The Bedford College Group appoints Laura-Jane Rawlings MBE as Chair of Governors
The Bedford College Group is delighted to announce that Laura-Jane Rawlings MBE DL, a current member of its Board of Governors, has been appointed as the Group's new Chair of Governors, marking an exciting new chapter for the Group as it moves into the 2026/27 academic year.
Laura-Jane brings a wealth of experience to the role, with over 20 years leading organisations across the public, private and third sectors. She is the founder and CEO of Youth Employment UK, which she established in 2012 to ensure young people are placed at the heart of employment policy and practice. Today, Youth Employment UK is the national body for youth employment, reaching over three million young people and working closely with employers and policymakers to drive systemic change.
Recognised as a leading voice in her field, Laura-Jane is Co-Founder and Chair of the Youth Employment Group, Secretariat and Advisor to the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Youth Employment, and a founding Board Member of the Youth Futures Foundation. She also chairs the Cambridge & Peterborough Youth Guarantee Board and serves as a Deputy Lieutenant for Northamptonshire. Laura-Jane has served as an External Governor at The Bedford College Group, and her elevation to Chair reflects the Board's confidence in her strategic vision and leadership.
Speaking about her appointment, Laura-Jane said: “I’m incredibly proud to take on the role of Chair at The Bedford College Group. Colleges have such an important role to play in creating opportunity – for young people, adults, employers and the communities they serve – and I have seen first-hand the ambition that exists across the Group. This is an exciting moment for Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire, with significant change and growth ahead, and I want us to be bold about the role the College can play in shaping that future. It’s a real privilege to work with such an experienced and committed Board, and senior executive team who are ambitious, passionate and deeply committed to the work of the Group.’’
With this strong background in policy, governance and youth-focused leadership, Laura-Jane is well placed to guide The Bedford College Group into its next phase of growth, as the Group continues to deliver outstanding education and training for students and employers across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire.
The Bedford College Group is one of the largest further education providers in the region, bringing together Bedford College, Shuttleworth College, Tresham College, the National College for Motorsport at Silverstone, and the National College for Logistics. Together, the Group supports thousands of students each year across a wide range of academic, technical and vocational routes, working closely with employers to ensure provision meets the needs of local and national industry.
Laura-Jane's appointment comes at a significant time for the further education sector, as national policy continues to evolve around skills, apprenticeships and the Lifelong Learning Entitlement. Her expertise in youth employment, coupled with her track record of working across government, business and the third sector, will support The Bedford College Group's Board of Governors as it oversees the Group's strategic direction and its commitment to social mobility across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire.
For more information about The Bedford College Group, visit: The Bedford College Group Board of Governors | The Bedford College Group