A leadership and management specialist with a strong skills and education background, Natalie’s role is focused on ensuring that Luminate leads the way in tackling the region’s skills gaps, for the benefit of businesses and students alike.

She is also committed to strengthening our already significant links with external organisations and employers so that we can tailor our training to meet their needs, while providing outstanding opportunities for our learners and apprentices.

A self-confessed ‘skills fanatic’ and former apprentice, Natalie has a wealth of experience having worked for further education colleges, independent training providers and awarding organisations – plus Leeds Rhinos!

She is looking forward to helping the group build on and enhance its role as a key regional skills provider.

Ann-Marie has worked in the education sector for over 35 years, with executive leadership roles at Thomas Danby College, Leeds City College and now Luminate.

Ann-Marie’s current remit for Luminate covers adult education and STEM, as well as executive leadership of Harrogate College. She has led adult education across the organisation through several Ofsted inspections, with ‘Good’ outcomes.

She has particular interest in all aspects of inclusion, widening participation and social mobility for all ages and at all levels, based on an underlying belief that education changes lives and is vital for social change and breaking the cycle of poverty.

“I have met some wonderful, skilled people through my work at Luminate, bringing teams together and creating a vision to change the education landscape in the Leeds City Region. Our daily work impacts on students and changes their lives, enabling them to succeed and make steps to achieving their potential.”

In her spare time, Ann-Marie loves travelling to historic places, gardening, going to the theatre and mooching around art galleries, as well as making cross-stitch pictures.

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.

Outside his deputy CEO role at Luminate, which he has held since 2015, he is executive principal at Leeds City College, where he spearheads all aspects of provision and performance. His lead role at Luminate encompasses stakeholder engagement, environmental sustainability, equality, diversity & inclusion, and safeguarding.

“I’m privileged to be able to contribute to the life-changing success of thousands of students, who are able to progress and reach their potential as a result of their course or programme.”

Hobbyist Bill has run at least 5km every day in 2021. A fan of live music and theatre, he also spends his down time in his allotment (but admits it doesn’t produce many vegetables).

Colin was appointed Group CEO of Luminate Education Group in 2019, following a four-year tenure as chief executive and principal of Leeds City College (2015-19), where he led the milestone completions of the Printworks and Quarry Hill campuses.

Before his move to Leeds, Colin was principal at Barnsley College and vice principal at Newcastle College.

Colin has worked in the education sector for over 35 years, with a background in Skills for Life and provision for students with disabilities or learning difficulties. He was also a part-time inspector for Ofsted and the adult learning inspectorate for nine years.

Colin received an OBE for services to further education in the Queen’s 2015 New Year Honours list.

“I enjoy opening up opportunities for students and staff and watching them progress. It’s fantastic to see the impact we have on the communities we work with.”

Outside of work, Colin is a keen rugby union fan and beekeeper.

David was appointed to the Luminate leadership team in 2020, following 18 years at Leeds Conservatoire where he was chief operating officer.

His remit at the group covers marketing, student recruitment, innovation, events, fundraising and property development, with particular interests and skills in branding and market positioning, new product development and estate development.

David has been pivotal in creating new teaching and learning facilities at the Conservatoire, including the venue performance space and library. This continues with new buildings in the pipeline for Luminate Education Group members.

“I love working with creative people, securing funding and grants that enhance our students’ experience, and seeing our students succeed.”

When he’s not pushing boundaries at Luminate, David is a massive racquets sports fan, mainly playing in local leagues, and has a keen eye for interior design.

Gemma’s 20+ year experience across secondary, further and higher education secured her an executive leadership role at Luminate, where she drives teaching, learning and assessment, personal development, behaviour and welfare outcomes for our students, pupils and apprentices across the group. Gemma is also vice principal for curriculum at Leeds City College.

A key aspect of her role is to ensure that the group as a whole is meeting the needs of learners and employers through the curriculum we serve.

“I love turning data into information to improve the student experience. I’m endlessly curious about what and how we deliver learning, and the impact that this has on our students and communities.”

To counterbalance Gemma’s love of cake, she loves to run, row and practise Pilates, as well as travelling and spending time with family.