The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) have announced two new board members. Jane Hadfield and Mark McClennon have been appointed by the Secretary of State for the next five years.
Mark McClennon started as chair of IfATE’s digital route panel in January 2019, seeing it as an opportunity to help define the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed by the next generation of digital learners and leaders. As Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Burberry, he leads with how the luxury fashion brand embraces digital and more traditional technologies across the globe. In June 2023 Mark was awarded an MBE in the King’s first birthday honours for services to further education and apprenticeships.
Jane Hadfield is the National Lead for Apprenticeships and Talent for Care with NHS England (formally with Health Education England). Jane has chaired a number of IfATE’s employer-led Trailblazer groups for health and science, which design and update apprenticeships, along with the T Level Employer Panel for Health, advising on T Levels for the sector. She has also chaired the Business and Management Advisory Board for Bristol Business School, with the University of the West of England (UWE), which recently awarded her an Honorary Doctorate for widening access to education, and innovation and entrepreneurship in leadership.
“I have been involved in skills for many years, with extensive insights from industry and employer perspectives, and I value above all, partnership working and collaboration with all actors towards our shared vision and goals. I am passionate about widening access and participation and ensuring opportunities are available at all levels. The cornerstone for IfATE is employer leadership, using our insights to ensure training is agile for current and future skills needs, and I will continue to amplify their views. I am delighted to have this opportunity and though we have achieved a lot, there is more to do to ensure we have the sustainable, world class system we aspire to.” Jane Hadfield