Lesley has worked in the education and training sector for the majority of her career.
Prior to her appointment as CEO and Principal for The Trafford College Group she was Senior Vice President and Senior Responsible Officer for Pearson, with responsibility for qualification standards, quality and the awarding of all academic and vocational qualifications. She was also responsible for the development of all vocational qualifications worldwide.
Lesley joined Pearson from the Association of Colleges (AoC) where she was Deputy CEO and led on UK and international education policy, AoC Create and business development. Lesley has also held senior positions in the Learning and Skills Council and the Adult Learning Inspectorate.
In 2016 she became Chair of the newly formed UK Skills Partnership Board, a network of the UK’s leading education sector organisations and which was established to promote the development of vocational and technical skills internationally. She is a member of the DIT’s Ministerial Education Sector Advisory Group and British Council’s Education Advisory Board.
Lesley is a Trustee for two education charities, the Helena Kennedy Foundation and CVQO. She is on the governing body of Liverpool John Moores University and is an Ofqual board member
In 2015 she was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to education, she is also a fellow of the Chartered Institute for Further Education