Jo Shirley Professional Development Co-Director, EducationScape Start date: January 2025 Previous Job: Senior Professional Development and Learning Manager, Skills and Education Group Interesting fact: Jo is an adventurous soul who thrives on exploration. She’s crawled through Vietnam’s Cu Chi Tunnels before zipping through Ho Chi Minh City. She’s also journeyed across Sri Lanka, climbing Sigiriya Rock and riding “the world’s most beautiful train route” from Kandy to Ella. Karen Plowman Professional Development Co-Director, EducationScape Start date: January 2025 Previous Job: Head of Professional Development and Learning, Skills and Education Group Interesting fact: Karen has a flair for the stage, from her pantomime days in her youth to a surprise moment of fame on a cruise when a performance was unknowingly streamed across the entire ship. David Phoenix Vice Chancellor, The Open University Start date: July 2025 Previous Job: VC and CEO, London South Bank University Group Interesting fact: When not focused on helping create educational opportunities, David still maintains his research as a molecular engineer looking at the design and delivery of new drugs.