Diane Betts

Diane Betts is the CEO of CITY GATEWAY, a role they have held since October 2020. Prior to this, they were the CEO of First Rung Ltd from January 2007 to October 2020. First Rung is an organisation set up to develop and provide high quality training, support and opportunities to vulnerable young people. Diane has been instrumental in growing First Rung into the largest independent unique training provider in North London during an increasingly challenging funding environment.

Under Diane's leadership, First Rung has had 100% achievement in all contracts - a record they are all very proud of and work hard to maintain. Key to their success has been their ability to build strong and sustainable relationships with commercial organisations such as Nando’s, Sainsbury’s, Vinci and Utility Warehouse that share their values and mission along with their fundraising initiatives to support their new Hasina Ali Learning Centre at 333.

In the last four years, some of Diane's key achievements include:

- Financial year end accounts 2019 exceeding budget by 100%

- ESFA Study Programme contract met in full triggering growth in 2018-2019 and 2019-2020

- Ofsted Grade 2 Full Inspection Independent School - November 2018

- Opening of Independent School for 14-16 year olds September 2018

- 35th anniversary celebrations at Alexandra Palace April 2018

- Strong Investors in People accreditation for staff and learner support - July 2017

- Strong Matrix accreditation for advice and guidance - May 2017

- Ofsted Grade 2 Full Inspection, Study and Traineeship Programmes - November 2016

- Successful delivery of Apprenticeship Direct contract with ESFA.

- Commissioned provider for Enfield for High Needs learners (EHCP)

- Over achievement of ESIF programmes with leading consortium Primes.

Diane Betts has a HND in Financial Sector Studies from Chelmer College of Higher Education. Diane is certified by the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) as a Member of AELP National, and by the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO) as well as the ACCA (Association of Certified Chartered Accountants). Diane is also certified by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (The) NCVO.

Emily Benjamin - Designated Safeguarding Lead, Mark Pike - Executive Designated Safeguarding Lead, and Ineta Galdikiene - Head of Finance report to Diane Betts.