The ETF welcome two new trustees to the Board

The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) has welcomed two new trustees, Ruth Spellman OBE and Jon Graham, onto the organisation’s Board.

The ETF’s Board aims to bring broad experience from both the FE and Training sector, the wider education sector and the commercial world to support the organisation’s governance, strategy and direction. The two new trustees, who took up their posts in April 2019, will bring experience and knowledge in these areas to their new roles with the ETF.

Ruth Spellman is an experienced Chief Executive who has led membership and professional development organisations, delivering high-quality education and training. She was awarded an OBE in 2007 for services to workplace learning. In her current role, she leads the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) having previously led Investors in People, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Chartered Management Institute.

On her appointment, Ruth said: “‘I am delighted to be joining the board of the ETF. It plays a vital role in the Further Education sector, enabling innovation and the achievement of high standards in teaching and organisational leadership.

“My experiences in adult education, developing world-class professional standards and qualifications and engaging with employers will give me opportunities to contribute from day one. I hope also to attract new talent to our sector through offering the best development opportunities and by being a champion of diversity.”

Jon Graham joined JTL, the leading work-based learning provider in the building services engineering sector, as its Chief Executive in March 2015. Previously he held several senior roles in professional and vocational education. These included Managing Director of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), Managing Director at Kaplan and on the Skills Funding Agency Advisory Board and their Audit and Risk Committee. Jon also sits on the board of the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP).

On his appointment, Jon said: “I am delighted to be joining the board of ETF at this exciting and important time for the FE sector.

“The ETF plays a critical role in supporting and improving the sector and I look forward to working with colleagues to help deliver the ambitious objectives set out by the board.”