Jess Bates’ influence on the UK education, skills and the talent eco-system has been extraordinary. Driven by a mission to dismantle structural barriers to opportunity, Jess has embedded social value at national scale – shaping policy, influencing major infrastructure investment and ensuring that economic growth translates into real opportunities for underserved communities.
Her leadership of the STEM Governors for Schools Skills Programme has redefined the role of governance in tackling educational inequality. Over one third of schools in England have one or more vacancy on their governing boards. This is a massive problem that Jess and the Governors for Schools Skills Programme are aiming to fix. Jess has revolutionised the concept of STEM governance, anchoring industry professionals within school leadership teams to drive STEM attainment while delivering tailored curriculum support.
Jess’ influence extends from classrooms to boardrooms and Westminster. Sitting on national bodies such as the Careers & Enterprise Company, the Digital Policy Alliance and the AQA Expert Numeracy Group, Jess works directly to influence the structures that shape social and economic opportunity in the UK.