Speakers

Neil joined the Alliance as a volunteer and in 2008, was appointed as its CEO, overseeing its rebrand to the Early Years Alliance in 2019 – a change that reflected its ambition to give a united voice to all involved in caring and educating young children.

Neil has fronted numerous sector campaigns on fair funding, the mental health of the early years workforce and notably, Rewind on Ratios. He has provided evidence to multiple government inquiries, and played a pivotal role in developing the two-year-old early entitlement offer. 

Neil was recognised in the 2022 New Year Honours list, when he was awarded an OBE for services to education and more recently, an honorary doctorate in education by the University of East London in recognition of his tireless advocacy for the early years sector.

He remains a powerful voice for the sector, fighting to ensure early years is recognised as an integral part of our national education system.