1. Staff
2. Jan Ward CBE

Jan was appointed as Chair of the Energy & Utility Skills Group in August 2016, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a broad understanding of working within SME and major employer arenas. Her combined strong commercial acumen and expertise from the national and international stages, all of which have skills mobility issues, help strengthen the Energy & Utility Skills Board’s strategic vision and ability to lead an organisation operating in the changing skills agenda.

As a passionate communicator and ambassador, and a mechanical engineer by trade, Jan also has a wealth of proven experience of working with a wide variety of stakeholders and partners, including 15 years acting in an advisory capacity to various UK government departments on business issues.

Jan – who founded Corrotherm International in 1992 as a business supplying high-grade metals to the oil, gas and desalination markets – retains her role as Chief Executive Officer.

Amongst an array of recognitions, in 2014 alone Jan was awarded a CBE for services to business, achieved IOD Global Director of the Year and was named one of the Manufacturer Top 100 role models. Jan qualified with a BSc in Engineering in 1984, is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors and a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce.

Speaking about her appointment Jan says “I am bursting with enthusiasm. One of my personal focuses as Chair of the Energy & Utility Skills Group will be working with our members and partners to change the perception of the sector. The skills agenda is particularly important to me personally. Qualifications have had a big impact on my life and this post will give me the chance to make a difference to other people’s lives in the same positive way. Together we will demonstrate the vast range of opportunities on offer to the young people of today.”