I'm the former Chair and Chief Executive of Gardner Merchant and Director-General of Sodexho group. I am Chair of the Basics Skills Agency Foundation and am on the board of Investors in People.

I set up Edge because I believe that everyone deserves the chance to excel in their careers.

I have worked in a wide range of organisations from a small business to IBM and am a former CEO of a UK-wide charity and NTO National Council. I've been a key instigator in the development of British Training International, the Sector Skills Councils and WorldSkills 2011.

I want to change the education system and strongly believe this will only happen by understanding the inside but operating from the outside – on the Edge.

I trained as a lawyer and worked in media, the city with the London Stock Exchange and the FSA. I am a former CEO of Edexcel, and I now develop high-impact projects to support Edge's vision.

I trained as a building surveyor before joining a UK Plc on its skills-based management development programme. I subsequently worked in learning and development for over 10 years, during which time I set up and managed a QCA-recognised awarding body. I was formerly the Deputy Chief Executive of a major UK charity.

I joined Edge because I believe that we can motivate key stakeholders to focus on the value and benefits of practical and vocational learning.

I joined Edge from London Business School, where I was Director, Marketing & Communications. Prior that I held senior marketing roles in various organizations, including brand communications at NatWest.
 
In work, as in life, I believe there are many paths to success.

Having qualified as a Chartered Accountant I worked for Deloitte and Touche, a Finnish paper company and Edexcel prior to joining Edge. I am now responsible for all financial, IT, personnel and legal related matters at Edge.

I joined Edge in search of a new challenge and love the range of opportunities and ideas developed to influence the education system since the initial inception of Edge.

I was a Headteacher for 18 years in Staffordshire and Walsall. During that time I was also seconded to lead a school in special measures. I was a founding trustee of Edge and I am now employed full-time as education advisor.

I believe that society is failing to engage large numbers of young people because they are not being given opportunities to explore their talents through practical and vocational learning. I hope you will join with Edge to rectify this.

I joined Edge as its first public affairs manager in February 2006. I was previously public affairs manager at SEMTA (Science, Engineering, Manufacturing Technologies Alliance), a Sector Skills Council. Before SEMTA I worked as special adviser to the then education secretary Gillian Shephard and also have experience of working in the House of Commons.

I joined Edge in 2005 from the world of Local Government. Before that I spent over 15 years in the music and broadcast industries licensing the use of music videos to television companies. I am responsible for Edge's project management system as well as specific projects. I think Edge is a great chance to work somewhere that can really make a difference to the education system.

I have previously worked in communications for Xerox and BT.

I believe Edge has the ability and influence through the many partners and projects that it engages to raise the status of practical learning, which will help young people achieve their dreams.

I joined Edge as a Project Manager in July 2006, having previously worked in product development roles in the Adult Learning media industry, both at BBC Worldwide and Video Arts. Here at Edge I work with the whole team on developing and managing high impact projects to promote Edge's vision of practical and vocational learning.

Having spent the last 13 years developing engaging learning materials and courses for adults, I now hope our projects can be as equally engaging and practical for 16-24 year olds.

My background is in Direct Marketing, Fundraising and Events. I bring to Edge my experience having previously worked for a major national charity and also in the Education Sector. I am excited to see the changes Edge can implement in the lives of children and parents who feel unsure whether following the academic route is the best way forward.

Having come from an administration background, I joined Edge to fill the role of PA and office assistant. During the past year, working at Edge has shown me how important it is to change peoples' attitudes of practical learning in order to give young people more choices in life. Being part of a dynamic and energetic organisation makes me feel very proud.

I support the Chief Executive and Partnership Director. Before joining Edge I spent over 10 years in the music and film industries, mainly in entertainment retail. I love working in a dynamic environment, with people that passionately believe in what they are doing – inspiring young people to be successful.