Our Fellows

The 5% Club Fellowship

To mark the Tenth Anniversary of the founding of The 5% Club (2013-2023), ten Fellows were created, so that we could recognise those individuals who had driven inspired action across and within our movement and impacted positively on the delivery of increased, inclusive and accessible workplace learning for all.

The group acts as role models for others as they look to deliver social impact and will be available to share advice and guidance by supporting the delivery of events, through their own thought-leadership, or by connecting The 5% Club to the right people, employers, and organisations in their own professional networks. In addition, they will help shape The 5% Club thinking and operational activities and will be invited to sit on the Business Leadership Council or Expert Advisory Council.

It is intended that The Club will confer Fellowship on selected individuals each year. To find out more and apply to be a 2025 Fellow please visit the Fellows’ Application Process.

These individuals will have inspired positive action themselves, as an individual or as a leader within our movement or within their own organisation.

The inaugural 2023 Fellows:

  • Andrew Churchill OBE, Chairman, JJ Churchill

  • Tony Ellender, Professional Development Manager, Balfour Beatty UK

  • Rt Hon Robert Halfon (previous Skills Minister)

  • Dr. Sam Healy BEM, Group Director ESG, Qinetiq

  • Karima Khandker, Director of Resourcing, Skills and EDI, Thames Water

  • Mark Lomas, Head of Culture, Lloyds

  • Katie Nightingale, Director, People Consulting, Grant Thornton

  • Professor Steve Petrie, Head of Commercial Transformation, Evelyn Partners

  • Chris Shirley, Head of UK Skills & Development, QinetiQ

  • Kate Whatley, Freelance

2024 Fellows

  • Sharon Blyfield OBE, Head of Early Careers, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Limited
  • Caren Alderwick, Head of Apprenticeships and Operational Training, CrossCountry Trains
  • Joanne Gogerly, Head of Siemens Professional Education UK & Nordics, Siemens
  • Julie Lawrenson, Freelance
  • Sat Nijjer, CEO, Fortel Group
  • Emma Simpson, Early Careers Programme Manager, Fidelity International