Lesley has worked in the education and training sector for the majority of her career.  Prior to her appointment as CEO and Principal for The Trafford College Group she was Senior Vice President for Pearson with responsibility for the qualification standards, quality and the awarding of all academic and vocational qualifications worldwide.

She joined Pearson from the Association of Colleges (AoC) where she was Deputy CEO and led on UK and international education policy, AoC Create and business development. Lesley has also held senior positions in the Learning and Skills Council, the Adult Learning Inspectorate and in teaching. She has worked extensively overseas advising governments on technical and vocational education and training and on quality improvement and assurance.  

In 2016 she became Chair of the newly formed UK Skills Partnership Board, a network of the UK’s leading education sector organisations and which was established to promote the development of vocational and technical skills internationally.  Lesley is also a member of the Board of Ofqual and in her spare time she is a trustee for the Helena Kennedy Foundation and Chair of her local Royal British Legion. Lesley is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Further Education.