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Mo Dixon - Chair of Governors
A highly experienced professional who brings a wealth of experience from a career of over 34 years in Further and Higher Education, Apprenticeships and skills.
A former Principal of both Tyne Metropolitan College and South Tyneside College, she is focussed and motivated and has a strong commitment to creating an outstanding student experience. She boasts a proven track record of leading, managing and driving up curriculum and financial performance.
As Vice Principal at New College Durham she drove forward continuous improvement which kept success rates in the top 10 per cent of colleges nationally for over a decade.
Having obtained a BA and MA she began her career as a sports lecturer at Croydon College.
A former student of St John’s School and Sixth Form College.
Christopher Hutchinson - Vice Chair
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.
Shaun Hope - Principal and Chief Executive
Shaun joined the board in February 2024 after becoming Bishop Auckland College group’s Principal and Chief Executive. Shaun has worked in the further education sector for over 16 years as teacher, head of school, head of student recruitment and most recently as Vice Principal of Curriculum & Standards. Shaun has held numerous board positions in the community, charity and education sectors and is currently the chairman of The PFC trust, a local charity. Shaun is a member of the Executive Council for South West Durham Training.
Marie Nigrelli - Clerk to the Corporate Board
Marie was appointed Clerk to the Corporate Board in January 2025 and brings with her a wealth of knowledge having worked in the private, public and third sector. Marie has a wide range of industry experience from commercial and residential property development and management to finance and healthcare, in both employed and self-employed capacities. Marie has a broad understanding of various functional areas which has given her the skills to have solid business acumen and the ability to have an all-rounded view when dealing with business operations. Marie’s focus is to ensure the Group has robust governance processes.
Matthew Hedley - Student Governor
Matthew is studying a FD Sports Coaching Degree and feels his experience as a Student Ambassador and Student Representative have given him the skills to provide a strong student presence on the Corporate Board. He has a keen understanding of the challenges students face and the importance of effective representation. He is passionate about inclusivity and has progressed from being an Aspire student through to his current Degree course.
Keith Ivory - Board Member
Keith is an experienced board level HR professional, change agent and project manager with specialist expertise in the areas of the application of Employment Law, Mergers and Acquisitions, TUPE, Culture Change, Employee Engagement, Reward, Redundancy and Reorganisation.
With extensive professional expertise gained through holding senior HR positions within the private sector, Keith has developed a successful track record of operating effectively within fast paced, complex and continuously changing environments.
Keith established Transitional HR Limited in 2016 in response to a need for small & medium sized businesses to access expert employment related support in a cost effective and transparent way.
Throughout his career, Keith has partnered with business owners, directors and operational management teams to deliver HR related support, advice and guidance that has generated material bottom line impact.
Kim Nielsen - Board Member
Kim joined the board in December 2022. She is a practising solicitor at Hewitts in Bishop Auckland where she advises on and represents clients in civil litigation and dispute resolution. Prior to her career as a solicitor, Kim held positions within retail management and HR and brings with her a wealth of experience in finance, people management and health and safety. A former student of Bishop Auckland College, she is passionate about giving back to and assisting with the promotion of the college offering and the fantastic provisions they have for learners.
Joy Allen - Board Member
My career has been spent serving and protecting the public whilst working for the Armed Forces, Local Authorities in County Durham and the Tees Valley, Police, Fire and Rescue Service and Emergency Planning College.
I have led and managed many award winning partnerships whilst tackling crime, drugs and anti-social behaviour across the region.
My operational experience is underpinned by strong academic and management credentials including BA Hons in Management and Administration, MSc in Security and Crime Risk Management, MBA from Durham Business School and ILM Level 7 in Coaching and Mentoring.
Dominic Raymont - Board Member
Dominic is a Regional Director of Improvement at NHS England, responsible for leading transformative change programmes and supporting NHS organisations to improve their productivity and patient care. He is a qualified accountant who also holds a Masters in Business Administration and membership of the CIPD, and has worked in the public sector for almost 30 years, mainly in financial management roles. Dominic believes strongly in providing opportunities for all individuals to release their potential, and has led the development of several internship and apprenticeship programmes across the NHS as well as mentoring a number of colleagues. Outside of work Dominic has been a school governor for a number of years and has also served as a city councillor in Newcastle.
Gavin McIntyre - Board Member
Gavin joined the Board in September 2024. He is currently the Deputy Head at a local secondary school, where his main responsibilities include Quality of Education, Staff CPD and whole school improvement. He has worked in secondary education for over 20 years. Throughout his time, he has supported local schools with the development of ICT/Computing and Teaching and Learning in his role as a SLE, (Specialist Leader of Education). In addition, he has been involved in many capital projects including developing whole school ICT infrastructure and systems.
Michelle Andelin - Staff Governor
I have been employed in the college for nearly twenty years and feel that my experience, knowledge and skills gained over this time in both teaching and management roles will be a strong asset to the governance of the group. I am passionate about the wellbeing and future opportunities we give to all of our learners and staff and look forward to the opportunity to be part of any future strategies and formulation which would support that
