The National Network of Institutes of Technology is pleased to introduce its new Executive team.  Claire Arbery and Sharon Grant will join Paul Rolfe as Vice-Chairs of the network, while Rosa Wells, previously Vice-Chair, has been named as Chair. The Executive will support the IoT network to achieve its aims, identify opportunities for collaboration and ensure that they represent and acknowledge the full diversity of the IoT network – organisations, staff, and learners. 

The Executive 

Chair - Rosa Wells  (Greater Birmingham and solihull iot)

Having led Greater Birmingham and Solihull IoT (GBSIoT) for nearly five years, Rosa is now the FE Principal and Dean for STEM at University College Birmingham (a partner of GBSIoT) and sits on the Board of Directors of GBSIoT. Rosa is a highly experienced engineer who has dedicated her career to education and training. She is passionate about providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in STEM sectors. As Chair, Rosa is keen to use the strength of the network to break down barriers and challenge myths around Higher Technical Education (HTE), and more clearly articulate the opportunities that HTE has to offer industry and learners.

Our strength is in the breadth and depth of our network. We need to support each other to showcase the innovative work that we are all doing.

Vice-Chair - Claire Arbery (West of England IoT)

Claire has led the West of England Institute of Technology since 2019. She has also managed significant apprenticeship provision, STEM engagement activities, and adult skills and commercial training. As Vice-Chair, Claire plans to explore opportunities for the network to deliver bids with an impact across wider geographical areas, responding to national employer needs and delivering research projects across the network.

As we move to a full complement of IoTs being open and operational, it is time for the network to come together to provide a unified voice on what IoTs do to improve skills and productivity across England.

Vice-Chair - Sharon Grant (North East IoT)

As Director of North East IoT since 2021, Sharon facilitates collaboration between industry and education to boost innovation and engagement in manufacturing, engineering, construction, and the built environment.  With a background as a research chemist, Sharon is passionate about promoting inclusion and diversity in STEM for learners and the workforce. In the coming year, Sharon is keen to strengthen network collaboration, both regionally and nationally, allowing the network to complete more impactful projects, act responsively and increase brand recognition.

It is a simple vision: we are stronger together. By connecting the dots, stopping working in silo, and avoiding duplication of efforts, we can work smarter. As a network of colleges, universities and employers, IoTs are best placed to do this.

Vice-Chair - Paul Rolfe (Sussex & Surrey IoT)

Paul is the Director of Sussex and Surrey Institute of Technology and Associate Principal, Employers & Stakeholders at the Chichester College Group. He has over 20 years’ experience in strategic business experience in a number of fields including information technology, marketing, business development and training and development. With a belief in the key role that IoTs can play in growing participation in Level 4/5 STEM-based subjects to meet the skills needs of employers, Paul is keen to explore opportunities for the network to work with employers nationally.

I strongly believe that IoTs have a unique and exciting offer that is hard for others to replicate, and this needs to be utilised!

IoTs were established to ensure businesses get the skills and talent they need to thrive while supporting individuals with their careers. Local employers are key partners and members of IoT governing bodies across the country. There are currently 19 IoTs in operation across England, with a further two covering Cheshire and Staffordshire opening to learners in September. As a network inclusive of 77 colleges, 35 universities and close to 100 businesses, we break down barriers to opportunity by ensuring local people are learning skills that will benefit them and their communities and support economic growth.

If you’d like to contact any of the members of the Executive, get in touch here.