At Whyy? Change, we see each other as more than just colleagues, we are a family of like-minded, caring, dependable people who love working together. Meet our amazing team of skilled practitioners…
Laura Wright
Meet Laura Wright, our Head of People at Whyy? Change or “Head of Peeps” as she is fondly referred to by the team. A significant part of Laura’s role is delivery of the Level 3 and 5 HR apprenticeships and CIPD qualifications.
What do you love most about your role?
I love working with Whyy? it’s brilliant to be part of such a dynamic and committed team. Developing relationships with learners and supporting them throughout their journeys is also extremely rewarding. If I didn’t love that I’d be in the wrong job!
Favourite Moment
When the first learner completed their CIPD qualification it was a really special moment.
Fun Fact
I have a very sweet tooth and if I went on mastermind I would have to have confectionary from 1970 to the present day as my specialist subject.
Laura Wright MCIPD
HR & Learning and Functional Skills Tutor
| Real Job | Leader in People Skills |
|---|---|
| Accountable for | CIPD Programme delivery |
| Specialism | Chocolate |
| Start Date | March 2020 |
| Jedi Skill Level |  |
The Whyy? Change Team
Raymond Byrne CEO
CEO & Lean Six Sigma Tutor
| Real Job | Getting out of the way of talent |
|---|---|
| Accountable for | Everything |
| Specialism | Transformation & Change |
| Start Date | January 2014 |
| Jedi Skill Level | |
Ray Byrne
Firstly, lets introduce you to Ray Byrne, the CEO of Whyy? Change. Ray is committed to sharing his best practice knowledge and experience, and challenges others to question their thinking.
What do you love most about your role?
Helping businesses create profitable growth by teaching people to think more productively and his role in developing and upskilling people.
Proudest Moment
Securing and maintaining status as an apprenticeship training provider whilst surviving as a business through COVID.
Fun Fact
Ray was very nearly arrested on his wedding day – a prime example of why Emma is needed to protect the business from Ray!
Emma Harrison
We’d like to introduce you to our wonderful Managing Director, Emma Harrison. Emma oversees all things training, providing effective Governance for all aspects of our training delivery and ultimately protects the business from our CEO (as mentioned earlier, that is her actual job!).
What do you love most about your role?
I love seeing learners thrive and grow in confidence from the development route they have chosen to follow, knowing we play a significant part in shaping someone’s future career is so rewarding.
Proudest Moment
My proudest moment was receiving the GOOD grade from Ofsted following our first full inspection.
Fun Fact
I make the most awesome espresso martini’s!
Emma Harrison PCQI
Managing Director
| Real Job | Protect the business from Ray |
|---|---|
| Accountable for | Voice of the business |
| Specialism | Quality Assurance |
| Start Date | June 2019 |
| Jedi Skill Level | |
Matthew Trueman
Head of Communications
| Real Job | Promote all things Whyy? |
|---|---|
| Accountable for | Communicate, communicate, communicate |
| Specialism | Digital Marketing |
| Start Date | July 2020 |
| Jedi Skill Level | |
Matthew Trueman
Next, we welcome you to meet Matthew Trueman. Matt is our Head of Communications which makes him responsible for all of Whyy? Change’s marketing resources, events and strategy.
What do you love most about your role?
I love how varied my role is and the flexibility it offers, meaning I get to develop my skills across all types of marketing.
Proudest Moment
For me, my proudest moment was achieving a Distinction on the Level 6 Marketing Manager Apprenticeship, it was a huge milestone in my marketing career.
Fun Fact
I once presented on stage at the prestigious ExCeL London arena talking about social media tools.
Lynda Holbrey
Lynda Holbrey is the Head of Quality HSE at Whyy? Change and has been working in Quality for over 23 years.
What do you love most about your role?
I love giving back to the industry and helping to develop people, as well as the flexibility to support companies to truly make a difference.
Favourite Moment
Hearing clients talk about the impact training has had on their apprentices and organisation.
Fun Fact
I've previously been a qualified Swimming Teacher and a Coach!
Lynda Holbrey CQP MCQI
Head of QHSE
| Real Job | Mentor in-field practitioners |
|---|---|
| Accountable for | All things Quality HSE |
| Specialism | ISO9001, 14001 & 45001 |
| Start Date | October 2019 |
| Jedi Skill Level | |
Anne Wilson MBE
Head of Business Growth
| Real Job | Head of Business Growth |
|---|---|
| Accountable for | Building Relationships |
| Specialism | Being shy and retiring |
| Start Date | November 2022 |
| Jedi Skill Level | |
Anne Wilson MBE
Anne Wilson joined Whyy? Change in November 2022 as our Head of Business Growth, a role where she is responsible for strengthening existing customer relationships and forging new business relationships to expand the reach and awareness of the Whyy? brand.
What do you love most about your role?
There's so much to choose from but I love the variety of the team, our clients, networking, supporting business and more latterly becoming a tutor on the CMI Level 5 delivery/apprenticeship.
Favourite Moment
Becoming part of the team, so many highlights!
Fun Fact
I met Prince William at Buckingham Palace.
Claire Taylor-Foster
Now let’s talk about the brilliant Claire Taylor-Foster. Claire is our multi-talented leadership tutor who delivers our Level 3 Leadership Apprenticeships and Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 3 Leadership & Management courses.
What do you love most about your role?
I love Whyy? Change's culture, the staff, the learners, how everyone is and how things are done. Whyy? makes my heart sing because I see the benefits of the culture to everyone who has a Whyy? experience.
Favourite Moment
There are so many to choose from, but my very first group made a presentation about their experience which was lovely to hear and to see their future careers opening up in their minds as they progress is what’s truly special.
Fun Fact
I love anything to do with Alice in Wonderland, some might say I’m an enthusiast.
Claire Taylor-Foster
Leadership Tutor
| Real Job | Helping awesome people become incredible leaders |
|---|---|
| Accountable for | CMI Leadership delivery |
| Specialism | Asking questions to make people think! |
| Start Date | April 2023 |
| Jedi Skill Level | |
Rachel Ovens
Head of Marketing Programmes
| Real Job | Developing the next generation of marketers |
|---|---|
| Accountable for | Marketing Apprenticeships & CIM Programmes |
| Specialism | SEO & PPC |
| Start Date | June 2024 |
| Jedi Skill Level | |
Rachel Ovens
Rachel Ovens joined Whyy? Change in June 2024 as our Head of Marketing Programmes, a role where she is responsible for teaching the new Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Level 4 and Level 6 qualifications and marketing apprenticeship courses.
Rachel will also collaborate with the communications team and be involved in Whyy? Unboxd Marketing projects.
Favourite Moment
Completing my CIM Level 6 Diploma!
Fun Fact
People are often surprised to learn that I spent 4 years competing as an amateur boxer. Today, I apply that interest to running a news website dedicated to raising the profile of women’s professional and Olympic boxing.
Greg Grabski
Greg Grabski joined Whyy? Change in April 2024 as our Head of Lean & Six Sigma, a role where he is responsible for leading all Lean & Six Sigma Training and Continuous Improvement Apprenticeships.
What do you love most about your role?
Being a part of a business that has fantastic values not only on the posters, but practices them every day. Meeting new people, helping them to build great careers and supporting companies across the region. It's just amazing!
Favourite Moment
My first teaching session at Whyy? Change was a very special moment.
Fun Fact
People in my country of origin, often confuse me with a famous rapper and asking for selfies together.
Greg Grabski
Head of Lean & Six Sigma
| Real Job | Changing people’s lives |
|---|---|
| Accountable for | Lean & Six Sigma programmes |
| Specialism | Continuous Improvement |
| Start Date | April 2024 |
| Jedi Skill Level | |
Ready to make a difference?
This could be you
Work Perks
Empowered to Lead
Full autonomy to make meaningful changes to the organisation. You'll be more than just a small cog in a big wheel at Whyy? Change.
Hybrid Working
Whether you prefer working from home, our Rotherham HQ or anywhere in-between your working environment choices are kept open.
Training & Qualifications
When it comes to training, we go the extra mile to give you the gold standard to further enhance your skills.
Flexible Holidays
Your work-life balance is important to us, which is why we give our employees the flexibility to manage your time how you wish.
Join the Team!
If you’re looking to take the next step in your career and make a difference to the businesses we work with through apprenticeship training, get in touch for an informal chat. Explore your next steps, fill out the form and we’ll be in touch.
