The IEP are proud to introduce Diane Vernon FIEP as our new Fellow. Diane is Founder and CEO of award-winning charity EmployabilityUK and was one of our panellists at the IEP Summit in June. She has more than 25 years of corporate business experience from BT and O2, in various roles, including delivering BT’s education and community programmes.
Diane has also held a significant number of volunteering roles including fundraising for mental health charities and 6 years as a Special Constable with West Midlands Police. She is on various boards and committees and has served as an independent Parish Councillor. Her commitment to advancing opportunities for young people was recognised in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Honours in 2022, where she was awarded an MBE.
In 2014 Diane created EmployabilityUK, a volunteer-led organisation that has designed and delivered employability skills programmes to thousands of young people, improving their confidence, motivation and work readiness. The employability skills programme Diane designed for The Coventry won the BitC Responsible Business Award for Education Partnerships in 2018. There was further recognition when EmployabilityUK was a proud recipient of the Queens Award for Voluntary Service in 2021.
Speaking on her Fellowship, Diane said:
“I am delighted to be contributing to the great work of the IEP as a Fellow. I firmly believe that employability should be a full life cycle, and theoretical, practical and applied training should be prominently and formally embedded in young people’s learning – from the age of 10 years.
“I plan to use my membership as a platform to take forward the priorities of the IEP, and to accentuate the voice and impact of the organisation. I have lots to share and I’m keen to learn from others.
“I believe the goodwill and shared purpose of the diverse range of members will provide an opportunity to activate change and help to ensure all young people are better prepared for their adult life.”
