The people at the top
Say ‘hi’ to our board. They're some of the best and brightest from across the education landscape and they're dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of learners and apprentices around the world.
Colin Hughes
CHAIR
Colin is... well, kind of a big deal.
Chairing universities (Stafford and Middlesex), lifelong fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching, Editor at the Independent and founder of the Guardian’s digital learning business Learnthings… there isn’t much that Colin hasn’t done in the way of Education, whether that’s policy or operational. He also happens to be Chief Executive of the largest GCSE and A-level awarding organisation in England: AQA.
As a non-executive director at TQUK, Colin steers the Executive Team with his passion for education, using his experience to push us beyond what seems sensible and into what’s possible. Challenging us to think on our feet, stay on our toes and use our hearts and heads in equal measure, he helps make TQUK the number one technical awarding organisation in all the ways that matter.
Claire Thomson
DIRECTOR
Once upon a time, Claire taught. Business Studies was her subject and she brought her expertise to schools and colleges across Cumbria and Greater Manchester, making her perfect for the role of Subject Officer at AQA when the opportunity arose in 2000.
Fast-forward to her latest appointment onto TQUK’s Board and we find Claire installed as the Responsible Officer at AQA, developing regulatory and compliance strategy and leading the Quality, Regulation, Centre Inspection, Exams Integrity, Special Requirements and Business Support teams. She is also part of the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) board, a trustee for a multi-academy trust, and a board member at OxfordAQA.
Emily Jones
DIRECTOR
Emily is a numbers girl. Acting as Director of Finance for one of the world’s largest Exam Boards, you’d expect nothing less than the laser focus she applies to the financial performance of both AQA and TQUK, supporting both Executive Teams to do their sums and make good financial decisions.
Emily’s experience is vast, with household names such as Kelloggs and the Co-op popping up on her CV (winning the award for ‘best previous job title’ with the enviable ‘Finance Manager – Snacks’). Her commitment to commerciality balanced with legal and regulatory requirements makes her the perfect Business Partner for the Training Qualifications UK Team.
Katie Orr
DIRECTOR
Katie has worked for TQUK since 2014 and seen it evolve from a fledging AO to one of the leading players in the market. Regulation, policy, compliance and all the geeky stuff is her sweet spot along with assessment and qualification design.
Katie is part of the Executive Team and contributes to our strategic planning. Prior to joining us, she worked for Ofqual in case management and regulatory relationship roles, meaning she has an expert understanding of the role of regulation in setting and maintaining standards. In her spare time, Katie can usually be found hunkered down with a book, a cat and a cup of tea.
Andrew Walker
DIRECTOR
Andrew is our Managing Director and was responsible for first gaining our Ofqual approval in 2013. Since then, he has worked tirelessly steering the ship and building our team into what it is today: a global market leader across Awarding and EPA.
Andrew’s always had a hand in training and prior to establishing TQUK he was Operations Manager for the largest first aid training provider in England. Outside of work, he's a massive Man United fan, which causes more than a bit of friendly office banter when derby day comes around. He also enjoys the occasional round of golf and walking his two dogs, Hank and Walt.
Kelle McQuade
DIRECTOR
Kelle's our Chief Operating Officer and brings a wealth of experience, expertise and passion to the table (as well as the occasional, very welcome, cupcake). Thanks to thirteen years of service at an FE college, Kelle's been there, done that and probably has the t-shirt stashed away somewhere too.
She knows exactly what training providers and Apprentices need from EPA and is unwavering in her commitment to exceeding those expectations. Beyond the office, Kelle loves blasting out a bit of Cher, binge-watching the latest box sets and whipping up a storm with a baking tray and jarful of sprinkles.
