Ray Snowdon (Chair of trustees)
Ray has spent his working life in and around IT, education and skills whether that’s working in the IT industry itself, as a university lecturer, working in both regional and national roles with the Sector Skills Council network, leading regional education projects, working in the IT certification industry and currently in digital apprenticeships. Ray was a Trustee of One Awards (formerly the Open College Network North East Region) for 7 years - the last 4 years as Chair. Outside of his IT and education interests, Ray’s passion is music, whether that’s going to gigs or playing live.
Bill Lennox (Vice Chair)
For most of his 46-year career in education, Bill worked with young people who were experiencing emotional, social, and behavioural difficulties (ESBD). This included headships in 3 schools and managing the Behaviour and Attendance Support Service across an authority. Bill also lectured and trained nationally on all aspects of ESBD. Additionally, he was a SEN monitoring officer for a large education authority and a consultant across a range of schools.
Matthew Hall (Secretary)
Matthew has worked as an economic development professional for thirteen years. For a number of those years, he worked on a range of projects that supported individuals to identify and overcome barriers to employment, find and apply for sustainable work and break the chain of multi-generational unemployment within families. In addition, he has managed council-run business centres that are home to tech and digital sector businesses; supporting the sectors emergence in the North East. Throughout this time, he worked closely with a high number of business start-ups and established SME's; providing advice and guidance, provision and management of facilities and space to thrive and access to expertise and opportunities.
Trevor Sampson (Treasurer)
Trevor has spent the past 15 years in finance roles across various sectors including practice, industry and the charity sector. He has studied bookkeeping through the ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) where he received his qualification in bookkeeping and also achieved a Diploma in Management Accounting through CIMA. Outside of work he is a keen runner and likes to stay active on a regular basis.
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Jonathan Eaton
Jonathan is passionate about the power of education to transform lives and communities. He has worked as a lecturer, manager and senior manager in FE and HE. He is currently Director of Student Learning & Academic Registry at Teesside University, with responsibilities including oversight of learning and teaching enhancement, digital transformation and quality assurance. Jonathan has led a range of externally funded projects and driven a number of strategic transformation initiatives. He is a published author and speaks regularly at national conferences on educational topics.
Elaine Beattie
Elaine has over 30 years teaching experience in a variety of educational settings around the country, including mainstream, special schools, PRUs and a secure children's home. She currently works for Red Balloon Educational Trust, a national charity, offering education, therapy and community to children and young people who have experienced bullying, isolation and trauma. She teaches English, and leads Personal, Social and Health Education, and Online Community departments.
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