The Skills Network is an organisation that is truly different.
We are an online learning and skills training provider that is underpinned by market-leading technology, but more importantly we are an EdTech company that understands training, skills and pedagogy. The combination of the two is incredibly powerful. Our philosophy to empower our staff in decision making and encourage entrepreneurialism has driven growth and a different way of thinking.
From our end-to-end learning and development solutions, through to our processes driven by the latest technologies, we have created a business that has a reputation for excellence.
Underpinning our success is The Skills Network’s bespoke technology solution, EQUAL. Developed around our own delivery expertise and need, it is the foundation in learning delivery, resource development and technology solutions that are embedded within our customer base.
Our Mission
Our mission is to combine innovative technology and outstanding customer service to help enrich lives through learning and to inspire and nurture this ethos worldwide.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be the number one provider of technology based learning and skills.
The Executive
Mark Dawe
Mark joined the business in August 2020. He brought with him significant leadership experience as well as a deep understanding of education and skills, through a wide range of senior roles. He was CEO of the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (representative body for all Independent Training Providers), and led the Exam Board, OCR. Prior to that he was principal of Oaklands, a large FE college and a senior civil servant in the Department for Education. His career started as a chartered accountant with KPMG and in the late 90s was part of a team that started a tech company servicing the portal and procurement needs of the public sector.
Sam Black
Sam joined the team in 2022 with over 15 years of experience in the Education and Skills sector. In his role, Sam takes the lead in refining our product design and overseeing the delivery of our programmes. Prior to joining The Skills Network, Sam held prominent positions in Higher and Further Education across the UK and Ireland. Notably, he founded a national training provider that delivers apprenticeships, employability, and various skills programmes. Outside of work, Sam champions a national youth charity and lends his expertise as a subject matter expert in business and leadership curricula.
Paul McGuire
Paul is a qualified accountant with over 30 years of financial leadership and management experience across both the private (including corporate recovery, consultancy) and public (including central government, and education and skills) sectors, being responsible for the financial management of a range of companies and organisations with turnover and budgets up to £12bn.
Prior to joining TSN, Paul held senior leadership roles in the apprenticeships and skills sector including within central government as CFO of the Learning and Skills Council (2005-2010) and COO of the Skills Funding Agency (2010-2015), and then back in the private sector as COO, and latterly Interim CEO, of JTL (2016-2022) one of the largest apprenticeship training providers.
Paul joined TSN in January 2023, as CFO/COO as part of the Board and executive team with specific responsibility for leadership and management on finance and operations.
Lorraine Donoghue
Lorraine joined The Skills Network in 2021, bringing significant experience in change project, OD restricting, employee relations and HR transactional services. At The Skills Network, Lorraine is all about the people and works to drive forward The Skills Network’s inclusive agenda, while up-holding our standards as the highest-quality employer.
Sian Wilson
With over 21 years of experience in the Edtech industry, Sian joined The Skills Network in Feb 2022. Experienced in growth, strategic business development, strategic skills strategies, customer experience, marketing and brand, Sian works with customers, colleagues, and partners to further the reach and impact of FE & HE. As a member of numerous social cause groups, Sian advocates for inclusive skills opportunities for all, driving forward accessible learning and skills opportunities throughout the sector and beyond.
If you wish to find out more about our policies and procedures, please visit the links below:
