Northern Lights’ Board of Trustees make decisions on behalf of the whole Trust. They are passionate about learning and are committed to providing outstanding education for pupils and students in all of our academies.
They are governed by the Articles of Association, which provide a framework for the structure and organisation.
The Board acknowledges and celebrates that all people are different and can play a role in the Northern Lights family, whatever their background.
The Board leads by example, aspiring to high quality leadership by seeking out talent, developing potential and spotting the possibility in people, as well as in other organisations.
The Board has appointed some of its members onto committees (Finance, Audit and Risk Management (FARM), Standards Committee and People & Wellbeing Committee). These committees have powers delegated to them in line with the scheme of delegation.
For dates of appointment, terms of office and information regarding who appointed the Trustees, please access the Get Information About Schools website.
For governance information regarding academies in the Trust, please click on the relevant link below:
St Peter’s Elwick Church of England Primary School
St Aidan’s Church of England Academy
People and Skills
Katie Hammond
Trustee Date of appointment - 3 December 2019 Chair Date of appointment - 12 July 2023 Term of office - 4 years Appointed by board
Jason Brine
Trustee Date of appointment - 13 November 2023 Term of office - 4 years Appointed by academy members
Jack Falcus
Trustee Date of appointment - 19 August 2024 Term of office - 4 years Appointed by academy members
Liam Roberts
Trustee Date of appointment - 12 September 2023 Term of office - 4 years Appointed by academy members
Rev. David Tolhurst
Trustee (Safeguarding link) Date of appointment - 1 February 2023 Term of office - 4 years Appointed by academy members
Neil Williams
Trustee Date of appointment - 1 February 2023 Term of office - 4 years Appointed by academy members
Anita Bath
Trustee Date of appointment - 5 November 2024 Term of office - 4 years Appointed by academy members
Michelle Harding-Smith
Trustee Date of appointment - 17 December 2024 Term of office - 4 years Appointed by academy members
Christine Inkster
Trustee (SEND link) Date of appointment - 1 March 2018 Term of office - 4 years Appointed/reappointed by academy members
Historic Trustees (Left within the last 12 months)
Catherine Hodgson
Appointed by Academy Members
Appointed 11th January 2022
Left 1st October 2023
Peter Olsen
Appointed by Academy Members
Appointed 23rd January 2018
Trustee until 26th March 2024
Michael Laidler
Appointed by Academy Members
Appointed 4th January 2023
Left 17th September 2024
Sarah Lymer
Appointed by Academy Members
Appointed 17th October 2019
Left 27th September 2024
Beverley Jones
Appointed by Academy Members
Appointed 1st February 2023
Left 3rd October 2024
For Trustees’ business and pecuniary interests please click here
For Board meeting attendance please click here
