We are proud to share the exciting news that our founder, Jane Whitehart (Rexworthy), has been recognised with a prestigious national honour of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to International Trade.
This accolade acknowledges Jane’s decades of leadership in championing inclusive, skills-led international partnerships—supporting economic development, workforce transformation, and equitable access to opportunities across the globe.
This award builds on Jane’s recognition as an Export Champion in 2024, acknowledging her leadership of People 1st International, which under her guidance has delivered projects in over 50 countries. It also recognises her role as Chair of UK Skills Partnership since 2023, where she champions collaboration among the UK’s leading skills and education organisations to work in partnership internationally. In this capacity, she has also served as a member of the ministerially led Education Sector Advisory Group, which plays a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the Department for Business and Trade’s international education team and advancing the UK’s education export efforts.
Speaking about the honour, Jane said:
“I am deeply humbled by this recognition. It’s a privilege to work alongside such inspiring colleagues across People 1st International, the UK Skills Partnership, and now through my own venture, Skills for Inclusion. This honour reflects not just my own journey, but the collective impact of collaboration, shared purpose, and a belief in the power of inclusive workforce development.”
This milestone comes at a significant point in Jane’s professional journey, following the recent launch of Skills for Inclusion Ltd, a consultancy dedicated to embedding equity in global skills systems. Building on her long-standing work with People 1st International, the business supports governments, employers, and partners to design inclusive, sustainable, and demand-driven workforce solutions—particularly for marginalised groups, women, and young people.
Jane’s recognition serves as a powerful reminder of how inclusive skills and international trade are intrinsically linked—transforming lives, opening pathways to employment, and supporting global partnerships that deliver social and economic value.
