IoD appoints education and skills ambassador for Yorkshire and North East

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has appointed Suzanne Withrington to the role of education and skills ambassador for Yorkshire and the North East.

Suzanne is principal lecturer for enterprise and business engagement at Teesside University Business School. As education and skills ambassador, she will connect directors with education providers and provide a regional voice to the IoD’s work with colleges and universities.

The IoD has welcomed the Government’s new Skills for Jobs White Paper which proposes to transform post-16 education and training and includes a move towards more employer-led training.

Suzanne has gained a wealth of career experience through engagement with public, private and third sector organisations, helping to develop their knowledge, skills and competencies. She now helps to equip students to become the directors of the future.
Suzanne is also vice-chair of the IoD North East (South) branch.

Suzanne said: “Businesses and education providers are facing very challenging times in which we must come together and identify the skills needed to rebuild the economy while at the same time providing young people with the confidence and opportunities to forge their careers and play a key role in our future.”

Natalie Sykes, the IoD’s head of English branches, said: “I’m delighted Suzanne is taking on this important role as businesses across the region look to rebuild and recover from the ongoing impact of the pandemic. Connecting businesses with education providers remains key to ensuring they can build a skilled workforce for the future.”

The IoD is also seeking ambassadors to champion its Chartered Director programme and diversity and inclusion in Yorkshire and the North East.

The IoD is the UK’s number one organisation for directors, providing connections, professional development and a lobbying voice. The Institute helped to secure vital support for directors during the Covid-19 pandemic, including financial assistance for wage bills and changes to insolvency rules.