John has worked in government, communications, and policy for over a decade and is currently executive director of strategy, policy, and public affairs at UCAS – the charity that guides young people and adults to their next step, whether that’s a university, college, or apprenticeships. Alongside this, John is a non-executive director of the government’s Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education.

Originally from the Midlands, before joining UCAS John was deputy director of Public First, a consultancy and polling company; worked with business leaders across the UK as head of education & skills policy at the CBI; was a founder of the Education Policy Institute, and served as an adviser to three former education ministers. Outside of work, John is on the board of the Activate Learning group of colleges and schools, an elected local councillor, and a Leadership Fellow of St George's House.