HC Conference 2027

Paul Addison is Regional Director for the North of England at the Department for Business and Trade, leading engagement on economic growth, investment and regional development. Previously, he served as Director for Policy at Great British Energy within the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, helping establish the organisation ahead of its move to Aberdeen in 2026. Earlier in his career at Arup, Paul directed the Urban Transport Review, making the case for a National Transport Strategy, and led the Opportunity through Connectivity campaign advocating a rail link between the West Midlands and North West following the cancellation of HS2 to Manchester. At Siemens, he co-founded and branded Made Smarter in 2017, a UK programme supporting digital technology adoption among manufacturing businesses. While at Yorkshire Building Society, he also co-founded UK Savings Week, a coalition of banks and building societies promoting financial resilience through saving. Paul advised the Opposition front bench on infrastructure policy, leading the Major Capital Projects Review, which informed the creation of a 10-year National Infrastructure Strategy and the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority. In 2022, he was awarded the Freedom of the City of London.

Matthew Elliott, Lord Elliott of Mickle Fell, is a public policy leader and president of the Jobs Foundation, a charity promoting business as a driver of social good and job creation. He has founded major campaigns including the TaxPayers’ Alliance and Big Brother Watch, and led two landmark referendum victories: NOtoAV (2011) and Vote Leave (2016). As a member of the House of Lords and the Autism Act 2009 Committee, he champions inclusive policy. His latest book, Prosperity through Growth, explores how democracies can thrive amid rising autocracy and AI-driven change.

Dr Michael Englard is UK CEO of the Skills Builder Partnership, a mission-driven organisation working to ensure everyone builds the essential skills to thrive in life and work. Before joining Skills Builder, Michael was part of the founding team at the London Interdisciplinary School, where he helped secure degree-awarding powers for this pioneering university. He also co-founded Causeway Education, a charity focused on widening university access for students from under-resourced backgrounds. Michael brings a deep commitment to educational equity, innovation, and lifelong learning, with a career dedicated to unlocking opportunity through skills and access.

Dan is the CEO of Doncaster Chamber of Commerce, a dynamic membership organisation that supports and represents businesses in Doncaster and South Yorkshire. Dan has played a leadership role in many of Doncaster’s successes in recent years, including successful campaigns for City Status, opening Doncaster University Technical College and re-opening Doncaster Sheffield Airport. In addition to his role leading the Chamber, Dan is currently a Non-Executive Director of Fly Doncaster and Finance for Enterprise; he is also a Governor of DN Colleges Group. Dan has previously served as Chairman of CAST Theatre and as a member of the South Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership. He was awarded an MBE for his services to business and the economy of South Yorkshire in 2025.

DDr Lloyd Glanville CEnv is the Managing Director of BACB Renewables Ltd, a Yorkshire-based environmental consultancy specialising in decarbonisation, renewable energy and sustainable innovation. A Chartered Environmentalist with a PhD in Low Carbon Chemistry, Lloyd brings together scientific expertise, entrepreneurial leadership and a commitment to developing the workforce of tomorrow. Having led multimillion-pound innovation and decarbonisation projects, he understands the importance of connecting education with industry to address emerging skills gaps and unlock economic opportunity. As a business leader, Lloyd actively champions apprenticeships, graduate development and alternative career pathways, recognising that talent and potential should never be limited by background or traditional qualifications. He also serves as a Trustee of The Deep aquarium and co-founded End Energy Poverty CIC. Lloyd advocates for stronger collaboration between educators, employers and communities to create an inclusive, adaptable workforce, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to contribute to a rapidly evolving economy.

Nicola Hall is Director of Education at The Careers & Enterprise Company, where she leads national strategy for careers education, work experience and learner progression across England. A former Headteacher of two secondary schools, including the founding Principal of a pioneering employer-led Studio School, Nicola has spent more than two decades developing education systems that connect young people to meaningful futures. In 2026, Nicola was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to study how Australia, Canada and other global systems design work-connected learning, progression pathways and transitions from education into employment. Her Fellowship has informed a growing body of work exploring how England could modernise work experience and consider how purposeful progression better connects curriculum, technical education, employers and place-based partnerships. An international speaker on careers education and work experience reform, Nicola is recognised for bringing together policy, research and practical system leadership to develop ambitious, evidence-informed reforms that improve equity and strengthen learner agency.

Ben Mason is an entrepreneur, international education leader and Founder & CEO of globalbridge. Recognised as a Sunday Times Top 100 Entrepreneur and speaker at the OECD Global Forum, Ben is challenging how education recognises and evidences the skills young people need for the future. Following 16 years as a teacher and senior leader, Ben founded globalbridge, an international EdTech platform providing young people with a digital record of achievement and skills passport. Working across education and industry, globalbridge enables employers to digitally credential early talent engagement, including work experience, providing lasting validation of skill development while helping organisations measure social value impact. An international speaker at the World Education Summit, GESS and leading EdTech conferences, Ben advocates for a broader definition of educational success—connecting education, emerging skills and industry to create more inclusive pathways and ensure every young person can evidence their strengths, experiences and potential.

Olly spent 12 years in the Department for Education working on policies including 14-19 diplomas, raising the participation age and finally as Head of Apprenticeship Strategy. Olly has been Executive Director of the Edge Foundation for 10 years, where he oversees a programme of research, policy development and leads the Deeper Learning network. Olly was Specialist Adviser to the House of Lords Committee on Youth Unemployment, a Commissioner on the Independent Assessment Commission and the YEUK Level 2 / Level 3 Commission. In his spare time, Olly volunteers in the Scout movement and in mountain rescue.

Gemma Peebles is CEO of Harrison College, a specialist institution focused on business, enterprise, and employability for neurodiverse students and those with additional needs. With a background in education leadership, Gemma has built strong partnerships with employers to create real-world opportunities for learners. She is a passionate advocate for inclusive education and employment, driving innovation in how young people are supported into meaningful careers. Her work bridges the gap between education and industry, ensuring students gain the confidence, skills, and qualifications needed to thrive. Gemma’s leadership continues to inspire change across the SEND and employability landscape.

Laura Smith is the Head of Strategic Planning & Controls at Network Rail, where she brings together strategy, governance, performance and programme delivery to support major investment across the railway. Her role focuses on helping teams and leaders turn ambition into action, ensuring that complex programmes are delivered with clarity, collaboration and confidence. Passionate about people as much as processes, Laura believes that great outcomes come from creating the right environment for teams to thrive. She works closely with colleagues across the business to improve ways of working, strengthen decision-making and build a culture of continuous improvement. With a background spanning railway operations, programme management, strategic planning and business transformation, Laura has built her career around connecting the bigger picture with day-to-day delivery. This blend of operational and strategic experience gives her a practical perspective on the challenges organisations face when balancing performance, change and long-term objectives. Laura is particularly interested in leadership, organisational culture and developing high-performing teams, and enjoys sharing insights on strategic delivery, collaboration and creating lasting value for passengers, communities and the wider rail industry.

Kilvinder Vigurs brings over 38 years of public sector experience across the criminal justice system. Her career began working with children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, inspiring a lifelong commitment to early intervention, prevention, and creating opportunities for those facing challenges. Originally trained as a social worker before becoming a probation officer, Kilvinder has worked extensively in safeguarding, public protection, offender management, and victim support, ensuring the voices of victims are heard. She has held senior leadership roles across courts, prisons, probation, and multi-agency partnerships, most recently serving as Regional Probation Director for London and later Yorkshire and the Humber, leading workforces of up to 4,000 staff. Appointed Deputy Mayor in June 2025, Kilvinder works alongside the Mayor to oversee policing and criminal justice services, reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, support victims, and deliver key priorities including safer roads and stronger community confidence in policing. She also serves as Equalities Commissioner, championing inclusion and ensuring South Yorkshire’s diverse communities help shape policy and practice.