I taught in Hull Primary schools for over 40 years. For the last 20 years of my career I was the Headteacher of two schools in challenging circumstances.

My work involved all aspects of curriculum planning, staff development, budget monitoring, the organisation of special educational needs provision, behaviour management and working with parents.

Following my retirement I worked as a Consultant for the LEA and for local Academies assisting schools to develop their Governing Bodies. I also worked as an Advisor to both Primary and Secondary age schools which were in special measures. This gave me a further opportunity to work with Ofsted Inspectors to support Senior Leaders to improve teaching and learning throughout their schools.

Term of office 9 December 2019 to 8 December 2023

I qualified as a nurse in 2000, and since then I have worked in Emergency Medicine at Trauma Centres in various teaching hospitals around the UK. My last substantive post in the NHS was Deputy Matron for Emergency Medicine and clinical lead for education.

Since then I have undertaken various academic courses:

Advanced Clinical Practice
BSc In Critical Care
MMedEd
Doctor of Education (expected completion in April 2020)

I currently work as an associate professor at the University of York – and I am the official University Correspondent for the Nursing and Midwifery Council – the Governing body of nurses and midwives in the UK. This role focuses on quality assurance of nursing and midwifery education programmes delivered along with change management on a local, regional and national level.

Term of office 9 December 2019 to 8 December 2023

Neil Catterson is a senior manager in the probation service and was previously a manager in local authority social care. As a senior manager he knows when to operate at a strategic level and when to be operational. He has gained extensive experience working with people feel marginalised and socially excluded so has an extensive understanding of the often complex social, psychological and personal factors which are at play. He is committed to recognising and celebrating diversity and understands and believes in the importance of equality of opportunity for our staff group. All skills that will allow him to understand the complex range of settings and schools within Venn.

As a practitioner and manager he has a significant and extensive experience in areas of child and adult safeguarding. As a manager in social care and probation he has extensive HR and staffing experience including recruitment, staff supervision and support, following and implementing disciplinary proceedings, undertaking investigations concerning, complaints, grievances and professional practice issues. He has extensive experience of managing budgets and facilities. These are essential strategic skills required to ensure good value for the public purse.

Term of Office: 28 October 2018 to 27 October 2022. Member Appointed;

Terry retired in 2013 having worked for Hull City Council and Hull & East Yorkshire Hospitals. He was heavily involved in the design and delivery of national accredited courses. Terry also worked for the Home Office in major incident and mass fatality planning.  Terry strongly believes that all children should have the best education possible and if he can help and support the Trust academies to deliver this he will be achieving his ultimate goal.

Term of Office : 29 June 2019 to 28 June 2023 – Members Appointed

Mel spent 6 years in the Police before moving into a High Street retailing environment, working with Bhs and Specsavers where he has focused on Risk, Audit and Governance both within the UK and globally. Most recently Mel has set up his own company which manages corporate risk. Mel believes passionately in education having seen his three children all educated in Hull schools and Colleges.

Term of Office: 20 October 2019 to 19 October 2023 – Members Appointed

Stuart is a Chartered Accountant and Registered Auditor with many years of experience. Bringing commercial understanding to the role and a good knowledge of Governance and related matters. Stuart held positions as Governor with other Educational organisations for a number of years and has a good insight to the sector. He worked as an educator in the past and is fully committed to improving the opportunities of young people through learning.

Term of Office : 15 July 2019 to 14 July 2023. Co-opted by Trustees

Paul has over ten years of transformation expertise in Education and Local Government, particularly within Children’s & Education services. He specialises in redesigning service delivery and commissioning practice, contract monitoring and in implementing cost reduction measures. Paul is committed to improving the education outcomes of our children and young people so that they have the best possible opportunities to succeed in their lives.

Term of Office: 23 March 2016 to 22 March 2020 – Member Appointed

Simon is the CEO of Venn Academy Trust and also the Executive Headteacher at Thorpepark Academy.  Simon is passionate about education and through his role as CEO has gained an insight into the current provision of SEMH pupils in the city and that there is a need to support pupils who are at risk of exclusion due to moderate learning and behaviour difficulties.  Simon is undertaking a Doctorate in Education with a focus on the impact of low level disruption in the classroom.

Term of Office: 29 June 2019 to 28 June 2023 – Member Appointed

Chris is a retired computer auditor and has 40 years experience in a variety of governor roles. He believes all children should have the opportunity to achieve their potential irrespective of their background and starting point.

Term of Office: 29 June 2019 to 28 June 2023 – Member Appointed