Rob May

Managing Director

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, ensuring the delivery of high-quality qualifications and apprenticeship assessments, financial stability and full regulatory compliance. He 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.

Rob is also an experienced school and university governor and holds an MA with Distinction in International Relations. Outside of work, he enjoys cycling, playing guitar, travel and reading.

Andy McNeill

Director of Product and Assessment Services

Andy joined Innovate Awarding in 2016 as Head of Product and Assessment Services and oversees the development and management of assessment products.

Andy’s department includes the Client Relationship team and Development team, managing both the ongoing development and relationship management of Innovate Awarding’s clients, as well as managing Innovate Awarding’s products.

These include Qualifications and End-Point Assessment of apprenticeship standards. Andy has worked in the education sector for over 16 years, working in qualifications development and product management.

In his spare time Andy enjoys cricket and golf.

Lesley Sharp

Director of Compliance

Lesley joined Innovate Awarding in 2015, and leads on all activity relating to Compliance, ensuring that all policies, processes and business practice are compliant with Ofqual’s conditions of recognition and those of the three other regulators.

Lesley is also responsible for dealing with instances of malpractice and maladministration plus any complaints that are made to the organisation, and takes a lead on dealing with appeals. She is responsible for ensuring all requests for reasonable adjustments and special considerations are dealt with appropriately.

Lesley started her working life as a nursery nurse and has always worked in either early years or education. Lesley enjoys socialising with family and friends and loves reading a good book to relax.

Tom Nutbrown

Director of Operations

Tom joined Innovate Awarding in 2019 as Operations Assessment Manager, bringing with him over 15 years of experience in the work-based learning sector. Prior to joining Innovate, he held a range of roles in training provider organisations, including Project Delivery and Area Manager positions.

In November 2024, Tom was appointed Director of Operations. In this role, he leads all operational functions related to End-Point Assessment, including Operational Delivery, Operational Support Services, and Quality Assurance. He also oversees the Innovate Call Centre and Invigilation Services, ensuring the smooth and effective delivery of a high-quality assessment experiences.

Outside of work, Tom enjoys spending time with his family and friends, playing cricket, attending live music events, and exploring new music.