Governance

Natalie became Principal and Chief Executive of Bishop Auckland College in January 2013, having previously been Vice Principal. With a love for science and technology, Natalie began her career working for Procter & Gamble as a production manager in detergent manufacture. Moving into further education in 1997, she taught and managed engineering provision in South Essex, before leading the Technology Faculty at Newham College in East London. Natalie has a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Swansea, and masters qualifications including MA local and regional development from Newcastle University and an MBA from Henley Business School. With a particular interest in the interaction between skills policy and economic development, Natalie is passionate about the role that further education plays in changing lives and bringing prosperity to individuals, businesses and communities. Natalie is a member of the College’s Search & Governance, Curriculum & Quality and Resources Committees. She is also a member of South West Durham Training’s Executive Council (SWDT is a subsidiary of Bishop Auckland College).

John joined the Board in December 2016. Following completion of his accounting degree in 1997, John trained as a Chartered Accountant, gaining the professional qualification in 2001. In 2002, he joined Baker Tilly (now RSM) as an Audit Senior, where he led audit fieldwork teams on several college audits throughout the North East. In 2006, he joined Allen Sykes Limited as an Audit Manager where he oversees audits varying in size in several different sectors. John Chairs Audit Committee and is a member of the College’s Search & Governance Committee.

Graham Currie joined the board in July 2019 and is the Finance Director of the Ebac Group. Graduating from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne with a degree in Mathematics in 1991, Graham's career at Ebac began with his appointment as a trainee accountant, before progressing through the positions of IT Manager, IT Director and Quality Director en-route to his current role. A strong commercial knowledge and a technical background has enabled Graham to design and implement a number of efficiency saving systems within the group. Graham served as a board member of SWDT, a subsidiary of BA College from March 2016 to July 2019. Graham Chairs Resources Committee and is a member of the College’s Curriculum & Quality Committee.

Christopher joined the board in December 2019. He was General Manager of Bignall Group Ltd, (design and manufacture of precision engineered products) until his retirement in 2018. He was previously Head of Operations for CAV Aerospace Ltd and Manufacturing Director for AEI Cables Ltd. He holds an MBA and a Diploma in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors. For many years he was a member of the Institute of Directors and a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute. Following his retirement, he volunteered as Restorative Justice Facilitator and is a member of the Board of Great Aycliffe & Middridge Partnership. (GAMP) He has undertaken training in Restorative Justice and Conflict Resolution in addition to Safeguarding, Emotional Wellbeing, Domestic Abuse, Radicalisation and Racism Awareness. He was a School Governor at St John’s School Bishop Auckland from 2000 to 2004. Christopher is a member of the College’s Search & Governance Committee and the Resources Committee.