Speakers

Jess is the award-winning thought leader for the Governors for Schools Skills Programme, metamorphosing the transformative role of STEM School Governors, backed by industry, in providing sustained educational outreach and equal access to job opportunities in the schools and communities that reflect the diversity of society. By appointing talented volunteers from STEM professions to infiltrate the governance structure of the education system, Jess’ vision is successfully working to bridge the gap between the world of work, classroom and community, with Governors acting to drive educational attainment locally, but influence education policy nationally. With 83 AtkinsRéalis STEM Governors at the start of 2024, rising to 150 by 2025, Jess is strategically championing STEM engagement in Girls schools, schools in areas of deprivation and SEND settings by working with pupils from the age of 4 to 25, as well as inspiring teachers through the operational delivery of a STEM curriculum over a term of office of 4 years. Critically, her work enables a feedback loop between Atkins and the local community to co-design projects and direct local investment to deliver a better quality of life for local people. Already attracting significant industry interest and profile, Jess is leading the charge for change by collaborating with the Construction Leadership Council, DfE, Careers and Enterprise Company and the Department for Business and Trade, as well as major clients across the STEM sector to supercharge educational attainment across the country.