Julie Hyde has been appointed as our group’s new Chair of the Board of Governors.
Julie joined Luminate Education Group as a co-opted member of the Leeds City College Board in 2022, joining the Group Board as a governor in 2024.
She succeeds our previous Chair, John Toon – who ended his tenure at the end of July 2026 – in the role. John will remain with the group as a co-opted member, and continue to contribute to certain board meetings and committees.
The Board of Governors ensures that the group is financially secure, well managed and delivers high-quality education.
Julie said: “It is a privilege to take up the position of Chair of the Luminate Education Group Board of Governors.
“I look forward to supporting the group’s continued success in delivering exceptional education, ensuring strong governance and responding to the opportunities and challenges facing the education and skills sectors. I am particularly passionate about widening opportunities for learners and ensuring that education remains closely connected to the needs of employers and communities.
“I am especially looking forward to spending time with colleagues and governors across the organisation, deepening my understanding of the breadth of its provision and helping shape the group’s future direction.
“By working collaboratively, we can make a positive civic impact and contribute to the region’s continued development.”
A distinguished career in education and business
Julie has built a distinguished professional career in education, skills and childcare and is Director of External and Regulatory Affairs at NCFE, one of the UK’s leading educational charities and awarding organisations.
She brings extensive leadership experience to her role as Chair, along with a strong commercial background in senior sales and account management.
Julie joined CACHE (the Council for Awards in Care, Health and Education) in 2010 and, following its integration into NCFE in 2015, led services to support its nationally recognised qualifications and ensure they met the needs of employers, providers and learners.
One of her many successes included the Save Our Early Years campaign, which helped secure government recognition of Functional Skills as alternatives to GCSE maths and English for entry to employment, as a Level 3 Early Years Educator.
Julie also has governance experience across early years, special educational needs, adult care and further education. Passionate about good governance, collaboration and public service, she is committed to keeping education and skills provision connected to the needs of learners, employers and communities.
Julie lives in West Yorkshire and enjoys time with her family and singing with a women’s choir and small ensemble.
The government has published a set of wide-ranging new proposals for further and higher education.
The White Paper includes plans to introduce new technical qualifications, V Levels, and implement a more targeted, data-driven approach to plugging skills gaps in key areas.
There are also proposals to provide greater intervention and support for young people not in education or employment (NEET), and to raise annual university fees automatically, linked to inflation.
Our senior leaders have been carefully analysing each of the report’s main points to weigh up their merits and see what the implications are likely to be for our members.
Matching skills to industry
On labour market alignment, Bill Jones, our CEO Designate and Executive Principal Leeds City College, said:“A skills system that more closely connects education and employment into priority sectors is long overdue.
“Skills England’s national coordination, combined with devolved local planning, could maximise the role of skills as a genuine engine of economic growth, but only if colleges are effectively resourced to deliver and respond quickly to changing demand.”
Recruitment plans
Turning to FE teacher recruitment, he added:“Recruiting and retaining specialist FE teachers remains one of the greatest challenges facing further education.
“The proposals for professional development and industry exchange are welcome, but they must be matched by a funding settlement that allows colleges to offer competitive pay. Without tackling that gap, we risk losing the expertise that an ambitious and effective skills system depends on.”
Action on NEETs
On reducing NEET rates, group CEO Colin Booth said:“We welcome the commitment to make sure no young person is left without a place in education or training.
“But that ambition won’t be achieved unless post-16 capacity keeps pace with demand. Across Leeds and in many other cities, colleges are already at maximum capacity, and the number of 16-to-18-year-olds is still rising.
“The Youth Guarantee, the automatic allocation of college places and improved data sharing on learners at risk of becoming NEET are all positive steps forward, as is the strengthened role of secondary schools in supportive effective transitions into post-16 education. Without sustained investment into teaching space, staffing and support services, however, we risk seeing more young people left without a suitable place to learn.”
Qualification reforms and V Levels
On V Levels and qualification reform our Deputy CEO, Gemma Simmons-Blench, said: “Clarity and consistency in qualifications will help students, employers and providers alike.
“The move toward a smaller suite of high-quality Level 3 routes, including V Levels, is sensible, provided it protects progression opportunities and recognises the diverse needs of learners. Level 3 qualifications in scope for defunding should only be removed when a similarly accessible alternative is in place. Reform should simplify and enhance choice, not narrow it.”
Funding formula ‘must recognise realities’
On the review of the 16-19 funding formula, Gemma added: “A review of the 16-19 funding formula is long overdue.
“Colleges are educating record numbers of young people on funding levels that simply haven’t kept pace with inflation, pay pressures, or the growing complexity of learner needs. The current formula doesn’t reflect the higher delivery costs of technical programmes, industry placements or support for SEND learners.
“If the Government wants the post-16 education and skills system reform agenda to succeed, the updated formula must recognise the real cost of delivering high-quality education and provide the stability for greater flexibility and planning.”
More details needed on English and maths shake-up
She also had these reflections on the proposed English and maths reforms: “It’s right that the Government wants every learner to leave education with solid English and maths skills that provide the foundation for employability.
“It’s extremely positive that the Government have recognised the issues that face further education providers, but the detail behind the proposed new Level 1 qualification will be crucial. We need to understand how it will differ from existing functional skills, which learners it will be available to, what progression routes it will support, and how it will be funded and assessed.
“We also need to know whether this new qualification will be ring-fenced for post-16 students or accessible at an earlier age, as is the case with functional skills.
“Alongside these reforms, it would also be extremely beneficial for dedicated post-16 GCSE English and maths papers to be introduced, built specifically for resit students. Colleges deliver the bulk of this provision, so getting the structure and resourcing right will determine whether the reform genuinely raises attainment or simply rebrands what already exists.”
We are working with Leeds Beckett University to increase opportunities and aspirations for students and support the future skills needs of the Leeds City Region.
This strategic alliance, which supports some 50,000 learners, meets the government’s ambition for greater alignment between further and higher education. It will focus on making educational routes clearer, expanding flexible learning opportunities, engaging further with employers to co-design courses and enhancing apprenticeships into skilled employment.
CEO Bill Jones said: “By collaborating with Leeds Beckett University we can respond to local and regional skills priorities, through the development of new courses and routes that meet the needs of employers.
“For students this means more accessible and flexible ways to gain these in-demand skills throughout their education. Our alliance will bring together our shared commitment to opening up access to education and removing any barriers to learning.”
Peter Slee, Vice Chancellor at Leeds Beckett University, added: “This alliance builds on existing strong relationships between our university and Luminate Education Group.
“Working with businesses and employers on a future skilled workforce will bring benefits to people in Leeds – another example of the city’s anchor institutions working together to make a positive contribution to the local and regional economy. We look forward to working with the growing number of partners and stakeholders who are committed to making this collective impact.”
This partnership between two Leeds Anchor Network organisations will be dedicated to promoting social mobility and inclusive growth across the Leeds City Region, while equipping learners with the high-level skills that are in strong demand from local businesses.
Three of our staff members have attended Royal Garden Parties after being recognised for their exceptional services to education, skills and local communities.
Director: Quality of Education Carol Layall, Head of Public Services at Leeds City College Tom Griffiths, and Progress and Attendance Mentor at Keighley College, Fiona Thompson BEM, were all invited to Buckingham Palace in May.
Carol and Tom attended an education and skills focused King’s Garden Party on 14 May, while Fiona attended a separate King’s Garden Party the following week. All three had been nominated for the honour due to their exceptional contributions to the communities they serve.
During their visits they each enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment, afternoon tea and a chance to mingle with members of the Royal Family – while also having a chance to meet and network with other celebrated individuals from across the country.
A privilege and an honour
Carol Layall, Director: Quality of Education
Carol was nominated for her leadership across the quality of education function, and a track record of providing exceptional support for students for more than 20 years.
She said: “It was a privilege to receive an invitation to such a special event. The garden party was amazing and it was lovely to see so many people getting recognition for their commitment to education and skills.”
Meeting other inspirational individuals
Keighley College’s Fiona Thompson BEM, with guest
Fiona is Chair of the Keighley Big Local, a National Lottery funded programme to improve the quality of life of local residents. She was recently awarded a British Empire Medal for establishing Cafe Eden, a monthly coffee morning and support group hosted at Keighley College for parents/carers of autistic children; a cause close to her heart as her son, Eden, was diagnosed with an autism spectrum condition when he was four.
Fiona was awarded the British Empire Medal in the King’s New Year’s Honours list in 2024 for services to the community of Keighley. She said: “The greatest honour for me was meeting so many inspiring individuals who dedicate themselves to supporting and transforming lives within their communities.”
‘FE through and through’
Tom Griffiths (right) with other guests
Tom has worked both in and outside the classroom to improve the life chances of vulnerable people within the community. Over the last five years he has established a partnership between Leeds City College and Harehills-based community centre CATCH, which is dedicated to improving opportunities for young people.
Tom has also been involved with the development of a study programme for FE learners with a passion for youth engagement and working within the community; and led on the setting up of an Emergency Food Support scheme for students during the cost of living crisis.
Leeds City College’s Public Service department has also worked with Leeds Learning Alliance to develop the Pathfinders Programme, aimed at developing future public service leaders.
In 2024 , Tom was shortlisted for the Association of Colleges’ Good for Me, Good for FE Award, in the Inspirational Role Model of the Year category, and has been described by colleagues as: “FE through and through…he understands its purpose and that it changes lives.”
We have been awarded the first Bronze as part of a pilot project to develop a pathway for the Race Equality Charter (REC) to small and specialist institutions and research institutes.
The award comes as the pilot programme concludes its initial two-year phase and the Race Equality Charter celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025. The achievement represents a significant milestone in efforts to support these groups of higher education providers and research institutes with their ambitions to advance equality in their contexts.
Anne Mwangi, Head of the Race Equality Charter at Advance HE, said: “We are thrilled to be ending this pilot phase with our group’s first Bronze award.
“REC Bronze is recognition of an institution’s robust foundation for eliminating racial inequalities, developing inclusive cultures and moving from commitment to sustainable and integrated bold and ambitious action.
“Advance HE looks forward to supporting Luminate Education Group as it progresses its action plans to advance race equality and celebrating all members of this cohort submitting in November 2025 and March 2026 as they receive their outcomes.”
An empowering chance to reflect – and act
Dr Jo Tyssen, our Group Director of HE Quality and Standards – Leeds Conservatoire and University Centre Leeds, added: “This Race Equality Charter application has been an ambition for a number of years and follows University Centre Leeds’ engagement with Advance HE as part of the REC SSRI Design Group in 2023. This then expanded to include Leeds Conservatoire with University Centre Leeds in the Race Equality Charter for small and specialist institutions and research institutes pilot.
“It has been a collaborative and empowering journey with Advance HE. We viewed it as a real opportunity for an honest self-assessment and a bold commitment to action, addressing the root causes of race inequality to drive meaningful change.
“We are incredibly honoured by this achievement, and to be the first from the pilot (including college-based HE provider) to achieve REC Bronze is something we are so proud of.
“I cannot thank Advance HE enough for their support in working with members to provide this opportunity and for the recognition of the work that providers such as us contribute to race equity and the HE sector as a whole.”
The Race Equality Charter’s mission is to improve the representation, experience, progression and success of racially minoritised staff and students within higher education. It provides a rigorous framework through which institutions work to critically reflect and act on institutional and cultural barriers.
Our Board of Governors is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer, Bill Jones. He will formally take up the post on 1 January 2026, following the retirement of current CEO, Colin Booth OBE.
Bill currently holds the position of Deputy CEO at Luminate and Executive Principal of Leeds City College, where he leads transformative initiatives across teaching, stakeholder engagement and institutional performance.
He will be taking on the group CEO role at a significant moment, as we continue to shape the future of further and higher education through strategic partnerships, curriculum innovation, and a steadfast commitment to access and inclusion.
A clear vision for the future
John Toon, Chair of the Board, said: “This appointment follows a rigorous and highly competitive recruitment process, attracting interest from across the education and public sectors.
“Bill demonstrated a clear vision for the future of our group, with a deep understanding of our values and the challenges and opportunities facing education at both a regional and national level. The Board is confident that he will provide outstanding leadership in the years ahead.”
Bill has worked in the education sector for almost three decades, holding senior positions at Sheffield College, Rotherham College of Arts and Technology and Burton & South Derbyshire College.
A continued commitment to changing lives
He said: “It is an immense privilege to be appointed as the next Chief Executive. Having worked within the group for over ten years, I’ve seen first-hand the impact our members, staff and students make across our communities every day.
“I am proud of what we have achieved together under Colin Booth’s leadership — and I’m excited to build on that strong foundation. As we look ahead, my focus will be on deepening our commitment to inclusive, high-quality education across both further and higher education, while exploring new ways to innovate, respond to local and national priorities, and strengthen our partnerships across sectors.
“Above all, I am committed to ensuring we continue to deliver against our core purpose: transforming lives through inspirational training and education. From technical and vocational pathways to degree-level study and apprenticeships, our group plays a vital role in shaping futures – and I look forward to leading the next phase of our journey with ambition, care and collaboration.”
The appointment marks a major transition for the group, as Colin Booth OBE prepares to step down after a decade of distinguished service. Under his leadership, we have significantly expanded our reach and influence, championed technical and vocational education, and fostered strong links with employers, civic partners, and communities across Yorkshire.
Further information about the transition and strategic priorities under the new CEO’s leadership will be shared in due course.
