Helen is the Chief Executive of Online Centres Foundation, the social enterprise that runs the UK online centres service. She is passionate about the use of digital skills to build capacity in local communities, and the benefits that 'digital by default' service delivery can provide.

Helen has over 20 years experience of working in the e-learning industry, starting in 1985 in the private sector with The Times Network Systems, developing online education services for schools. She joined Ufi in 1999, where she previously led the operation of the learndirect learning network and learndirect advice services. She also led the ippr and University of Sunderland 'university for industry' pilot, following the Labour victory in May 1997. Helen has led UK online centres since its establishment and in 2011, she established Online Centres Foundation, the staff-owned mutual which won the contract to run the UK online centres service.