Serena Standing

Serena was previously Chairman of Trustees The Philological Foundation, where she was the University of London Nominated Trustee and a Member Ely College Academy Council. Recently, a Trustee Diocese of Ely Multi-Academy Trust and Member Civilian Committee 1094 (Ely) Squadron ATC, Serena was formerly a Governor of Ermine Street Church Academy, Member Ely College Rapid Improvement Board and an Executive Director at Hanover Partnership. She was Chief Executive of Hanover Foundations 1997 - 2013.

Serena began her career at the BBC, working in Personnel for Radio 1, 2 and Light Entertainment

- Later graduated from University College London where she read Ancient History and Egyptology
- Academic work in the Middle East followed, including lecturing at British Museum and on tour
- Her first start-up was a successful bespoke tourism company based in Turkey.

On return to the UK, Serena started an art consultancy advising top FTSE companies on building their public and private art collections. Serena has been approved by DfE as a sponsor of secondary academies.

Additionally, she became a lecturer on business principles and entrepreneurism to St Martin's, Central School and other colleges, helping young artists showcase their work and establish themselves commercially.

Recruited by a leading provider to advise on business start-ups, career change and career building, Serena helped many clients achieve outstanding commercial and professional success.

The rise of corporate responsibility and a change from traditional hiring practices saw an increase in employers needing recruits suitably prepared and motivated.

This led to the establishment of Hanover Foundations, a charitable foundation to -

promote the acquisition and development of personal skills, communication and leadership in young people
establish a 'wellbeing' agenda to young people in education or those seeking to enter the work place

Hanover was initially funded by companies including Marks and Spencer and Deutsche Bank, and later in partnership with the Department for Education.

As Hanover's Chief Executive, she led the charity for 16 years, during which she:

- won the appointment by government to play a lead role in their flagship London Challenge and delivered programmes to 40 schools
- designed the first qualification to measure development in personal skills and leadership
- developed qualifications designed to integrate with the 14 -19 agenda and the new apprenticeships available with employers
- had her work certified by the Institute of Leadership and Management, of which she has become a Fellow
- led schemes delivered to thousands of young people in schools and colleges helping them build skills for successful employment