Built for Modern Careers.
Built for Modern Careers.
Driven by Real-World Needs.
Driven by Real-World Needs.
We’re raising the bar for digital training – blending industry expertise, social mission and unwavering support for UK businesses
Our Mission
We’re here to open doors into tech and help businesses build sustainable, inclusive digital capability. Everything we do is designed to meet real workforce needs – not just tick boxes.
Practical training with real ROI
Social mission at the core
Built in partnership with learners, trainers and employers
From Grassroots to National Impact
From Grassroots to National Impact
The Coders Guild started as a grassroots volunteer project – a direct response to poor-quality tech training. We’ve grown into a national provider working with Skills England, DfE and hundreds of employers to rethink how apprenticeships and bootcamps are designed and delivered.
Training that works for business
Training that works for business
We don’t just run courses. We solve capability problems. Our approach aligns with the B2B Elements of Value framework:
- Tangible ROI in months, not years
- Tailored delivery aligned to your team goals
- Support that simplifies funding and admin
We helped shape the Software Dev Level 4 apprenticeship. We’ve contributed to national updates to DevOps, Testing and AI standards. And we continue to influence policy and delivery through hands-on involvement with Skills England.
Every apprenticeship standard we deliver has been designed or updated by our team.
Built around modern learning
This isn’t university. It’s not college. It’s training for real life – flexible, challenge-led, and rooted in how people actually learn on the job.
Peer learning and coaching built in
Delivered by professionals actively working in tech
Practical, job-focused and relevant
Senior Leadership Team
Crispin Read
CEO
25+ years building and leading software development and product teams. 10 years running small businesses. Guides our strategy, curriculum design, and industry partnerships.
Francesca Roberts
Head of Commercial
Builds and maintains employer partnerships. Ensures businesses get maximum value from our programmes. Keeps us aligned with what industry actually needs.
Governors
Our governors bring deep expertise in the tech industry, operations, and skills development. They advise our leadership, challenge our decisions, and make sure we stay accountable to the businesses and learners we serve.
Roxy Allen
AgileHR & Organisational Psychology
Designs talent systems that build capability, not dependency. AgileHR expert. Turns people strategy into frameworks that scale and deliver.
Matt Ward
Ned, Chair, Business Builder and Innovator
Tech founder and CTO. Scaled innovation programmes at RBS, Deloitte, and xDesign. Brings commercial rigour and growth expertise to our strategy.
Could this be you?
We’re currently looking for a third governor with education experience.
Core team
From delivery and ops to learner support – these are the people who keep everything moving.
Shelley Needham
Apprenticeship Manager
Oversees apprenticeship delivery and safeguarding. Experienced in leading large-scale programmes. Keeps learners on track and employers fully supported.
Rob Brighton
Operations Coordinator
Runs operations and customer success. Manages relationships, delivery logistics, and support systems. Makes sure everything works smoothly for learners and employers.
Steve Marks
Web Developer & Coach
Lead trainer for software development. Highly rated by learners. Freelance developer who brings live client work and varied expertise into every session.
Felicity Withers
Administrative Co-Ordinator
Coordinates admin and learner support. Keeps onboarding, records, and day-to-day operations running smoothly so nothing falls through the cracks.
Sharon Jacques
Learner Support Officer
Qualified lifestyle and wellbeing coach. Psychology degree, career coaching, and mental health first aid. Supports learners through onboarding and beyond.
Alex Davison
Partnerships Manager
Builds regional partnerships and local talent pipelines. Extensive recruitment background, connects SMEs with trained tech talent across the UK.
Trainers and Coaches
Our trainers actually do the jobs we’re training for. Many are recognised experts in their fields. They design, review, and deliver every programme – so you’re learning from people who use these skills daily, not from outdated textbooks.
Mark Palmer
Cyber Security & Software Development
Apprenticeship coach for digital industries standards. SME panel experience with BCS and City & Guilds. Brings SFIA frameworks and competency assessment expertise to every cohort.
Kiruthika Ganesan
Software Testing, Agile, DevOps & Cloud
Software testing leader and conference speaker. Automation expert who coaches teams on building quality in. Big advocate for Women in Tech and exploratory testing practices.
Helena Hill
Product (UX, CX, BA), AI
Head of Experience Design and Product Strategist. 15+ years transforming services across aviation, finance, and government. Teaches UX with real client work and strategic design thinking.
Sarah Cullen
Product (UX, CX, BA), AI
30+ years leading digital transformation and global IT projects. Helps businesses build leadership mindset and delivery capability for AI adoption. Teaches Agile with real change management experience.
Emma Brassington
Tech Leadership
20+ years in tech as developer, manager, and coach. Runs leadership coaching programmes for women in tech. Teaches authentic leadership and career development with lived experience.
Ricardo Randall
Data / DevOps
Scientist turned data professional. Works with SQL, Python, Azure DevOps, and Jira. Teaches data analysis with research-grade rigour and commercial experience.
Bryan Elder
Software Testing
Senior QA Engineer at Zest. Led testing at SIG, DVLA, HMRC, and Leeds Building Society. Teaches test strategy, automation, and BDD with 10+ years delivering complex projects.
Luke Ashton-Johnson
AI, Marketing & Software Development
Founder of Pixel To Code. Builds conversion-focused websites for small businesses. Teaches web development with proven track record increasing client leads by 40%+.
Alex Hill
Product (UX, CX, BA)
Service designer with NHS Digital and DfE experience. Works with FutureLearn, ABRDN, and Yorkshire Building Society. Teaches user research and service design with multi-disciplinary team expertise.
Farez Rahman
Software Development & AI
Founder of Bunni.AI. 20+ years in full-stack development including Southwark Council and multi-sector projects. Teaches software development with AI engineering and real client work.
Ruta Baltiejute
Agile & Cyber Security
Tech Leader and DevSecOps innovator. Asda Innovator of the Year 2023. Teaches DevOps and security with real-world tooling standardisation experience. Women in Tech advocate.
Abena Akuffo-Kelly
AI & Agile
16+ years teaching computer science. NCCE trainer and BETT Awards judge. DE&I speaker specialising in intersectionality, neurodiversity, and helping people find their authentic voice.
Lucy Game
Leadership Development
Cambridge-certified executive coach. Uses creative tools like LEGO®, music, and Collage Coaching Technique™. Tailors coaching to individual communication styles and cognitive preferences.
Partnering with The Coders Guild has not only upskilled our team but ingrained a culture of innovation and agility in our operations. Our turnover increased significantly thanks to their funded training programs.
Sam Raife
Brand Ambition
The Coders Guild offered clear and practical insights into generative AI, which we’ve started applying in our business. The course was well-structured and relevant to our needs, making the learning process straightforward and effective.
Michelle Stubbs
Delemere Manor
I’d like to say that my apprenticeship experience with The Coders Guild and Dedalus has been outstanding so far. The support, structured learning, and opportunities for growth have exceeded my expectations.
Anna Trubnikova
Software Developer
The Coders Guild are adept at putting together course content that’s relevant to business in today’s market, with practical tools & skills that can be implemented from day one, adding value to both your company & your continual professional development.
Liz Leith
Service Design & Delivery Manager
I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship. The apprenticeship helps you gain both theoretical and practical knowledge. It gives you the opportunity to develop and polish your skills, but at the same time it’s a real job where you can prove yourself, and where you know that asking lots of questions is welcomed.
Joanna Sipowicz
Test Analyst
Want to collaborate or commission training?
Want to collaborate or commission training?
We work with mission-aligned partners, SMEs and industry bodies. Let’s talk about how we can support your goals.
