Lesley joined the Board as Chair in January 2021. Following a diverse and distinguished career in further education and regulation, Lesley was until her retirement in July 2020 the leader of a highly successful FE and HE College (Trafford College). During her career, Lesley was also the Deputy CEO of the Association of Colleges and Assistant Director of Inspection for the Adult Learning Inspectorate and has a track record of transformation and high performance.

In recognition of her services to education, in 2015 Lesley was awarded an OBE. Lesley brings an impressive range of non-executive Board experience and will continue to serve on the Ofqual Board and as the Chair of the UK Skills Partnership Board.

Prior to his retirement, Chris had over thirty years’ experience working as a computer auditor for a large local food company. Chris joined the Corporation as an experienced Governor (having served on the Governing Bodies of a number of local schools) with the desire to help support young people change their lives through further education. Chris is currently a Co-Opted Advisor and Chair of the Audit Committee working with the Committee on its membership succession plan in anticipation of leaving the Board in August 2021.

Graham has been a member of the board since January 2019 and is the Chief Financial Officer of a global data company in Hull. Graham joined the board to help the next generation in Hull receive a first class education, focused on preparing them for the world of work. Graham hopes he is able to help ensure that the city of Hull has a highly skilled and competitive workforce. Graham is the Chair of the Finance committee.

Derek joined the board in 2018 and is semi-retired having worked for the University of Hull in the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Derek joined the board to help the College raise the educational aspirations and opportunities of the students at Hull College. Derek is the Chair of the Standards committee and a member of the Audit Committee.

Lowell initially joined the College in January 2021 as Interim CEO. Lowell has been in the education sector for over thirty years bringing a wealth of experience to his role. Until January 2020 Lowell was chief executive of Dudley College of Technology and in this role was awarded the TES Further Education Leader of the Year in 2018. Lowell also serves as non-executive director of the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust and is the Chair of Dudley Academies Trust.

Joey’s career began in the British Army and was awarded a Queen’s Commission and left in the rank of Captain in 2009. During his time in the Army Joey held the appointment of careers’ management and educational officer for over 500 military personnel which led him to setting up his own Educational Consultancy offering educational support to businesses. Joey joined the board in August 2020 and is a member of the HR working Group and Standards Committee.

Governor

Councillor Gwen Lunn is the elected Member for the University Ward. She is a Cabinet member and also Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care/Public Health at Hull City Council. This professional expertise and Councillor Lunn’s particular interest in the impact of Education and Training on social progress in the City bring a valuable perspective to the Corporation.

Councillor Lunn became a governor in order to use her experience, knowledge and understanding of Hull’s communities to influence the way in which skills development can benefit local residents, address social deprivation and contribute to the City’s future potential. Councillor Lunn joined the Board in 2017 and is a member of the Standards Committee.

Andrew currently works as the Chief Operating Officer at the Humber Bridge Board and joined the College’s board in August 2020. Andrew has worked in the construction industry for 30 years in a variety of roles which has given him a well-rounded view of the industry and in particular asset management. Andrew wishes to address the skills shortage in industry by ensuring that young people are encouraged and engaged through suitable development programmes to join industry. Andrew is the College’s governor lead on the Estates and a member of the Finance Committee.

Simon joined the board to help the College deliver employer led apprenticeship programmes to assist the college in its journey to support the region as best as it possibly can. Simon has 10 years’ experience in leading the delivery of apprenticeships and in 2010 founded his own apprenticeship delivery company which is Grade 2 Ofsted provider. Simon joined the Board in August 2019 and sits on the Standards Committee.

Kay joined the board in August 2020 following her retirement from a 30 year career in Human resources. Kay has experience in leading the development and implementation of people strategy in support of a global business’ strategic goals and objectives. Working for BP Kay delivered improved organisation performance, employee relations, talent management and succession and reward mechanisms. Kay is keen to provide a valuable contribution to a people strategy that is part of the foundation of the future growth and success of Hull College.

John’s career began as a media teacher at the Grimsby institute and he currently works at the NHS Teacher foundation as a Diversity, quality and inclusion lead. John believes the College’s success lies in putting the student at the heart of what the College does. John has a passion for positive change, developing policy and procedure and is a subject matter expert for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion matters.  John joined the board in June 2020 sits on our Finance committee.

Following her retirement Rachel has relocated back to her home town of Hull after working as the Head of HR for the British Council in Dubai. Rachel has a special interest in Education and through her work with the British Council has experience working with educational strategic business units including English & Exams, and Education & Society. Rachel is the Chair of the HR Working Group. Rachel is keen to use her professional experience and interest in the education sector to contribute to the strategic direction of the college whilst providing an independent critical and innovative approach to governance.  Rachel joined the Board in August 2019.

As Interim Director of Apprenticeships, Jamie brings a wealth of experience of the construction sector and management and academic skills to Corporation and to the Standards and Governance Committees of which he is a member.  Jamie’s keen interest in the quality of Teaching, Learning and Assessment provides crucial understanding of this important area of the Group. Jamie was elected to the Corporation as Academic Staff Governor during 2017, with a firm desire to contribute to the success of the communities the Group serves.

Lottie joined the Group in 2013 and previously worked as solicitor for both the College and Corporation before taking up her current role as Director of Governance (often referred to as Clerk to the Corporation) in 2020.