Meet Our Team
Empowering Futures, Building Connections
Meet Our Team
The People Powering Our Vision
At NYBEP, our team is our strength. We come from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique skills and experiences to support our wide range of initiatives. Our staff are experienced in working with young people, unemployed adults, businesses, schools, and colleges, to ensure we meet the needs of everyone we serve.
We’re passionate about making a real impact, with team members including educators, career advisors, and industry experts who are all committed to helping people grow their skills and achieve their goals.
All NYBEP staff undergo thorough safeguarding checks, including DBS checks, to ensure a safe and supportive environment for everyone we work with.
Our collaborative approach and dedication to empowering individuals and communities is what makes us stand out. Meet the team behind the projects and learn more about their passion for creating opportunities and driving positive change.
our team
Unlock Business Potential while Nurturing Future Talent
the board
The Board of Directors
Our Directors have extensive senior experience, many with backgrounds including large private sector businesses, schools, higher education, science and technology, and a Chamber of Commerce.
About Phil Pond
One of a team using Future Trend Intelligence to create Marketing & Brand Strategies for retail, manufacturing, design & event companies in a broad range of business sectors around the world.
Phil Pond- Chair
About Kelly Dunn
Having worked with NYBEP since 2018, I joined the Board in 2022. I am the founder of KD Recruitment and want to inspire students as they are the talent of tomorrow.
Kelly Dunn
About Sue Gradwell
For over 35 years Sue worked in career development and learning. Starting as a careers adviser in York, her own path included the management of Wakefield District Guidance Services, of Career Productions (producing resources for schools) and latterly as Chief Executive and Chair of NYBEP.Â
Sue Gradwell
About Charles Lane
Charles Lane is a plant doctor helping to build capability and capacity to protect plant health working with industry, general public and students of all ages. He is involved in developing Virtual Reality, using creative writing, and running training workshops both nationally and internationally. He has had a lifelong interest in education and creating opportunities to experience science careers for everyone to promote social mobility.
Charles Lane
About Claire Preston
Lifelong learner, inspired by the impact of education on life chances and intent on promoting and supporting equality of opportunity, personal and professional development, and aspiration.
Claire Preston
About Emma Bassit
Emma Bassitt is a Lecturer in Interior Design at York St John University and an experienced designer with a background across interiors, architecture and construction. She has delivered national and international projects within the hospitality and leisure sectors, specialising in technical design and project delivery. Emma is also a freelance consultant, with a focus on human-centred, evidence-led design.
Emma Bassitt
About Jon Tait
Executive Director of Education at Northern Arch Learning Partnership, experienced teacher and school leader for over 25 years, published education author and speaker.