New appointment

A chemical engineer by profession and Fellow of the Royal Academy for Engineering, Dame Judith was formerly chair of the Health and Safety Executive. She became a Dame in the New Year Honours in 2016 and was appointed chair of manufacturing body EEF in April of the same year, a role she will continue alongside her Semta duties.

The Semta Group, which includes the not-for-profit employer-led skills experts Semta, which serves the engineering and advanced manufacturing sector, industry awarding body EAL, Semta Apprenticeship Service and Semta International, has decades of experience and is playing a leading role ensuring that industry and education fully benefit from the introduction of the Government’s Apprenticeship Levy.

Dame Judith said: “The Semta Group has a unique and prominent role to play at a pivotal moment in the development of skills in this country.

“The skills landscape is changing as quickly, if not more quickly, than ever – and we need the expertise, experience and vision that the Semta Group brings to guide industry, government and education through the challenges and opportunities that pertain.”

Dame Judith’s appointment was announced at the annual Semta Skills Awards, which celebrates the very best engineering talent and expertise within the advanced manufacturing and engineering sectors.

Ann Watson CEO of Semta Group, said: “We are delighted that Dame Judith will be our new Semta Group Chair. She brings a wealth of experience, insight and formidable energy with her – and will be a huge asset to Semta and the sector at such an exciting time.”