My name is Alison Blight. I was attracted to Activate Learning primarily because my youngest son successfully completed GCSE and Electrical Installation courses at the City of Oxford College and later at the technology campus at Blackbird Leys. I saw how motivated the staff were; they  really enabled him to build important skills for a worthwhile career as a fully qualified electrician.

I felt I could contribute as a Governor using my career experience from the Audit Commission and the National Audit Office where I worked with large, complex organisations in health and social care.

In 2010 I was responsible to the Care Services Minister in the Department of Health reporting on adult social care across the South East. More recently I worked for social care directors in the region co-ordinating their response to Covid.

I understood from this work that further education colleges such as Activate Learning are vital to provide staff who have the right core values for caring work and who have been well trained.

In addition, I have an interest in mental health with 10 years’ experience as a Trustee and Chair of Restore, a mental health rehabilitation charity based in Oxfordshire.

My personal and professional experience is closely aligned to the values and aims of Activate Learning. I am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to the organisation as a Governor.