The Institute for Apprenticeships has appointed chairs for 15 route panels, and a panel of apprentices to advise the board.

The route panels are made up of industry experts and are responsible for setting the standards of knowledge, skills and behaviours needed by employers for every occupation in England. The chairs will lead their groups in reviewing and recommending apprenticeship standards and assessment plans and advising on funding levels on behalf of the institute.

The panel of apprentices is made up of current or recent apprentices from a wide range of occupations and experiences from up and down the country. The panel will decide what issues to focus on and ensure the apprentice voice is heard within the decision-making structure of the institute.

Chair of the Institute for Apprenticeships Antony Jenkins said:

“I’m delighted to be able to formally announce these appointments. For our panel chairs we’ve got individuals of superb calibre - a dynamic mix of experts in their field from a broad range of occupations. Their expertise will ensure the panels are run smoothly and that quality will be maintained across the system. 

"Our panel of apprentices is something I am particularly proud of - a deeply impressive group of individuals who will ensure the needs of apprentices are truly reflected in the development of the apprenticeship programme.”

The panel chairs are:

  • agriculture, environment and animal care - Richard Self, Project Manager, Edge Careers and Agricultural Manager, Co-operatives UK
  • business and administrative - Andrew Ground, CEO and co-founder of Tutorfair
  • catering and hospitality - Alison Gilbert, Human Resources and Board Director, CH&Co
  • childcare and education - Sir Nick Weller, Executive Principal, Dixons City Academy, Bradford
  • construction - Tanja Smith, Technical Director, Gradon Architecture
  • creative and design – Iain Smith OBE, Film Producer, Applecross Productions
  • digital - Mark Sherwin, Managing Director, Global Digital Customer Services Lead, Accenture
  • engineering and manufacturing – Dr Graham Honeyman CBE, Chief Executive at Sheffield Forgemasters
  • hair and beauty – Suki Kalirai, Director, GKC Infocus Ltd and Qi Spa (Spa WMC Ltd)
  • health and science - Kirk Lower, National Lead for Apprenticeships, Talent for Care, Widening Participation and Volunteering, Health Education England
  • legal, finance and accounting - Mike Thompson, Director, Early Careers, Barclays
  • protective services - Sir Jonathan Murphy, former Chief Constable Merseyside Police, Professor of Advanced Policing Studies, Liverpool John Moores University
  • sales, marketing and procurement - Godfrey Moger, Station Director for Free Radio, Bauer Media
  • social care - Sir Roger Singleton, Chair of the Independent Safeguarding Authority and previously Chief Executive of Barnados
  • transport and logistics - Michelle Nolan-McSweeney, Head of Training Strategy, Network Rail

The 11 members of the panel of apprentices are:

  • Heeran Basi – SevernTrent
  • Holly Broadhurst – JCB
  • Lucille Gallaway – Barclays
  • Adam Gymer – Pfizer UK
  • Kara Halford – Dawn’s Flower Box
  • Becky King - National Physical Laboratory
  • Kam Penglin – CT Skills
  • Sanna Shabir – Atkins Global
  • Adam Sharp – Sellafield
  • Daniel Skinner – BAE Systems
  • Poppy Wolfarth – Asset Training