Meet the Governors

Corporation Chair

• Committees - Search and Governance (Chair) / Finance and Resources (Chair) / Remuneration

David was appointed as Chair in December 2023.  He is a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants.

David is Managing Director of Ashtree Property Limited with a property rental portfolio in Derwentside. Until his 'retirement', David was Regional Director of the Audit Commission and carried out many corporate governance and audit reviews of public sector bodies. 

Married with two children and four grandchildren, his interests include football, holidays, DIY and volunteering. 

Principal and Chief Executive

• Committees - Search and Governance / Quality and Standards / Finance and Resources

As Principal and Chief Executive, Chris is responsible for the overall performance of the College in all aspects of its operations.  As a member of the Board of Governors, Chris leads on the development of the College's strategic priorities and ensures they are delivered.

Chris started his career as an NHS Graduate Financial Management Trainee, where he qualified as an accountant (CIPFA). Chris left the NHS in 2005 and moved into an audit role at KPMG specialising in the public sector and education, where he led a range of internal and external audits.  This is where his love of the education sector developed and since then, he has occupied a number of high profile roles in a variety of educational contexts.

Chris has worked at Derwentside College since 2014, firstly as Director of Finance and latterly, as Principal and Chief Executive.

Chris is married with three sons and enjoys spending time in the gym and getting outdoors for long walks.

Corporation Vice Chair & Independent Governor

• Committees - Quality and Standards (Chair) / Remuneration

Dr Guy Brown joined Northumbria University in 1999 having worked in the private and public sector in strategic marketing and economic development roles, including projects for BBC TV and RTE.

As a senior lecturer, Principal Lecturer, Programme Director, Head of Department and Associate Dean in Newcastle Business School, Guy led a number of corporate and trans-national education partnerships with organisations including BAE Systems, Nexus, Fenwicks, Newcastle Building Society, Northumbrian Water, Zurich Finance, BMS, Kaplan, QA Higher Education, NHS, and a number of local authorities across the North East.

In 2015, Guy joined the Northumbria University Senior Management team as Director of London Campus, leading Northumbria's London Campus, which is home to 5000 students. In 2022 this role was combined with the University-wide Dean of Students role. Guy has also led university wide strategic projects including distance learning, Covid teaching plans, work based learning, apprenticeship pedagogic principles, recognition of prior and experiential learning, VLE, and student cost of living.

He is Vice Chair of the University Education Committee and is externally the Chair of the London Higher Centres Network, and a local Primary school Chair.

Guy continues to teach on a range of leadership, leader identity, and organisational behaviour modules. His principle areas of research relate to learner journey, educational technology, and organisational innovation. his doctorate relates to aesthetics and their impact on organisational innovation.

Corporation Vice Chair & Independent Governor

• Committees - Remuneration Committee (Chair) / Search and Governance

Sarah was appointed to the Board in February 2024.

Sarah is the Director of Legal & Commercial Services and Company Secretary at NTW Solutions Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust. NTW Solutions provides non-clinical services to the Trust including estates & facilities management, procurement, finance and workforce support. As a qualified solicitor Sarah advises NTW Solutions and the Trust on governance & risk and contractual and commercial matters, as well as managing a portfolio of other operational and professional services.

Prior to working in the NHS Sarah was a partner at Ward Hadaway, a firm of solicitors based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Sarah worked with clients across the UK, from the public, private and voluntary sectors, advising on mergers & acquisitions, commercial agreements, governance and constitutional matters and procurement law.

Sarah is originally from the North West of England and has lived in the North East for 25 years. She is married and enjoys hill-walking, yoga & Pilates and trips away in her campervan. Sarah has a keen interest in local and wider history.

Senior Independent Governor (SIG)

• Committees - Quality and Standards, Search and Governance

Stuart Corbridge was Vice Chancellor and Warden of Durham University from 2015-2021. Before that he was Provost and Deputy Director of the London School of Economics and Political Science. Professor Corbridge started his academic career in 1981 at Huddersfield Polytechnic. Stuart later worked at Cambridge University (1988 to 1999) and LSE (2001-2015), as well as three times in the USA.

Stuart’s academic interests were centered on international development and state-society relations in eastern India. From 1997 to 2007 he worked in India and Nepal on several action-oriented research projects supported by the UK’s Department for International Development. Professor Corbridge now works on education policy development.

Stuart was once a keen and very average footballer. More recently, he has served on the Boards of BALTIC in Gateshead and Stray Aid in Coxhoe. From 2017-22 he was Honorary President of NEPACS. Current interests include road cycling, golf and trekking.

Independent Governor

• Committees - Audit & Risk (Chair)

Matt was appointed to the Board in February 2024.

Matt is Director of Finance and Business Development at Healthworks Newcastle, a registered charity supporting people of all ages to live longer, healthier and happier lives.

Matt is a Chartered Accountant (FCA) and worked in audit before moving into financial leadership roles in first the public and then the third sector.

Matt has lived in the area with his wife and three children since 2010. He enjoys getting out and exploring the surrounding countryside, and while he hasn’t forgotten his home team down south will often be found with the family at Gateshead FC (Heed Army).

Independent Governor

• Committees - Finance and Resources

Mark was appointed to the Board in January 2015. Mark is Managing Director of Dysart Developments Ltd an estate management company based in Consett and operating throughout the northeast of England. The company actively manages the regeneration of the former Consett Steelworks site.

Mark is a qualified civil engineer and has been involved with civil engineering and building development in the northeast for over thirty years.

Mark is married with 2 children and enjoys reading, cycling, rugby and golf. Mark actively supports local sport through Shotley Bridge Cricket Club and Consett Rugby Club. 

Independent Governor

• Committees - Finance and Resources

Appointed to the Board in October 2021, Carl is a Financial Controller for MHT Technology, based in North Yorkshire, and is responsible for all aspects of finance and purchasing. MHT Technology is a leading player in the UK Oil and Gas market specialising in software development for inventory management systems.  

Beginning his career as an AAT apprentice from school Carl has progressed up the ladder to a senior position and is an advocate for apprenticeships and education. With 20 years of finance experience across different sectors including distribution and manufacturing, Carl brings a breadth of financial experience to the Board and a continuous improvement mentality. 

Carl lives in Darlington, County Durham and has two young children. Carl has a passion for sports watching and attending and an interest in travel. 

Independent Governor

• Committees - Finance and Resources

An experienced accountant with 25 years in both public and private sectors, including 14 years as a Senior Finance Director across diverse multi-sector organisations.  Skilled in driving financial strategies and delivering impactful consultancy projects, achieving significant operational and financial improvements.

For over 35 years, Andrew has led a local youth organisation in the Durham area, offering a safe, Christian environment for children and young people, aged 5 to 18 years, to learn, grow and flourish. A few years ago, Andrew was honoured by being appointed as Governor General of the national organisation. He represents the Church Lads’ & Church Girls’ Brigade on national and international platforms, championing its growth, development, and strategic direction for the future.

In what spare time Andrew has left, he volunteers at Beamish Open Air Museum. In the pit village he supports the team delivering mine tours, engaging with visitors and enhancing the fully immersive experience this nationally recognised venue has been acclaimed for.

Andrew also enjoys time at the gym along with a large amount of pickleball. If you want to know more - look up Sunderland Pickleball Panthers!

Independent Governor

• Committees - Audit and Risk

David is Business Risk Director for HSBC Innovation Bank which provides banking services to the technology and innovation sector. David is responsible for the oversight and management of the control environment supporting the business.

David is a Chartered Accountant (FCA) who started his career in audit at PwC, before moving in senior risk, audit and governance roles across several financial service providers. David has held roles including head of internal audit, head of operational risk and head of frameworks and assurance.

In his spare time David spends time with his wife and two children. David also enjoys running and spending time in the gym.

Staff Governor

• Committees - Quality and Standards

Helen was appointed to the Board in December 2022 and she has worked at the College since 1999.  Helen is the College's Head of Quality and Standards, and is also a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Helen is a qualified teacher who previously taught Beauty Therapy and leads on the College's quality strategy.  Helen is deeply passionate about teaching and learning, supporting College Lecturers and Training Consultants to innovate and develop their professional practice.

Helen is married with one son, and loves all things sport, exercise and outdoor related.

Staff Governor

• Committees - none

Nicola was appointed to the Board in December 2018 and she has worked at the college since September 2004. Nicola is currently a Wellbeing Practitioner. 

Nicola is a qualified teacher who previously taught PE/Sport at colleges, universities and football academies.  During this time she also managed a gym for 6 years.

Nicola previously worked as an Events Manager for a children's hospice and a Youth Project Leader, working with vulnerable children aged 5-19, as part of a project funded by Children in Need. She is a qualified Mental Health First Aider and a huge advocate of trying to help remove the stigma associated with mental health.   

Nicola has two children and enjoys most sports, especially football and loves walking and cycling.

Independent Governor

• Committees – Quality & Standards Committee

Monika is currently performing the role of Academic Registrar and Director of Student & Academic Services at Durham University. With over two decades of dedicated service to higher education, Dr Nangia is a seasoned and trusted senior leader with an ability to drive transformative impact on university operations. Her commitment to inclusivity and support for learners from diverse backgrounds, particularly those facing disadvantages, has been instrumental in broadening access to higher education.

As alumnus of Goldsmiths University of London, Monika earned her PhD in Inclusive Education, a testament to her lifelong dedication to creating equitable learning environments. Her extensive experience spans both Russell Group and Post-92 institutions, where she has consistently advocated for progressive change. Beyond her role at Durham, Monika contributes her expertise as a member of a governing body at another university and a prominent independent school in the country. She is a member of the Academic Registrars Council and is the Lead Consultant at the Association of Higher Education Professionals.

She is a passionate advocate for the advancement of women in leadership roles within higher education and actively champions the need for promoting greater diversity among higher education leaders, particularly for individuals from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds. As a prolific writer and a sought-after speaker, Monika’s influence resonates through the numerous conferences where she shares her insights. Her career began in the classroom, where she laid the foundation for her passion for education. Today, she continues to inspire through her work, mentoring aspiring leaders from minoritised ethnicities, and nurturing the next generation of educators and professionals.

Independent Governor

• Committees - Audit & Risk Committee

Bill retired in 2023 from his role of Chief Executive at believe housing, an innovative multi-award-winning, not-for-profit County Durham-based housing association with 18,000 homes focused on improving homes, lives and opportunities for its tenants.

He graduated from Newcastle Polytechnic with a BSc in General Practice Surveying in 1977.

Since then, he  has had career in housing spanning over forty years with  20 years in Director or Chief Executive roles including:

• Director of Neighbourhood Operations at Gateshead Council
• Chief Executive at Gateshead Housing Company.
• Group Chief Executive at County Durham Housing Group
• Chief Executive at believe housing

He was a member of Shelter’s board of trustees from 1983 to 1990 and has previously been regional chair of the Chartered Institute of Housing.

He was also an external moderator for the Faculty of Engineering and Environment at Northumbria University from 2018 to 2021.

Bill was awarded an OBE in 2023 for services to housing.

Independent Governor

• Committees - Finance & Resources Committee

Joanne is a strategic board-level Human Resources Director with over 30 years multi-sector experience across Higher Education, the NHS and the private sector.  As well as being Director of HR and OD at Durham University since 2017, Joanne also influences the broader HR agenda in Higher Education through voluntary roles on groups such as Universities HR, the Employers Pension Forum for HE and an active member of the Russell Group HRDs.  Joanne has extensive experience of leading the strategic HR agenda in large complex organisations, including delivery of transformational change and sector leading well-being initiatives. 

Co-opted member

• Committees - Audit & Risk Committee

Mark is the Director of IT Services for Arriva Ltd, a multinational transport group headquartered in Sunderland. He is responsible for delivering technology, services, and applications to nearly 25,000 users across the UK and Europe. Mark brings a wealth of experience in service delivery, strategy, budgeting, continual improvement, and both internal and external audit.

Before joining Arriva, Mark held similar positions in the local government, healthcare, and logistics sectors, including roles with Royal Mail, Parcelforce and National Express.

He relocated to the area in 2021 and lives with his partner (soon to be wife) and two cats.

He enjoys traveling in his free time and is still getting to know the local area. Slightly further afield, his current favourite destinations are the Lake District, Madeira, and Italy.