Laura-Jane (LJ) left school at 16 with poor GCSE grades, she had experience of being a free school meal student and being singled out because of it. Through her early career she worked in retail and sales, using each step to build her skills, experience and confidence. Whilst working in recruitment LJ began to see that the barriers she faced were not unique to her and became a passionate advocate for young people transitioning between education and employment. Spending time to better understand the structural issues of youth unemployment and the policy around the area, LJ founded Youth Employment UK in 2012.

LJ is a passionate campaigner for youth employment and the rights for all young people to access quality employment and have their voices heard on the issues that affect them. LJ believes that it is for all of us to create a youth friendly society so that young people can fulfil their potential.

Recognised as a leading youth employment expert LJ provides support, insight and expertise to many groups on issues of social mobility, education, employment and skills. LJ has a lead role with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Youth Employment, and is a co-founder of the Youth Employment Group.  LJ was a secondary school governor for 8 years and is now supporting Tresham College, she was also a founding Board Member of Youth Futures Foundation, the what-works for youth employment. LJ was awarded an MBE in the 2024 New Years Honours for services to young people.