Connecting People, Skills and Work – Can Digital Badges Drive Positive Systemic Change?

Rebecca became Chief Executive of Ufi VocTech Trust in 2014 and leads our mission to ensure that vocational skills are accessible, celebrated, and supported by the best digital tools. Under her leadership, Ufi has grown into a significant grant funder and venture investor, championing innovation in adult vocational learning—particularly for underserved sectors and communities.
Rebecca brings a rich background in innovation, technology policy, and economic development, with experience spanning the public, private, and third sectors. Prior to joining Ufi, she held senior roles including Director of Innovation at Advantage West Midlands and Assistant Director for Innovation & Technology Policy at the UK Department of Trade and Industry.

A qualified teacher, Jamie worked in post-primary education for 10 years before entering the world of coaching and interventions through Probation Board Northern Ireland. More recently, he managed employability and training programmes through Ashton Community Trust and now through Belfast City Council (BCC). As an Employability and Skills Officer for BCC, Jamie supports employability interventions by managing Quality Assurance for Council’s Employment Academies, and the embedding of Digital Badges within and among the business community and employability providers within the city. In addition, he oversees data collection for the Employability and Skills team with a special focus on utilizing data to shape and inform future employability interventions.

I am involved in several global initiatives and networks that aim to improve the quality and recognition of digital badges and verifiable credentials across various sectors. I am a member of the Executive Committee of the International Council on Badges and Credentials, a Council Member of the Union of International Associations, a Steering Committee Member of the OEB Global Conference, and a Member of the Digital Badge Commission.
As a Senior Enterprise Account Director at LinkedIn, I work with inter-governmental organizations (UN agencies & IOs), public enterprises, chambers and associations to understand their operational needs and strategic goals to eventually build long-term collaborative relationships.
I leverage LinkedIn's products and solutions to help them optimize their talent planning, acquisition, development, and retention strategies. I have over 18 years of experience in account management, digital technology consultancy, training and professional networking.

Alexandra Willans is Careers and Technical Education Partnership Director at Bradford Council, UK. With extensive experience in education and workforce development, Alexandra focuses on creating pathways that connect people, skills, and employment opportunities. She has played a pivotal role in Bradford’s strategic efforts to enhance technical education and employer engagement, ensuring young people and adults gain the skills needed for a changing economy. Alexandra is passionate about leveraging innovation – including digital credentials and badges -to drive systemic change and improve access to lifelong learning. Her work supports Bradford’s ambition as UK City of Culture 2025, embedding inclusive growth and future-ready skills across the district.

Anthony is Director of Strategic Engagement at Ufi, leading our partnership, grants, and public affairs teams, and developing high-level relationships and initiatives to support our mission and long-term goals. Anthony has a background in research, policy and social innovation work spanning learning and skills, economic security, institutional change, future of work, public service reform, political identity and change, and economic policy. Prior to joining Ufi, Anthony was Director of Policy and External Affairs at the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and Chief Research & Impact Officer at the RSA where he led social and policy impact programmes from 2016 to 2022.