

  • Further Education and skills (policy and practice)
  • Quality and curriculum
  • Qualification systems