Lesley Bailey

Lesley was formerly a civil servant working in the Department of Education. Lesley is a National Leader of Governance (NLE), supporting other trusts and academies across the north of England. Lesley is an experienced governor in primary, secondary and alternative provision, and has a particular interest in Doncaster where she is a member of the Schools Forum. In addition, Lesley is Education Ambassador for the Prince’s Trust and is passionate about supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

A career civil servant at the Departments for Education and Skills/ Employment Lesley took forward policies on raising the skill levels and qualifications of adults working closely with Sector employer bodies. Lesley was a key player in the initial development and piloting of Apprenticeships and their introduction in Scotland.

Lesley worked in the Standards and Effectiveness Unit of the Blair government, effecting many changes on the education agenda. Careers guidance saw Lesley to the end of her civil service career, employed in the Connexions national policy unit. Secondment to an external provider provided an opportunity to further develop careers products and run a company selling resources directly to schools.

Now retired Lesley is an ambassador and member of the Education Board at The Prince’s Trust. She is also a recognised National Leader of Governance and member of The Doncaster School’s Forum. In her capacity as the Vice Chair of the Delta MAT and local governor of two primary academies, Lesley uses her skills and experience to help drive up the achievement and life chances of students, especially following her passion for less engaged young people.