Get to Know Us and the Team
Empowering Futures, Transforming Work Experience
At The Changing Education Group, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to explore, engage, and excel in the world of work. For 17 years, we’ve revolutionised work experience, bridging the gap between education and employment through innovative technology, dedicated partnerships, and a mission-driven approach.
Created by founders Matthew Hodgkinson and Stephen Hackney in 2008
What started as a vision to redefine work experience has evolved into the UK’s leading provider of work-based learning solutions. Since our first student placement in 2008, we’ve grown into a trusted partner for over 250 educational institutions and thousands of employers, supporting over 426,000 students on their journey towards meaningful careers.
We recognised early on the challenges that schools, colleges, and educators face in sourcing, managing, and monitoring work experience placements. That’s why we developed Connect – our award-winning digital platform – to simplify the process and ensure that every placement is safe, structured, and impactful.
From our first employer engagement initiative to our nationwide expansion, our commitment remains the same: to create a seamless, technology-driven ecosystem that empowers students, educators, and employers alike.
Our Mission
At the heart of Changing Education is a simple yet powerful mission:
> To empower young minds by providing exceptional work experience opportunities that inspire ambition and open doors to the future.
> To innovate and lead in work-related learning, using smart technology that makes the work experience easier, safer, and more accessible.
> To partner with educators and employers, ensuring students gain real-world insights, invaluable skills, and the confidence to take their next steps.
How we
achieve this
- Revolutionising Work Experience – Our Work Experience Suite takes the hassle out of placement management, offering automated compliance, employer engagement tools, and real-time reporting.
- Bridging Education & Employment – We work alongside leading employers, educators, and career advisors to create meaningful, high-quality placements.
- Supporting Every Student—Through our mobile app and employer portals, we ensure that every student has the tools to secure, track, and reflect on their work experience.
Why It
Matters
We know that a single work experience placement can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. It builds confidence, unlocks potential, and gives students the skills to thrive in an evolving job market.
That’s why we’re not just software providers – we’re partners in shaping futures. Whether you’re an educator looking for seamless placement management, an employer seeking engaged young talent, or a student ready to take the first step into the world of work, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Meet the Team
Our strength lies in our people! Our diverse group of passionate professionals is dedicated to transforming work experience and career education. With backgrounds spanning education, technology, and industry, we bring a wealth of knowledge and a shared commitment to empowering the next generation.
Matthew Hodgkinson
Co-Founder & Director
As a co-founder in 2008, Matthew has overseen the growth of The Changing Education brand, which has led to over 500,000+ active student users accessing Work Related Learning. Matthew has a sales and marketing background, completing a BA (Hons) degree in 2003 and developed a keen interest in vocational Education and the barriers students face when competing for employment. In his spare time, Matthew has a hectic family life looking after his young children but still finds the time for an odd round of golf.
Stephen Hackney
Co-Founder & Director
Stephen is a Co-Founder & Director at Changing Education Limited. He works with a talented development team to create work-related learning and careers software. He graduated with honours from Chester University with a dual degree in Adult Nursing & Specialist Practitioner Community Public Health Nursing (School Health). Stephen supports child and adolescent health care by acting as an editor for the British Journal of School Health, stays active with his young Family and dogs and enjoys craft beers with a board game.
Manoj Khetia
Chief Executive Officer
As the Chief Executive Officer of Changing Education Group, Manoj harnesses his expertise in business and technology across various industries. Driven by a commitment to purposeful leadership and digital innovation, he excels in devising transformative solutions. Manoj is dedicated to exploring new opportunities and integrating emerging technologies to enhance educational outcomes. Outside of the office, he cherishes time with his family, enjoys walking his dogs, and indulges in his passions for cinema, cutting-edge tech, and video gaming.
Rennie McFarlane
Head of Delivery
As the Head of Delivery The Changing Education Group, Rennie finds great fulfilment in providing the very best customer service to every one of our clients. He has over 16 years of working as an Account Director and Company Director with diverse business acumen. He was a Company director for the previous ten years for a mascot production business, and highlights includes working on many high-profile movies with Sony Pictures & Netflix. Rennie wants to improve young people’s lives by finding them the best Work Experience placements and growing long-lasting working relationships with all our Schools & Colleges. In his spare time, he loves to walk, exercise, play tennis, read & travel. Visiting new places around the world is his biggest passion outside of being able to help the thousands of young people that Changing Education Group works with.
Mark Hardy
Client Success Manager
I am a CSM here at The Changing Education Group and have been with the company since November 2023. I am responsible for On Boarding our new clients, demonstrating our software and reviewing/offering demo refreshers for our current client base. I also manage day-to- day accounts, needed to ensure that schools and teachers are getting the most out of our services. Working at the Changing Education Group really does make a huge difference in shaping the future of the students we have the pleasure of working with. In my 10 years working in client facing roles, this is the only one that has offered true job satisfaction. In my spare time, my two young daughters keep me busy, along with my two French Bulldogs; my real passion is football and darts though, which I am consistently below average at both!
Danielle Hodgkinson
Customer Success Executive
My name is Danni Hodgkinson, and I am an Employer Engagement Officer for Changing Education. I joined Changing Education during the pandemic, having spent my previous years of employment within the jewellery industry. I am an enthusiastic and optimistic sales professional with over a decade of experience. I am driven by increasing sales and exceeding set targets. I bring dedication and positive results to the companies I’ve worked for. I am passionate about supporting others, developing new skills, and increasing sales. In addition to sales and design, I am highly fluent in using social media to build and develop companies. I love creating strategies to reach better and connect with new audiences. When I am not supporting students with their work placements, I have two young children who take up most of my time. In my free time, I enjoy gardening, and when I get the opportunity, I love to travel.
Rachel Townley
Careers Adviser
Hi, I’m Rachel. I’ve worked as a Careers Adviser for over 15 years, 8 of those years have been working for Changing Education. My experience has included working with young people and adults in various settings. I am passionate about helping people, whatever their situation, raise their aspirations and strive to reach their full potential. In my spare time, I’m a busy mum of 3 young children, or you might find me on the netball court or in the yoga studio letting off some steam!
Karl Grimes
Strategic Partnerships Director
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Chris Wood
EAP Lead
As the EAP Lead at Changing Education, I oversee the Early Access Programme, providing extended work experience for students who thrive with hands-on learning. I connect with employers to create safe and supportive environments where students can gain real-world industry insights. I joined Changing Education in 2024 after more than a decade in social care, supporting adults with learning disabilities, and earlier roles in childcare. As a parent of two children with support needs, I’m deeply passionate about the impact work experience can have on personal growth and confidence. In my spare time, I enjoy tabletop gaming, playing Magic: The Gathering, and spending quality time with my wife and kids. I’m also a fan of losing myself in a good sci-fi or fantasy audiobook.
Cynthia Claughton
Careers Adviser
Cynthia is from Seattle, US, and is a European Italian dual citizen. With a background in sales promotion, public relations, and content, she completed an M.A. in Marketing Communications from the University of Westminster Business School, London, and then a diploma in Lifestyle Journalism at the London College of Fashion (UAL). In 2009-10 she attended a Level 7 Career Guidance MA at Canterbury Christchurch University. She trained in 1-1 careers guidance interviews and group work delivery under PhDs and ex-National Careers Service faculty. She got experience in West Kent schools and a placement in ‘Connexions’. From 2011-2013 she worked in Careers at an American curriculum Islamic school in the Arab Emirates, assisting international university applications. In 2020-2021, I was back in the U.K. with experience at a SEMH boarding school Sixth Form helping students with SEND, trauma, or mental health challenges to complete vocational qualifications. She started remote CEIAG for seven schools with Changing Education, joining in December 2021. In 2022, she began studies at the University of Derby and the International Centre for Guidance Studies (iCGeS) in the M.A. Careers Education and Coaching programme.
John Knight
Careers Adviser
After leaving College, I worked in Engineering for several years before deciding on a complete change of direction and leaving employment to study for a Degree at Nottingham Trent University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Careers Guidance. Since then, I have delivered careers guidance and assisted with the delivery of work experience and the design of careers programmes in schools, 6th forms and Colleges across England before returning home to Cheshire, where I currently deliver guidance in Cheshire and North Staffordshire. Whilst working, I gained the Post Graduate Diploma in career education. When I began delivering guidance, I was passionate about helping young people see the importance of engaging in the decision and planning process. How they can achieve what they want, this passion has only grown over time. I’m increasingly convinced of the part that a well-organised work experience programme can play in raising a young person’s aspirations and helping with motivation. Away from Work, I enjoy my Family, Dancing, attending the Gym, Pilates and baking Cakes for friends and Family.
Jess Bees
Strategic Marketing Manager
As the Strategic Marketing Manager at Changing Education, I’m passionate about helping young people succeed by creating opportunities for meaningful work experience. My career began in Gibraltar, working in promotional roles at Ladbrokes, before moving into marketing strategy and management in the UK. At Changing Education, I’m proud to connect students, schools, and businesses through impactful campaigns that showcase the importance of work experience. Outside of work, I’m a video game enthusiast, escape room challenger, and devoted cat lover. I’m also excited to start travelling, exploring new places, and experiencing different cultures.
Lydia Barnes
Business Relationship Manager
As the Business Relationship Manager, my role is to build our partnerships with the fantastic employers, schools, and colleges in our care. I have a background in sales and marketing, and was with Changing Education previously, as part of the sales team. Changing Education has provided me with fantastic learning opportunities, and I find every day to be new and exciting in their transformative approach to work experience. In my spare time, I’m an avid reader and dog lover, you’ll find me and my partner on plenty of muddy walks with my cocker Bear and Cockapoo Piper. Then on the rainy days, amongst the aisles of waterstones with a coffee and book in hand.
Martin Folan
Careers Adviser
I have worked with Young people in several roles over the last 20 years, and have been part of the Careers Team for over the last 4 and a half years working with schools across the country both virtually, and in person. In that time, I have recognized the importance and impact social media can have in our work leading me to raise Changing Education as a brand to a wider audience both individually and collectively. Outside of Work, I enjoy watching most sports, and as I originally come from Derbyshire, I love being in the countryside and have supported Derby County F.C. for years, and one of my all-time favourite films is “Raiders of the Lost Ark."
Kath Dunn
Associate Careers Adviser
I am a Registered Career Development Professional, experienced in working with young people, career changers and those with diverse needs seeking learning or employment opportunities. More recently I have qualified as a Neurodiversity and Inclusion trainer and a strengths-based practitioner. I am currently a Hope Scholar with the Positive Psychology Guild focusing on the theme of supporting hope development amongst neurodivergent young people. I am also grateful every day for the opportunity to learn from my customers. Outside my paid work I take photos of Art Deco architecture and am a regular at my local Park Run.
Jamie Sutherland
Developer
I’m a full-stack software developer, so I do everything from planning to deployment. I’ve previously worked directly in Education for a decade, in the private sector, and even a brief stint in ocean research. I was a keen hiker, traveller and runner, but now I have a one-year-old, so I’d rather be in bed.
Mike Stow
Developer
I’m Mike, Father to a four-year-old boy and a full-stack software developer based in Essex. I spend my free time doing Home DIY and having fun with my Family. In my previous role, I was responsible for building and maintaining order management software for one of the leading NHS medical suppliers. Said software helped them increase their turnover by several million pounds per annum without needing to employ additional staff, but most importantly, the staff loved using it! I hope to bring the skills and expertise learnt in my previous role to Changing Education and with the development team to make some changes to the existing software, starting with how teachers use connect.
Matthew Yeend
Developer
My name is Matt, and I am a full-stack developer; I enjoy web development and watching (used to play) sports, including rugby and football. Over my past few positions, I gained experience within Laravel and PHP to bring to Changing Education and the development team. Furthermore, I enjoy days out to gigs and theme parks, including Alton Towers & Blackpool.
Stay Connected
Together, we are committed to making work experience transformative. By working hand-in-hand with educators, employers, and students, we ensure every young person has access to high-quality work-based learning that prepares them for the future.