Introducing Rob May, our new Managing Director

We are thrilled to announce that Rob May has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Innovate Awarding. Rob’s deep experience in education and skills development makes him the ideal leader to guide our organisation into its next chapter.

Rob joins us with two decades of experience dedicated to youth development and education. He has held leadership positions at City & Guilds and YMCA Awards, where he pioneered new business development strategies and created industry-leading learning technology. Most recently, as CEO of ABE, he focused on promoting inclusive development through professional qualifications. Rob also brings a strong governance background, having served as a governor at the Royal Agricultural University and as a non-executive director at the Federation of Awarding Bodies.

Rob takes over the position from Charlotte Bosworth, who successfully led Innovate Awarding for the past eight years and has now moved into her new role as Group Chief Executive at our parent company, Lifetime Group.

Looking ahead to a changing landscape

As the skills landscape continues to evolve with new technologies and shifting policies, Rob will focus on driving a fresh approach to assessment to meet the changing needs of learners. A key priority will be to support our partners through the upcoming 2025 reforms, which will introduce more flexibility and modular assessment to apprenticeships.

Rob shared his enthusiasm for his new role, saying, “I am thrilled to be starting this journey as the new Managing Director of Innovate Awarding. It has always struck me as a vibrant company and one that takes real pride in delivering high-quality, real-world learning solutions.”

He added, “It’s a pivotal time for apprenticeship assessment. With the 2025 reforms bringing more flexibility and modular assessment, our priority will be to support and guide employers and training providers through these changes, ensuring we remain the trusted voice for businesses and apprentices alike.”

Charlotte Bosworth expressed her confidence in the new appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Rob on board as Managing Director. His background in education and development of apprenticeship qualifications means he is uniquely placed to support the Group’s mission to equip young people with the skills to help them reach their potential.”

"I am looking forward to the next year of collaboration and partnership, ensuring we deliver high-quality assessments to meet the evolving needs of learners," she concluded.

The future of awarding, it starts with Innovate

Want to understand how we can support you in staying ahead of apprenticeship assessment reform, improve your qualification assessment performance, or for anything else we can help you with, contact our team today.