CDI Board of Directors

The Board manages the business of the CDI, agreeing the organisation's strategy and having responsibility for the overall governance of the CDI.

The Board comprises up to sixteen directors, up to ten of whom are elected by CDI members (President, President Elect, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Secretary Elect, Honorary Treasurer, Honorary Treasurer Elect, Chair of the Ethics and Professional Standards Committee and three directors), up to four elected by the Board and up to two co-opted by the Board. The CDI President serves one two-year term, preceded by acting as President Elect for a one-year term to ensure continuity. All other directors can serve up to two terms of three years each.

The Board comprises of the following roles:

CDI Board roles December 2025

Finance and Risk Committee

Minutes of Board meetings

Standing for the Board

Board Appointments Committee

President - under recruitment

Ryan Gibson has stepped down as President and we will be going out to elect a new President from 19th October.

The CDI Board are grateful to Ryan for his leadership in the role and wish him all the best for the future.

We are grateful to longstanding CDI Board Director John Ambrose for stepping into the Chair of the Board role in the interim.

If you are interested in submitting a nomination for the role - or encouraging a colleague to apply - please look out for the notice of election on 19th October. The incoming President will be ratified by the AGM on 10th December then take over as President and Chair of the Board.

Honorary Secretary - Kate Roberts

Kate Roberts was elected as Honorary Secretary in May 2025. Kate demonstrates a strong commitment to the CDI’s mission and the impact of high‑quality career development. As Head of Careers at Learning Curve Group, she brings valuable insight from the work‑based learning sector and is keen to strengthen links between the CDI and Independent Training Providers. Kate promises to bring a collaborative approach with a clear focus on governance, professional standards and inclusive representation across the profession.

Chair of the Ethics and Professional Standards Committee - John Walker

John was elected as the Chair of the Ethics and Professional Standards Committee in August 2023. As Chair of the Committee, John also sits as a Director on the CDI Board.

Directors elected by Members

John Ambrose

John Ambrose joined the CDI Board in December 2021 and was re-elected in November 2024. He has over 20 years experience as a practising career development professional. He co-founded Complete-Careers LLP and oversees the business's operations including Career Mark - a Licensed Awarding Body for the Quality in Careers Standard.

Gina Visram

Gina Visram is a boundless enthusiast of facilitating all things “careers”. As a qualified careers guidance professional, her roles include head of careers, freelance careers consultant, founder, and career coach.

An elected board member since April 2023, Gina is excited to be part of the team supporting the strategic direction of the CDI.

Mark de Backer

Mark de Backer is the Head of Careers at Education Development Trust and was elected to the CDI Board in April 2025. Mark has worked in the careers profession for over 25 years, supporting both young people and adults, and for the last ten years has held a leadership position at EDT. Mark is a passionate advocate for the power of personal guidance.

Directors appointed by the Board

Nikki Lawrence

Nikki Lawrence was elected to the Board in 2022 having previously sat on the Board as a co-opted Director.

Nikki Lawrence is a qualified accountant (ACMA) and joined Careers Wales in 2004. She has over 20 years’ experience in both private and public sectors.

Uuganaa Ramsay

Uuganaa was appointed in April 2024. She is a Career Development Professional with over 20 years’ experience across career guidance, education, workforce and organisational development. She is a Careers Adviser and Associate Lecturer at the University of the West of Scotland. She is the CDI Associate for Scotland, and is Founder and Managing Director of Wise Moon International consultancy.

Pippa Allner

Pippa was appointed in April 2024. Pippa is a Registered Career Development Professional working with young people for 22 years in the Youth Offending Service, Secondary, Primary and Further Education. Pippa is the Personal Development Manager (Careers Leader) at Bournemouth & Poole, managing the careers service. She is an Assessor for Careers Guidance qualifications and was CDI South West Regional Rep.

Tariq Sadiq

Tariq was appointed in April 2024. Before becoming the Careers Lead at a sixth form in Cambridge, Tariq was in university administration, fundraising and development. He was a County Councillor and once stood for parliament. Hi is on an Alternative Provision academy advisory board and a director of a community interest company working on reducing inequality.

Having any trouble?

Do not hesitate to reach out to us anytime.

01384 376464