With a distinguished background in business leadership and accountancy, Steve Clarke joined NACE’s Board of Trustees in 2010, serving as Chair from 2014 to 2020. NACE’s focus holds a personal meaning for Steve, both as the parent of two daughters recognised as more able, and in light of his own experience as an academically able but somewhat disengaged student from what he describes as “a very ordinary working-class home”. He is particularly interested in the capacity of education to offer more life opportunities and choices for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. In addition to his role with NACE, Steve is also a Founding Trustee and Director of Festival Spirit, a charity which provides festival experiences for young adults with life-limiting illnesses and disabilities.

Rob is a Chartered Accountant and currently manages a large portfolio of not-for-profit audit clients within Dains Accountants & Advisors. At school he was recognised as ‘more able’ but fell victim to the longstanding myth that more able learners take care of themselves. This gave rise to an unfulfilling pursuit of Mathematics through to degree level before his other capabilities and interests could reveal themselves. Rob is therefore particularly interested in how strong financial management can enhance NACE’s existing work in disadvantaged communities, helping to ensure that all young people have the opportunity to thoroughly explore their abilities before making seismic life choices.

Sue started her career as a history teacher and went on to become the Head of School Improvement with a Local Authority and worked with primary, special and secondary schools. Sue is a former chair of NACE and in this capacity delivered keynote speeches and training nationally and internationally. Through NACE Sue has been involved in the writing of national materials commissioned by both the Welsh and English governments and has represented NACE on a number of government advisory bodies. She is also a trustee with the Aquinas Multi Academy Trust and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Sally joined NACE's Board of Trustees in May 2021, having had over 30 years' experience in the private sector, primarily within the West Midlands and Oxfordshire regions. This included latterly a 16-year career at the CBI, the UK's premier business lobbying group and membership organisation, representing the interests of businesses of all sizes and sectors, including universities and further education colleges. Sally initiated, designed and led the CBI Business in the Classroom initiative from 2008, which aimed to inspire young people into business and enhance their employability skills, achieving sponsorship from Advantage West Midlands and facilitating over 50 businessschool partnerships.

An education ‘leadership’ specialist, Robin is a leadership coach, policy consultant and advocate for the profession. His school senior leadership experience spans four decades, with 17 years as Headteacher/CEO helping to shape exceptional outcomes for more-able learners. Robin has held multiple national roles in educational and organisational leadership including National Teaching Commission (2024-); Patron of the Institute of School Business Leadership (2017-); Ethical Leadership Alliance board (2023-); national President of the National Education Union (2020-21); and is a founding Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching.