WHO WE ARE

SARAH EDMONDS
Chair of the Board

Sarah has been involved in the regulated awarding industry at a senior and strategic level for almost 20 years. She has spent time as a Head of organisation, Executive Director of Quality and Standards, Responsible Officer roles, non-executive Director of the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) and chair of independent regulatory governing and advisory boards within the sport and fitness sector.

Through her thorough understanding of regulatory governance, risk management and maintenance of standards through effective quality assurance strategies, Sarah has a proven track record of improving performance and ensuring compliancy in awarding organisations.

Laura Topliss
Director of DNA Skills

Laura has end point assessment running through her DNA having been immersed in the sector since early 2018. Previously working for a large awarding organisation, Laura upscaled the EPA provision to over 60 standards, assessing thousands of learners each year and achieving the highest levels of compliance with the regulators. Prior to that Laura headed up apprenticeship delivery for an FE College and worked with sub-contractors to improve quality and compliance, leading an Ofsted inspection where the Apprenticeship provision was graded Good. Laura is also a fully qualified Careers Guidance Professional having spent many years supporting schools, colleges and training providers, develop and improve their CEIAG provision.

Having been an apprentice herself, an employer of apprentices, a deliverer, adviser and assessor of apprenticeships, Laura has pretty much experienced a 360 view of the sector over the years and is in a great position as strategic leader of DNA Skills, understanding the challenges and opportunities for end point assessment and leading the business through exciting times ahead.

Laura keeps her mind and body active through swimming and yoga each week and volunteers for the Imperial War Museum.

CHRIS BARNES
General Manager

Chris has over 15 years’ experience within the sports and education industry. A dynamic leader, Chris recently led the operations for a large school sport and children’s activities division, overseeing a workforce in excess of 200 and guiding the team to achieve several Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ grades.

Chris will be moving into a new role within the SCL Education Group in January 2024, but will continue to support DNA Skills for the remainder of 2023 to ensure a smooth handover for Laura and the team.

Outside of work, Chris has always been a keen and competitive sportsman, turning his hand to running and golf in recent years.

JADE DAVIES
Head of Quality & Compliance

Jade has always had a keen eye for quality, having spent the last eight years within the work-based learning sector improving the quality of provision across a wide range of apprenticeship standards and industries.

Outside of work, Jade is also a keen sportswoman, playing competitive league hockey alongside climbing, cycling and running. Jade enjoys spending much of her spare time walking the mountains of England & Wales.