Neil Carberry, director for employment and skills
Neil was appointed director for employment affairs in February 2011. He is responsible for setting out a framework of employment policy that supports the CBI's ambition of making the UK the best place to invest and create jobs.
His team campaigns on behalf of CBI members on labour market issues including employment law, employee relations, equality and diversity, pay, pensions, health and safety and human rights.
Before becoming director, Neil spent four years as head of employment and pensions policy and he has previously worked in the CBI's public services team as head of public procurement. Neil joined the CBI in 2004, after completing a postgraduate degree at the LSE in Industrial Relations. Before this, he worked as an HR consultant for a number of major financial institutions.
Grace Breen, senior policy adviser
Grace is responsible for policy work relating to education and our Ambition for All in Schools campaign - including school and qualifications reform, careers advice, and work esperience.
Before joining the CBI, Grace studied at Sussex University for a degree in Economics and at King’s College London for an MA in European Public Policy.
Katy Pell, policy advisor
Katy joined the CBI in April 2014 and is responsible for our policy work on diversity and inclusion - including flexible working, childcare, shared parental leave and women on boards – as well as wellbeing, health and safety.
Prior to working at the CBI, Katy spent two years working as an account manager in marketing and advertising before spending three years contracted out to major financial institutions where she provided regulatory and compliance expertise.
Katy has a degree in History from the University of Sheffield and completed her masters in Non-proliferation and International Security at King’s College, London.
Stephen Rooney, policy adviser
Stephen recently joined the employment and skills directorate as policy adviser for skills.
Prior to joining the CBI, Stephen spent the last two and a half years living in Brussels, working for an NGO in the area of Ecology/Environment. Stephen is a graduate of Glasgow University and has previously worked as a Parliamentary Assistant in the UK Parliament.
Lydia Barkwith, directorate co-ordinator
Lydia is Neil Carberry's PA and provides administrative and events support to the wider ESD team.
Lydia was the CBI’s first apprentice, and has previously worked in the leisure industry, food and drink industry as well as volunteering with local government.