Expert Advisory Council

Purpose
The Expert Advisory Council (EAC) is a body of subject-matter experts, comprising The 5% Club Fellows and invited specialists from Patron Members. Chaired independently, the EAC exists outside The 5% Club’s formal governance (which is led by our Trustees) but works collaboratively with the Business Leadership Council and Executive Team. Its purpose is to provide deep expertise, evidence-based insights, and informed guidance to support The 5% Club’s strategic thinking, policy positioning, and campaigning narrative – ensuring our mission remains credible, compelling, and impactful.

Objectives
Working with the Business Leadership Council, Board of Trustees and Executive Team, the Expert Advisory Council will:

  • Serve as a respected, authoritative source of technical and sectoral expertise to inform The 5% Club’s strategy and campaigns.
  • Participate in meetings and working groups to examine key policy, research, and campaigning issues in depth.
  • Develop and review evidence-based position papers, policy recommendations, and advocacy materials.
  • Advise on trends, challenges, and innovations in skills, training, and workforce development.
  • Help maintain the credibility and authority of The 5% Club’s public voice and campaigning narrative.
  • Identify and cultivate networks of expert supporters who can strengthen The 5% Club’s policy influence.

Membership
The membership of the Expert Advisory Council includes:

  • Senior Fellows of The 5% Club.
  • Invited experts from Patron Members.
  • Other recognised subject-matter specialists, as agreed with the Chair and Executive Team.

Chair: Jason Holt CBE

Members:

  • Balfour Beatty  – Tony Ellender, Professional Development Manager
  • BPP – Emma O’Dell, Skills & Capability Director
  • Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Limited – Sharon Blyfield OBE, Head of Early Careers
  • CrossCountry Trains – Caren Alderwick, Head of Apprenticeships and Operational Training
  • Evelyn Partners – Steve Petrie Head of Commercial Transformation
  • Fidelity International – Emma Simpson, Early Careers Programme Manager
  • Grant Thornton – Katie Nightingale, Director, People Consulting
  • Leonardo – Ben Lavery, Early Careers Coach
  • Lloyds – Mark Lomas, Head of Culture
  • Lockheed Martin – Lisa Jiggins, Early Careers Lead
  • MBDA – Andy Baker, Early Careers Recruitment Manager
  • QinetiQ – Chris Shirley, UK Head of Skills & Development
  • Siemens – Joanne Gogerly, Head of Siemens Professional Education UK & Nordics
  • Thames Water – Karima Khandker, Director of Resourcing, Skills and EDI
  • WSP – Kerry Sneddon, Talent Acquisition Manager Graduates