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.
Craig Tupling
Craig joined The Skills Network in March 2023 with over 30 years experience in both the Further and Higher Education sectors and having held senior leadership positions within West Yorkshire FE Colleges for over 12 years. His ambitions are to raise aspirations for all learners to ensure all those who can, are able to achieve the outcomes they require to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours to succeed in a happy, healthy, and fulfilled adult life. His areas of expertise include curriculum design and implementation, designing robust quality assurance frameworks and delivering an outstanding learner experience. Craig has been an executive Designated Safeguarding Lead for over 10 years and has successfully led two Ofsted Inspections as nominee.
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.
Liam Sammon
Liam joined The Skills Network in January 2024 with over 20 years experience in the post-16 learning and skills sector, having held executive positions within Government agencies, awarding organisations, and apprenticeship and commercial training providers. He has a driving passion for education technology and its place in innovating the way post-16 learning is delivered. He has built digital learning and education technology teams from a standing still position and created innovative digital products and services, with a mindset of digital-by-default. He has a background in assessment and curriculum/product design and has held executive posts that have covered a wide range of functions, including marketing and communications.
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