For the past 40 years, Sally has been a senior leader in schools and colleges – leading two successful, innovative colleges – Milton Keynes (1996-2003) and Activate Learning (2003-2022). Whilst at Activate Learning, she and her team transformed a medium-sized struggling institution into a high quality, financially strong organisation with a group of seven innovative colleges, three training providers, six schools and international work with a turnover of 150 million pounds.
Dame Janet Beer, Chair of the Alliance, said:
“I am thrilled to welcome Sally to the Board, and know that our members will benefit enormously from her wealth of experience and skills, which will also be incredibly valuable for our work in the wider sector.
“Sally will bring more fresh ideas and perspectives to the Board, following the appointment of three new members last year, which will benefit the Alliance enormously as we continue to work to ensure everyone can feel the positive power of sport and recreation.”
Sally’s passion lies in creating learning organisations where people develop both their emotional and thinking capabilities, which led her to develop the Learning Philosophy which became the cultural heart at Activate Learning.
She is also a keen advocate for vocational education and was the President of the Association of Colleges from July 2020 until October 2022, and has also chaired and been a member of a range of local, regional and national Boards. Some of Sally’s other Board commitments include:
- Chair of Learning with Parents and Brook
- Board member of two private limited companies and two universities
Sally also coaches and mentors senior leaders and works with a range of organisations on culture change and team development.
In October 2013, Sally was awarded a CBE, before receiving a Damehood in the 2023 New Year’s Honours List.
