Helen Ketteringham

As NCFE’s first Chief People Officer and the only woman on the Executive Team, Helen Ketteringham has shaped the role since 2022 with vision and impact. In 2024, Helen played a pivotal role in a landmark year that saw NCFE acquire Active IQ and launch its new ‘Centred on People’ strategy to 2030.

Helen influenced the creation of a senior leadership team to devolve decision-making, improve inclusion, and embed diverse thinking—improving trust in leadership (now scoring 7.9). A new People Product function co-developed frameworks for a Colleague Charter, Manager Responsibilities, and Leadership Principles, while Core Skills development was delivered via digital credentials and CPD-backed learning communities, with innovative topics like "Uncertainty Tolerance."

Through a strategic EDI framework and colleague-led committee, 2024 saw disclosure double, EDI engagement reach 8.2, and the gender pay gap narrow from 9% to 5%. Helen refreshed NCFE’s benefits offer with cost-neutral initiatives like a 'YOU day' and 'YOU hour'—boosting eNPS to +28 (‘outstanding’).

Helen’s focus on internal mobility and growth mindset led to the "Always Learning Loop," embedding personalised learning experiences that increased internal fill to 35% and reduced attrition by 6%. Learning, coaching, and reward policies aligned to business needs, with 65% of critical roles identified and mitigated.

Business impact mirrored people outcomes: customer NPS rose +13, revenue exceeded target by 7%, and the People team was shortlisted as 2024 North East HR&D Team of the Year. Helen remains a sector influencer, podcast guest, mentor, and contributor to national skills frameworks.