As we come to the close of 2025 and look ahead to 2026, I have been reflecting on what this past year has meant — both personally and professionally.

Receiving the OBE was an extraordinary honour and a deeply humbling moment. Standing there, receiving the award from HRH The Prince of Wales, I was acutely aware that this recognition was not about one individual, but about the many people, partners, mentors, and teams I have had the privilege to work alongside over the years. Our collective efforts in skills development, employability, and workforce inclusion have always been rooted in collaboration, shared learning, and a commitment to opening doors for others.

With that honour comes a responsibility — to give back, to continue championing equity and opportunity, and to ensure that every voice has the chance to be heard.

Over the past year, Skills for Inclusion has grown not just as a consultancy, but as a platform — a space where inclusive practice, international collaboration, and employer-led innovation come together. We have worked across countries, sectors, and communities to strengthen pathways into meaningful work, support system reform, and amplify the voices of those too often overlooked in skills conversations through the Inclusive Voices podcast series.

Inclusion is not a statement — it is a practice, a commitment, and a continual act of listening.

As we move into 2026, our focus remains clear:

I am profoundly grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey — partners, colleagues, associates, clients, and friends who share the belief that skills have the power to transform lives, businesses, and societies.

Thank you for your trust, your collaboration, and your shared passion for building fairer opportunities for all.

Here’s to a purposeful and impactful 2026 — a year where we continue to give back, lead with empathy, and ensure inclusion remains at the heart of everything we do.