Shane took an interest in further education policy while studying A levels at his local FE college 18 years ago, and has worked in a range of policy, campaigning and representative roles ever since. He was the Vice President (Further Education) at the National Union of Students during the 2010 General Election and helped lead the largest mobilisation of students seen in a generation. Since then he’s led on public affairs for adult education body Learning and Work Institute and worked closely with around 50 colleges as the Midlands Area Director at the Association of Colleges.

Outside of work, Shane served on the board at Capital City College Group, overseeing two mergers to form one of the country’s largest college groups and chaired the board’s quality and standards committee.

He is now editor of FE Week, a weekly newspaper and online news service, where he leads a team of reporters covering further education, skills and apprenticeships.