Ben Clayson
Ben is the CEO of Victvs, a leading educational technology organisation.
Ben Smith, Chair
In addition to being Chair of the AO-Forum, Ben is the Business Development Manager for Gordon Associates. His wide-ranging role includes strategic partnerships, liaison with regulators and fostering good business practice across vocational qualifications and apprenticeships.
Gordon Associates is the market-leading provider of Parnassus (AO management system), Talus (EPAO management system) and Monarch (compliance and governance). For further information please see: www.parnassusonline.com www.ga-talus.com www.ga-monarch.com
Dean Seabrook, Senior Qualifications Manager, Qualifications Wales
Dean Seabrook is Senior Qualifications Manager at Qualifications Wales, responsible for developing new Welsh qualifications, especially the new digital National 14-16 Qualifications and GCSEs, and sharing best practices for qualifications with centres. He contributes to advancing digital assessments and improving the qualifications system in Wales, working on initiatives that align with the ‘Four Purposes’ of the Welsh curriculum for learners.
Donna Stewart, Chief Examining Officer & Director of Qualification Development
With a strong background in education, Donna has worked for SQA as Head of Policy before stepping up to form part of the senior leadership structure at the organisation. Today she has a dual role as Chief Examining Officer and Director of Qualification Development.
Lucy Sydney, Director Strategice Relationships, Ofqual
Lucy Sydney is Director of Strategic Relationships at Ofqual and has long had a focus on Vocational and Technical Qualifications. She brings experience from her previous role as Head of Strategic Relationships at the Cabinet Office and Head of Partnerships at the Crown Commercial Service.
Rob May, Managing Director, Innovate Awarding
Innovate Awarding is a leading AO with a diverse team of over 100 staff all working together to assess 10,000 End-Point Assessment learners and award 25,000 Qualification learners every year.
Rob joined Innovate Awarding as Managing Director in September 2025, bringing over 20 years of experience in the awarding sector. He has held senior roles at four leading UK awarding organisations and served as a Non-Executive Director at the Federation of Awarding Bodies.
Rob leads Innovate Awarding’s strategic direction and oversees operations, innovation, and organisational performance, driving excellence to exceed the needs of delivery partners, employers and learners, and positioning Innovate Awarding as a trusted and competitive leader in the sector.
Samantha Double, CEO, VetSkill
VetSkill is an awarding organisation and end-point assessment service empowering learners to achieve their potential through veterinary qualifications. Working closely with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) and DEFRA across our services, VetSkill offers a wide portfolio of qualifications ranging from level 2 to 7.
Sam Double is Chief Executive Officer at VetSkill building on her experience of a number of senior roles in the clinical and education sectors.