Describe the job areas you currently work in:
Area Director and Deputy CEO of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.
Describe the experience/qualifications you have:
I have a broad portfolio which has included programme delivery and management in Wales, Scotland and a number of regeneration initiatives on sport, employment and social enterprise across former coalfield areas in England.
Prior to working at the Trust I worked for the NHF as the Regional Manager in the North East and as the Director of Leeds Construction and Training Agency which operated in disadvantaged areas of Leeds to gain employment for residents in the construction sector.
Previously I was Head of Northern Operations for Care and Repair England and the Director of the local agency in Leeds. Trained as an engineer and economist, I worked for a number of years as a full time workplace elected representative for the Engineering Union and as a Coordinator of a TUC campaigning and research project around employment issues.
Describe the strengths you feel you bring to the Board:
I have lived in inner-city Leeds for the past 20 years, and have a broad experience of housing and regeneration. I have previously been on the Board of CASAC and Leeds Housing Concern.