The creation of a National Board and associated GSAP network will drive the strategic direction of GSAP. The Board, comprising influential stakeholders, each with a national profile, will bring credibility, influence and expertise to the GSAP movement. It will devise strategy, oversee the work of the regional GSAP groups and share in their successes. The Board will form the vital link with government, and other national stakeholders, to promote the work of GSAP and its drive to establish a UK-wide national framework for green-skills training.
Mike has been leading the Apprenticeship and Employer Engagement directorate at Exeter College for the last 10 years. His role also includes Partnerships and Future Skills, addressing the skills needs of the future. In November 2022, Mike was thrilled to be leading the apprenticeship team when Exeter College sustained its Outstanding status with Ofsted. During his tenure Apprenticeships have more than doubled, with more than 1800 Apprentices in learning at any one time, and the college business network extending to over 1010 businesses. Exeter College has been voted as the top-rated further education college in the South-West for employer satisfaction for two years. Mike is the face of the college with employer and industry partners, working with them to solve the skills challenges of the future.
From 2014 – 2024 Exeter College has bucked the trend, in an FE Sector that has seen a significant decline, we have seen an increase of 300% across our Employer base, 166% increase in apprenticeship funding, 150% increase in the number of assessors and skills staff working directly with Apprentices and £50M, 10-year investment, in local skills by the end of 2024. Exeter College currently delivers 89 standards, across 98 pathways and 23 diverse sectors, has top scores in the DfE Provider satisfaction ratings and is the only provider invited to participate in the DfE Expert Provider Group and Simplification Project.
Mike has worked overseas supporting the educational development of developing countries. This has included Nepal, Morrocco and recently visited Malawi to support the development of green skills with colleges and employers. As the Vice Chair of the South-West GCAP (Green Construction Advisory Panel), he is the voice for educational opportunities to fulfil the skills gap requirements for a Green future. He also influences and represents the education sector by having the place of chair on the Constructing Excellence SW Skills Panel and he is on the board of Constructing Futures. Mike was also the chair of the Devon and Cornwall Training Provider Network for 8 years, having stood down in Jan 2024.
Former Member of Parliament for Harlow 2010-2024 || Minister of State at the Department for Education (2016 to 2017 & 2022 to 2024) || Minister without Portfolio attending Cabinet (2015 to 2016) || Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party (2015 to 2016) || PPS to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon George Osborne MP (2014 to 2015) || Lifetime Privy Counsellor using the title Rt Hon || Minister of the Year 2024 || Spectator Backbencher of the Year 2022 || AAC Special Recognition Award 2018 || Spectator Campaigner of the Year 2013.
Robert enjoyed 14 years in Parliament, representing the people of Harlow and the villages, championing education, skills and apprenticeships and campaigning to cut the cost of living. His first speech in 2010 was about apprenticeships, and he has twice served as Minister of State for Apprentices at the Department for Education. He has now stepped down as MP and hopes to continue his work in education and skills.
As the Minister, he boosted apprenticeships with a new UCAS service and launched the Skills for Life (https://www.skillsforcareers.education.gov.uk/pages/skills-for-life) campaign to encourage more employers to take on apprentices. He scrapped the cap on the number of apprentices an SME can employ to maximise opportunities across the country, tripled the Care Leaver Bursary to £3,000 and tabled the Lifelong Learning Bill to revolutionise student finance to suit the needs of students and employers. In his last six months in office, he secured £110 million to boost apprenticeships in growth sectors.
In 2017, he was elected as Chair of the House of Commons Education Select Committee (re-elected in 2019). He held this role for 5 years until becoming a Minister in October 2022 and, during this time, published reports on apprenticeships and the quality of apprenticeship provision, prison education, SEND, careers advice and guidance and actively spoke out against school closures, holding the Government to account over the Covid-19 catch-up programme. Robert has now established The Ladder of Opportunity Consultancy focusing on Education, Skills and Social Mobility.
Mike has been leading the Apprenticeship and Employer Engagement directorate at Exeter College for the last 10 years. His role also includes Partnerships and Future Skills, addressing the skills needs of the future. In November 2022, Mike was thrilled to be leading the apprenticeship team when ExNick has worked in the Energy Efficiency and Sustainability sectors for over 14 years, initially co-founding his own Environmental Consultancy company and currently being on the Leadership Team of EWI Pro Insulation and Render Systems (having joined in late 2015). Within EWI Pro, he runs the Commercial and R&D departments, which are ultimately responsible for bringing insulating solutions to homes and businesses around the country. Nick is also passionate about developing ‘green skills’ and helping improve people’s participation in the low-carbon job market. Nick has been successful in becoming the first ever non-parliamentarian to chair a major Policy Liaison Group – the Future Homes PLG. He also represents EWI Pro on the Policy Liaison Group on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). Nick is a Chartered Accountant and, since October 2023, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA, CGMA).
Graham Hasting-Evans is the Chief Executive of NOCN Group, an international and UK based education and skills charity. NOCN Group works with employers to up-skill their workforces, supports individuals to obtain certified and credentialled skills to gain employment and advance their careers or undertake further education, and supports governments with consultancy and research in order to establish and operate apprenticeship, vocational and technical skills programmes aimed at improving economic performance and productivity. He joined NOCN as Managing Director at the beginning of 2011 and is now Chief Executive of the Group. Prior to that, Graham worked on management development, workforce training, employment and skills development, and also on an employment and skills programme for the construction of the London Olympics. He has also worked in government on skills and apprenticeship policy and programmes.
Graham has many years’ senior management experience in industry in a number of economic sectors both in the UK and internationally. These sectors include broadcasting, construction, environmental and sustainability, engineering, facilities management, financial services, science, technology and utilities. He has been involved in the UK Government’s reform of apprenticeships and technical education as well as developing several Trailblazer apprenticeship standards including degree apprenticeships. This has now resulted in NOCN introducing degree apprenticeships to other parts of the world. Graham is the President of the British Association of Construction Heads (BACH) and Chair of the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) Construction Sector Forum. Recently he authored a major publication on “Greening of the UK’s Skills”. His work on developing the skills of adults and young people includes time spent in India, the Middle East, Southern Africa and ASEAN as well as parts of Europe.
Charlene is the Head of Operations and Founder of The Wood Manor Group. A distinguished leader in Birmingham’s construction industry, Charlene boasts over 20 years of experience running businesses in the West Midlands. Her resilience and growth mindset have inspired many, demonstrating adaptability and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Charlene’s journey in property renovation, subletting, and development began at just 19. She was the first Black woman in Birmingham to own a ladies-only gym, “Gym Divas.” She has also managed significant events like the Inspiring IWD photoshoot and Expo.
Charlene is deeply committed to education and paving pathways for the younger generation in construction. Her leadership roles include Judge of Building The Future – Construction and Built Environment Sector Awards 2024, Board Member for CITB Employer Advisory Committee, Board Member for BMet College Construction Advisory Board, Ambassador of Luca Foundation, Advocate and Head of Strategy and Partnership for International Women’s Day events in the West Midlands. Charlene credits her development to mentors like Karen Hepburn, her first Regional Manager at Aquascutum, who believed in her and helped her grow as a young female leader in 2003. She emphasizes the value of accredited management courses with ongoing CPD, having taken the ILM Leadership & Management Course in Construction.
Charlene’s inspiration to jump into the property world was her late mother, who was a successful academic, entrepreneur and property investor. She died aged 54, when Charlene was only 29, and passed the baton on for Charlene to continue her legacy. Charlene believes in building with purpose, creating sustainable buildings that can outlive us and establish a lasting legacy. Charlene wants to create development opportunities for commercially helping bridge gaps in homelessness and vulnerable young people.
At Wood Manor Properties Group, she oversees the entire process from planning to completion. The company prides itself on delivering excellent service, meticulous attention to detail, and breathing life into spaces, ensuring clients’ visions become reality. Their tagline, “Every corner, every finish meticulously crafted for perfection,” reflects their commitment to quality. Charlene believes diversity strengthens their team and the industry, welcoming women to join the field of construction and property. Charlene is a pillar of the community and an inspiration, showing that Black women have a significant place in construction. She champions the next generation of young Black professionals in property.
Paul Brown, a dynamic leader and visionary in the construction industry, is the founder and director of SWIFIX Ltd, Support for Success Ltd, and SWIFILL Ltd. With a career spanning over four decades, Paul began as a plasterer specialising in restoring ornamental plasterwork, which laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to craftsmanship and innovation. Known for his hands-on expertise in the retrofit sector specifically External Wall Insulation (EWI) systems, he has become a key figure in the field, whilst SWIFIX developed a sustainable and efficient solutions tailored to modern construction needs. Paul is celebrated not only for his technical expertise but also for his tireless commitment to advancing sustainable building practices within the UK transforming challenges into opportunities for growth Innovation and efficiency.
Paul’s journey from an apprentice plasterer in Devon to an industry-leading entrepreneur is marked by resilience and an enduring drive for excellence. Beyond SWIFIX, Paul established Support for Success, a training and consultancy service providing training and compliance in sustainable retrofitting and Green Skills, supporting the development of new courses for the insulation sector. SWIFILL a logistics 3PL Fulfilment company born from his entrepreneurial mindset and drive for operational excellence.
Each venture embodies his commitment to sustainable practices and operational efficiency. Known for his energy and determination, Paul’s influence extends beyond business; he inspires those around him, including his family and colleagues. A lifelong musician and thrill-seeker, Paul balances his demanding career with passions for drumming, skiing, and spending time with his family. His professional journey and life story are testaments to his resilience, creativity, and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in the construction and housing sectors. 
Giles brings a wealth of diverse experience to sustainability and strategy in building materials. Prior to formal entry to the builders’ merchant sector 5 years ago, Giles’ experience includes decade of leadership in the Fleet Air Arm, and consultancy work across defence, healthcare, aerospace, and pharmacological sectors. Now sustainability lead for his own family business, Bradfords Building Supplies, he also heads up wider sector initiatives as a key voice for the Builders’ Merchants Federation. Giles led the integration of impact into Bradfords strategy, has prompted and overseen the delivery of the industry-standard sustainability-related product data template, an industry standard supply chain assessment system, and chaired the collaborative conversation to deliver a circular solution for pallets in the building materials sector. He sits on the Green Construction Board, acting as the sole merchant representative, the Construction Inclusion Coalition Working Group, and as the sustainability lead for building materials buying group, h&b.
Natalie King is the Managing Director & Principal of AccXel; the UK’s first industry-led construction school, led with her sister, Nicola Bird. With a formidable background, Natalie brings a wealth of expertise to the role: being a qualified Barrister, holding a postgraduate diploma in town planning, and a prestigious MBA.
The inspiration and passion behind AccXel? A powerful drive shared by Natalie and Nicola to revolutionise and raise standards in construction education and upskilling. Their vision is to make construction a career of choice, to break barriers around diversity and inclusivity, and to ignite passion for the industry – ensuring talent not only enters but thrives.
In just three years since launching the multi-award-winning AccXel, Natalie and Nicola have become true disruptors and changemakers. They are addressing the construction skills crisis head-on, forging impactful local and national partnerships, and remaining laser-focused on aligning education with real industry needs.
The AccXel mission is bold and clear: To Support People To Construct The Future. 
Following a full career in the British Army as both a solider and officer Nigel retired as a Major in 2004 and subsequently joined the Construction Industry Training Board and lately was employed as the Head of Field Operations responsible for the National Construction College field based sites and mobile training teams. During his time at CITB Nigel was responsible for working on the John Denham MP apprenticeship task force protecting apprenticeship employment during the downturn of 2008 and establishing the Olympic Park Construction Centre, Crossrail Tunnelling Academy and the first Construction University Technical Authority achieving approval and funding from the DfE. Prior to his current role Nigel was the CEO of an independent training provider and was a board member for a Registered Social Landlord following stock transfer.
Nigel has been the Chief Executive Officer of the CIGA Group (Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency) since 2016 and, following the launch of The Installation Assurance Authority (The IAA) in April 2020, The IAA Commercial Services (The IAA CS) in October 2021, and The IAA Federation in 2024 operates now as the Group Chief Executive.
He has been responsible for the transformation of CIGA into a market-leading compliance body across the insulation and renewable energy sectors. The IAA provide support to members with Government engagement, legal advice and support, consumer support and direct support to businesses with advice, guidance, and commercial services. Nigel is the insulation installer lead on the PAS 2030 and PAS 2035 Steering groups, collating and representing industry views on the development of standards and sits on several bodies, including the CLC People and Skills Working Group, The Government Green Jobs Taskforce, and the Optimised Skills for Retrofit Working Group in Wales.
He led on the development of Insulation and Building Treatments Occupational Standards across the insulation sector and ensured that these are mirrored across the mandatory technical competencies required for the Competent Persons Schemes (CPS) and Working Group 2 for high-risk residential buildings. More recently under Nigel’s leadership The IAAF has been responsible for commissioning research into Labour Market Intelligence, A career pathway paper for the retrofit sector and the development of the level 2 and 3 insulation operative and technician apprenticeships. The organisation is currently developing a sector skills strategy for the industry.
The launch of the organisations National Energy Efficiency Centre as a partnership between industry and the education sector has helped further evidence the organisations commitment to improving the competence of the sector.
Jade is the Strategic Innovation Manager at Quantum, a leading SME in the Renewables and Energy Efficiency sector. Quantum specializes in design and installation services for the built environment, as well as educational consultancy in green construction skills.
Jade began her career in education as a teacher, where her passion for transformative power of education first developed, before transitioning into a commercial role at Quantum, working directly with clients in the design and installation side of the business. Leveraging her combined experience in education and industry, she now focuses on supporting educational institutions to establish cutting – edge green construction training centres nationally.
Quantum’s mission is clear: to help tackle the UK’s green skills shortage by enabling schools, colleges, and training providers to deliver world-class education in sustainable building practices. Jade plays a key role in making Quantum’s solutions accessible to the next generation—those whose career choices will shape the future green workforce. Jade has worked with more than 50 colleges across the UK to help them develop industry-led training facilities, staff CPD, and accredited green qualifications.
As an advocate for green careers, Jade is attuned to the challenges faced by the Further Education sector and is committed—alongside the wider Quantum team—to bridging the gap between the demand for a net zero built environment and the supply of skilled, future-ready professionals.
Luke has contributed significantly to Exeter College’s growth and impact of apprenticeships and green skills development. Over the last seven years, Luke has not only showcased hiscommitment to education but has also played a crucial role in bridging the green skills gap through the launch of the Green Construction Advisory Panel (GCAP).
In his current role as the Skills Manager within the Apprenticeships and Future Skills Team, Luke’s leadership has been instrumental in the establishment and growth of the Green Construction Advisory Panel (GCAP). Since its inception, GCAP has evolved into a dynamic community, connecting over 160 businesses across the UK, spanning building services, housing, and construction sectors.
Under Luke’s guidance, GCAP has become a member-led committee, supported by local authorities, charities, and training providers nationwide. The committee’s primary objective is to champion, enhance and advance sustainable training, development, and education opportunities within the housing and construction industry. The overarching goal is to narrow the skills gap and create accessible pathways into green careers.
As Skills Manager, Luke collaborated on the launch of Exeter College’s Green Skills curriculum, introducing innovative courses such as Insulation programs. Furthermore, Luke played a pivotal role in establishing the South West’s first Retrofit Skills Centre, marking a significant milestone in the region’s commitment to sustainable construction practices. GSAP’s impactful initiatives have been recognised, with the panel winning the ‘School/Educational Organisation’ category in the Exeter Sustainability Awards 2022. This acknowledges our significant contribution to improving and developing sustainable training and education opportunities in the housing and construction industry.
GSAP has also been Highly Commended at the Unlock Net Zero Awards in 2023 and shortlisted again for the upcoming awards in June 2024.
