We’re proud to share that we have been awarded the Silver Investors in Diversity Award following our latest review in summer 2025.
This recognition reflects the progress we have made in embedding fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion and engagement (FREDIE) across our culture.
The assessment involved staff focus groups and external review. We were measured in four key areas:
Strategy and Communication
Behaviours and Data Gathering
Visibility of Senior Leaders
Recruitment
Our refreshed approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) received praise across all areas. With a new EDI Charter, committee, toolkits and policies, we have strengthened how we live our values and support our communities. Investors in Diversity highlighted:
“Luminate’s interconnected strategies embody the shared values of kindness, inclusion and collaboration to ensure all EDI work contributes directly to transforming lives through education, training and support.”
Feedback from our staff reflected this too. One participant said:
“Visibility of EDI has skyrocketed in the last 12 months.”
We are also delighted that Keighley College, Leeds Conservatoire and University Centre Leeds each received positive recognition for the increased visibility of EDI this past year.
This Silver Award is an important step in our journey. With upcoming initiatives such as our Global Majority Empowerment Programme and Women in Leadership programme, we are determined to continue building a culture where everyone can thrive.
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.
As businesses across Yorkshire grapple with widening skills gaps and the need to build future-ready workforces, apprenticeships are once again taking centre stage. At the heart of this is Kelly Marie McAllister, recently appointed Group Director of Apprenticeships at Luminate Education Group – one of the largest college groups in the UK.
With 16 years of experience in further education and apprenticeships, Kelly joined Luminate with a clear ambition: to drive growth, enhance quality, and ensure apprenticeship delivery meets the needs of both learners and industry – locally, regionally and nationally.
“I was ready to take the knowledge and expertise I had developed over my career and put it into practice on a larger scale,” says Kelly. “Luminate is the fourth largest college group in the country, and the opportunity to help shape its apprenticeship strategy genuinely excited me.”
A Vision Built on Experience
Kelly’s experience in the sector has been a powerful influence on her leadership style. Her ethos centres on being a “positive disruptor” – using her platform not only to shape apprenticeship strategy but also to widen participation, drive innovation, and advocate for long-lasting change.
“My experience has given me the confidence to use my voice. I’m passionate about providing life-changing opportunities for those entering apprenticeships – and also for those working within the sector,” she explains.
Now in post, she has quickly established a clear set of priorities: growth, quality, culture and reputation. One of her first actions has been to strengthen Luminate’s team of apprenticeship specialists across both employer engagement and teaching and assessment. But just as crucial is the work she’s leading externally.
“We’re developing new and exciting networks regionally and nationally for both employers and apprenticeship specialists. Collaboration is key if we’re serious about tackling shared challenges around skills.”
Addressing the Region’s Skills Needs
Luminate’s apprenticeship provision has a broad footprint, including Leeds City College, Harrogate College and Keighley College – each with its own local identity and employer needs. Kelly is acutely aware of how critical it is to align apprenticeship delivery with those local priorities.
“We’re seeing acute shortages in sectors like construction, engineering and manufacturing, and health and care,” she says. “These are being exacerbated by a lack of qualified tutors leaving industry for teaching roles in FE. That’s why employer collaboration is so important – so we can share their expertise with the next generation, their future workforce.”
As part of her strategic approach, Kelly is keen to balance national data with real-world employer insight. She values the recent creation of Skills England, which is set to provide national direction, but believes that on-the-ground engagement is just as vital.
“I’m passionate about developing a destination-led curriculum. Skills England and labour market data give us the headlines, but meeting directly with local employers – from microbusinesses to SMEs and large levy payers – gives us the context. You need both to make informed decisions.”
Evolving How Apprenticeships Are Delivered
Internally, Kelly is also rethinking how the Group engages with employers through redesigned Employer Boards. The aim is to deepen partnership working and ensure feedback directly informs curriculum development and delivery. At a time when employer participation is often a limiting factor in the number of apprenticeships taking place, strong collaboration can ensure that the number of apprenticeships on offer more closely meets demand.
“We’ve updated our terms of reference and are really driving forward the idea of collaboration across the group. It’s about co-creation – building pathways that work for businesses as well as learners.”
This evolution is particularly relevant as apprenticeships continue to shift in public perception. Kelly believes strongly in reframing the apprenticeship offer – not as a second-choice alternative to university, but as a high-quality, sought after route that takes learners directly into the workplace, or even to degree level and beyond.
She’s also focused on inclusivity – ensuring that apprenticeship opportunities reach underrepresented communities and learners who might otherwise miss out.
Looking Ahead
Kelly’s long-term vision for apprenticeships at Luminate is ambitious, but it’s rooted in a strong belief in the power of collaboration and civic responsibility.
“We’re not just here to respond to employer needs – we want to lead. Apprenticeships should be transformative for individuals, businesses, and entire communities.”
As Yorkshire and the UK continue to invest in skills and growth, leaders like Kelly are ensuring that apprenticeship delivery is more than reactive – it’s strategic, collaborative and future-facing.
The Chief Executive of Luminate Education Group, Colin Booth OBE, is retiring after 40 years in the education sector.
Colin will continue in his role as Luminate’s Chief Executive until December and will support the transition of his successor once they’re appointed in the next couple of months.
Throughout his career, Colin has transformed the lives of thousands of students through the creation of consistently high-quality education and training provision.
Luminate Education Group has grown significantly during Colin’s tenure; he has ensured members of the group are financially healthy, high quality and innovative institutions that meet regional and national skills needs.
A particular focus of Colin’s work over recent years has been ensuring that young people in Leeds have access to suitable forms of post-16 education. Alongside an over-abundance of academic post-16 options across the city, Colin has long highlighted capacity concerns around delivering the scale of vocational education that Leeds requires.
He said: “I’m incredibly proud of everything we have achieved together at Luminate as a team of staff and leaders and together with all of our key partners.
“Our collective efforts have not only ensured the continued success of our institutions but have also had a profound impact on the communities we serve.”
John Toon, Luminate Education Group’s Chair of Governors, added: “Personally, it has been my pleasure and a privilege to work closely with Colin over the last eight years.
“He has raised expectations around innovation and excellence and has driven teams to exceed expectations, improving the financial and quality performance of all organisations he has worked for.”
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.”
Following the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, Colin Booth, Chief Executive of Luminate Education Group, welcomed the recognition of rising NEET (not in education, employment or training) rates as a national challenge – but warned that without urgent investment in further education, the issue will only deepen.
Colin Booth, Chief Executive of Luminate Education Group, said:
“The Chancellor was right to emphasise growing numbers of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) as a barrier to economic growth and opportunity. Given projections for increased numbers of 16-18-year-olds in the coming years, urgent action is required to ensure NEET rates do not spiral out of control between now and 2030.
Ensuring there is capacity to provide education and training opportunities that lead into employment or further study represents a central mission for further education colleges and should represent a central pillar of the Government’s strategy to reduce NEET rates. Many colleges in areas with already above average NEET rates, such as Leeds, already operate at maximum capacity.
While the current funding environment is predictably tight, investment must be found to grow further education colleges’ student capacity if the Government is serious about reducing NEET rates. Alongside this, it’s critical investment is matched with adequate funding that reduces college teacher recruitment and retention difficulties, as without the staff to educate and train growing numbers of young people, the NEET rate will predictably only rise further.”
As numbers of young people increase nationally, Booth’s message is clear: colleges must be equipped with the space and staffing to deliver on their mission – helping every young person find a meaningful route into work or further learning.
