David Oldham
Chief Executive Officer
David qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1986 and worked in an accounting practice until 1993. Since then, he has worked in the not-for-profit sector, including 20 years as Finance Director for various charities. He joined Connolly in 2021 as Chief Officer and is responsible for the day to day running of the Foundation.
Trustees
Mostaque was born in Luton and has lived in the town all his life.
He owns a print and marketing business in the town and is married with four children. He is an Ambassador and keen supporter of Luton Town Football Club and enjoys running and taking part in marathons.
Amar Lakhani
Amar lives in Chesham and works as a Head of Design & Technical Engineering. He believes strongly in the importance of giving back and tackling the challenges faced by both the older and younger generations.
He loves baking and cooking, playing the guitar, and reading.
Bren McGowan
Bren lives in Luton. He is mostly retired having previously worked in policy and health policy in local government and Healthwatch England Luton. As a trustee Bren wants to support local organisations to ensure that they make a difference for local people. He is a theatre goer and music fan and is likely to be found with his nose in a book or doing crosswords.
Malcolm Groves
Malcolm lives in a village close to Peterborough. He has been in education all his professional life, in schools, youth work and adult education, as an inspector and a national adviser and consultant. He has three grown up children with families of their own.
He currently leads an innovative organisation called Schools of Tomorrow.
He enjoys cycling, walking and yoga.
David Wilkins
In 2008 David joined Bedford College as the Head of Construction. In 2018 he joined the senior leadership team as Director of Construction and Building Services for the Bedford College Group, leading staff over multiple campuses.
David oversaw the development of completed the development of the £4.5m Connolly Building, a modern Methods and Offsite Construction Training Centre at the Bedford Campus, for new and existing learners.
Vanessa Connolly
Vanessa spent many years as CEO of Bedfordshire Citizens Housing Association and brings to the Board a thorough knowledge of services for older people.
Yvonne Ashby
Yvonne spent her working life in careers guidance. She is currently Strategic Hub Lead at South Midlands Careers Hub, providing leadership to careers officers at more than 150 schools across Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes. She brings a wealth of experience around careers guidance in schools.
