Expertise

• Excellent understanding of qualifications, at further, higher and technical levels in social care and beyond.
• Sound understanding of education and social care landscapes in Wales.
• Skilled at policy formation, creating policies and recommendations that are well considered and achievable, leading to positive and pragmatic solutions.

I am passionate about education and training and its potential to change lives; both in terms of social mobility and in terms of improving practice.

Kate Crabtree is an experienced leader in education, qualifications, and social care, with a career spanning roles in government, regulation, further education and social work. With a background as a social worker and lecturer, she went on to hold senior positions including Deputy Director for Qualifications and Regulation at Welsh Government and Executive Director at Qualifications Wales, where she helped lead major national reforms and the establishment of the organisation. Kate, now supports governments, regulators and awarding bodies through specialist consultancy, strategic advice and quality assurance on health, social care and childcare qualifications.

Kate’s recent work includes chairing teacher focus groups, contributing to the development of new GCSEs and higher-level apprenticeship qualifications and designing training courses for a national volunteering agency. She has also advised internationally on qualification frameworks and led multi-agency workshops and strategic projects requiring collaboration across public sector organisations. Well-connected and highly experienced, Kate brings strong communication skills, strategic insight and a deep understanding of the social care and education landscape in Wales.