Dr Sam Parrett CBE DL is an experienced CEO and Principal, whose drive and determination to improve education across London and South East England has resulted in the expansion of high-quality pathways and outcomes for learners across mainstream, special, further, higher, adult and apprenticeship education. She was appointed as a National Leader of Further Education in 2020 and coaches new and aspiring CEOs in the sector.

Since being appointed as Principal of Bromley College in 2010, she led a merger with Orpington College, Bexley College and Greenwich Community College to form London South East Colleges in 2016. Sam also established London South East Academies Trust in 2013 — a growing MAT across primary, secondary, Alternative Provision and Special in South London, Kent, Sussex and Surrey.

The unique Group structure she established operates as an award-winning social enterprise. Her work exemplifies civic leadership and the transformative power of education in building resilient, thriving communities. She is especially passionate about supporting SEND and disadvantaged learners to thrive, and has worked closely with the Princes Trust for 25 years. She also established the FE Foodbank and Good For Me Good for FE National Awards. Ofsted rated the College as Good in October 2024, and it was named Overall FE Provider of the Year at the TES FE Awards 2021, as well as receiving a Social Value Award for Public Sector Leadership in 2021. Sam was named TES FE Leader of the Year, and the College was also awarded the prestigious Queen's Anniversary Prize in 2020. In 2024 London South East Academies Trust was named as Trust of the Year in the national TES Schools Awards.

In recognition of Sam's contribution to education and her work in SEND and mainstream schools, she was awarded a CBE in 2021, following the OBE she received in 2016 for her services to further education. In March 2026, Sam was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant of Kent. Sam holds a PhD in Education Policy Analysis and is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, a Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Further Education and a Leadership Fellow at St George's House, Windsor Castle.

Joanne Bell founded Bells Accountants 17 years ago and has grown the firm into a multi-practice organisation serving more than 3,000 clients, combining organic growth with carefully selected acquisitions. As the founder and leader of the business, Joanne is known for a personalised, streamlined approach that removes unnecessary complexity and helps clients make confident decisions.

Joanne places particular emphasis on translating financial terminology into clear, practical language, ensuring that individuals and business owners understand their position, obligations, and options. This client-first mindset has supported long-term relationships and has helped Bells Accountants build a strong reputation for accessibility, responsiveness, and trusted advice.

Joanne's achievements have been recognised through awards and industry acknowledgement, including being named Kent Woman in Business of the Year and inclusion in a "Top Global 50 Women in Finance" list. Alongside practice leadership, Joanne is also an author and advocate for financial education. Joanne wrote the Money & You book series, designed to build financial literacy for young people in an engaging, approachable style.

Joanne's professional focus combines commercial leadership with a commitment to education and empowerment, helping clients feel informed rather than overwhelmed. Whether guiding established businesses through growth decisions or supporting individuals with personal finance, Joanne aims to create clarity, build confidence, and make financial knowledge more widely accessible.

Mark is the Chief Executive of a large and growing Multi Academy Trust spanning London and the South East, with more than 15 years of senior leadership experience across the education sector. Across executive roles, Mark has been responsible for organisational strategy, operational delivery, and the development of high-performing teams, bringing a strong commitment to public service and improving life chances through education.

Mark has held posts including Deputy Chief Executive and several years as Chief Operating Officer within one of the country's largest Trusts, where he helped oversee a portfolio of more than 40 schools and supported sustainable growth, effective governance, and strong operational controls. Alongside executive leadership, Mark contributes to sector-wide development through committee and working-group participation, supporting policy and practice that benefit children, young people, and communities.

Mark is also Vice Chair of London South East Colleges, where he chairs the Capital Committee and serves on the Audit and Risk Committee, helping to ensure robust oversight of investment decisions, estate priorities, and risk management. In previous governance roles, Mark has chaired a large and successful Multi Academy Trust and served as Vice Chair and Non-Executive Director on a group education board.

Mark is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the Chartered Management Institute, the Institute of Leadership and Management, and the Institute of School Business Leadership, and is an Honorary Fellow of the Elevare Civic Education Group. Mark also sits on the Church of England National Professional Qualifications Governance Board, is a long-standing supporter of the Robes Project, and remains an active school governor. Mark advocates for improved mental health awareness and support — particularly for men — through engagement with charities such as BoysGetSadToo.

Neil joined Elevare Civic Education Group in December 2018 as Group Director for Business Development, driving the Group's Employer Engagement strategy and developing longer-term partnerships with key stakeholders. He became Deputy Principal for Skills, Apprenticeships, Adults and Higher Education.

Neil's role is core to providing pathways into employment, developing professional training opportunities for businesses and ensuring that employers have a clear voice in the skills, knowledge and behaviours students need to develop.

When the Elevare Education Foundation launched in 2024, Neil was the natural choice to lead it, building on his employer relations to support the charity's fundraising aims and ambitions. He has developed a range of products and events with the support of businesses, both national and local, to ensure streams of income to fund scholarships and other charitable objectives.

Fiona is an experienced learning and development professional with more than 23 years of expertise across the waste management, energy, utilities, and facilities management sectors. For over 16 years, she has held senior leadership roles in learning and development, supporting thousands of individuals to build their skills, knowledge, and confidence at every stage of their careers.

Throughout her career, Fiona has designed and delivered a wide range of programmes, from induction and operative training through to senior leadership development. Her work has consistently focused on creating meaningful learning opportunities that support both individual growth and organisational success. She has a strong track record of developing practical, industry-relevant training solutions and implementing systems that improve competence, compliance, and performance.

Fiona has also worked extensively in collaboration with external organisations, including Energy and Utility Skills and the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM). This has included piloting in-house functional skills programmes for the waste industry, as well as helping to pilot and implement the Competency Management System that replaced the Certificate of Technical Competence (COTC). More recently, she contributed to the development of the CIWM PRR2 Level 2 Award in Practical Reuse and Refurbishment.

Alongside her sector expertise, Fiona is passionate about supporting young people and communities. She has successfully partnered with local secondary schools to design and deliver work experience programmes and STEM projects, including initiatives accredited by Industrial Cadets. Her career reflects a strong commitment to professional development, innovation, and creating lasting impact through learning.

Janet joined the Group in January 2020 as the Group Director for HR and Organisational Development. In July 2020, she became the Group Chief People Officer. Janet has 18 years' experience in the Further Education Sector, including 13 years' experience in Senior Leadership roles.

Her role in the Group includes implementing the People Strategy to ensure the Group develops the capability and culture to deliver its ambition to have a positive impact on lives and communities across the region. Her role also entails providing high-quality, expert services across the Group, ensuring a positive and constructive people-focused environment, where staff are engaged, and people are at the heart of decision-making. She also leads on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion across the Group to ensure that EDI is embedded within the Group's culture and working practices.

Janet is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), a trained mediator and a coach.