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Mo Dixon - Chair of Corporate Board and Search and Governance Committee
A highly experienced professional who brings a wealth of experience from a career of over 37 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. Mo is also the Group’s Higher Education lead link governor.
Christopher Hutchinson - Vice Chair of Corporate Board and Chair of Resource Committee
Chris joined the Corporate Board in 2020 and brings with him substantial knowledge and experience in manufacturing management from various sectors including electronics, engineering and aerospace. Chris is a former manufacturing director and member of The Institute of Directors.
Chris is also the Group’s safeguarding and health and safety lead link governor.
Shaun Hope - Principal and Chief Executive
Shaun joined the Corporate 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 19 years as teacher, head of school, head of student recruitment and most recently prior to joining the College, as Vice Principal of Curriculum and Standards. Shaun has held numerous board positions in the community, charity and education sectors and is currently a trustee of The PFC trust and the chair of the Bishop Auckland Stronger Town’s Board.
Shaun is also 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.
Kim is also the Group’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) lead link governor.
Joy Allen - Board Member
Joy joined the Corporate Board in 2024. As police and crime commissioner, Joy is working at the heart of democracy to tackle the issues that threaten public safety and undermine community life. Joy also holds the title of joint lead for addictions and substance misuse, roads policing and transport, finance, and environment and sustainability and is also co-chair of the national drugs leadership forum, responsible for tracking the progress of drug strategy priorities across England and Wales. As well as being a board member of the national victims’ commissioner advisory group.
Dominic Raymont - Board member and Audit Committee Chair
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 Continuous Professional Development (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
Michelle has been employed at the College for over 20 years, during which time she has gained extensive experience in both teaching and management roles. The knowledge, skills and insight developed over this time are an asset to the role of staff governor. Michelle is deeply passionate about the wellbeing and future opportunities of both staff and students and the importance of contributing to the development of positive relationships within the local community. This embeds an inclusive and forward-thinking culture within Bishop Auckland College Group.
