ETF appoints four sector members to Education, Quality and Standards committee

Posted on August 27th, 2025

The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) has appointed four members to its new Education, Quality and Standards (EQS) Committee. David Brook, Hollie Barnes-Lomax, Francesca Elgie and Qasim Hussain each bring their extensive experience in the Further Education (FE) and Skills sector to this new committee, providing oversight to ensure ETF’s provision meets the highest quality and standards for the benefit of the whole sector. 

As a committee of the ETF Board, the role of the EQS Committee is to oversee the quality and standards of the charity’s educational provision, which includes training and development, professional statuses and membership. The Committee’s main responsibilities are to oversee and advise the ETF Board on the quality of provision, outcomes and impact. 

Hollie Barnes-Lomax is Teaching, Learning and Quality Lead in Further Education at Chesterfield College with a career spanning teaching, learning and quality improvement across the FE sector. Hollie has experience driving strategic improvements at curriculum and organisational level, specialising in professional development, English resits, pedagogy and evidence-informed practice.  

David Brook brings a wealth of experience in policing, security, and education to the committee role. Currently Head of Operational Training at Carlisle Support Services, he is also pursuing a Professional Doctorate in Education at Huddersfield University, focusing on counter-terrorism policy and its impact on public safety education. 

Francesca Elgie is Head of Teaching and Learning for Digital, Arts, Sports, and Services Faculty, including GCSE resits, at Middlesbrough College Group (MCG). She leads the strategic development of impactful, evidence-based teaching and learning CPD. Since starting her FE career as a Sport and Fitness Lecturer, Francesca has continued to teach in both FE and HE. 

Qasim Hussain is Vice President for Further Education at the National Union of Students UK, and is a passionate advocate for the rights, needs, and opportunities of students in FE. His work focuses on addressing the unique challenges faced by FE learners, including funding, accessibility, and equitable access to vocational and technical pathways.  

Lynette Leith OBE, Chair of the EQS Committee, said: “The introduction of this committee showcases ETFs commitment to providing an excellent service to the sector. It is an important addition to ETF’s governance and oversight, helping us to ensure that, as the sector’s professional body, we are delivering the highest quality and standards of education and training for the FE and Skills workforce.”  

Dr Katerina Kolyva, ETF’s CEO, said: “I am delighted to welcome David, Hollie, Francesca and Qasim as the Committee’s newest members. Each of them brings extensive experience in the sector alongside a passion for rigour, quality and the transformative power of education. I look forward to working with them all to ensure that, together, we are meeting the sector’s needs and delivering impact through our work.”