The Members are governed by the Articles of Association which provide a framework for the structure and organisation.
The Members of Northern Lights Learning Trust appoint the Trustees in line with the trust’s Articles of Association.
The Members have responsibility for appointing the trust’s external auditors and receive the audited annual report and accounts.
Below is a list of current Members of Northern Lights Learning Trust
The dates given below in relation to business and pecuniary interests indicate the date on which the interest for Northern Lights Learning Trust began.
Members
Ven Bob Cooper
Individual nominated by the DDBE as Diocesan Corporate Member
Appointed 19th October 2018
Business and Pecuniary Interests –
- Archdeacon of Sunderland (Durham Diocese) – 2018
- Member of the Durham Diocesan Board of Education (Education Church Schools) – 19 October 2018
- Member of the Durham Diocesan Board of Finance (Diocese of Durham (Church of England)) – 19 October 2018
- Chair of CISWO (The Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation) (Charity) – 19 October 2018
- Trustee of the Society of the Sacred Mission (Charity) – 2020
- Chair of Lord Crewe Charity – 2021
Katie Hammond
Chair of Board of Trustees
Appointed 12th July 2023
Business and Pecuniary Interests – Please see the Trustees’ Business Interests page
Katie has 15 years’ public sector experience from roles in local government and the civil service. She currently holds a position in the Department for Education. From her public service experience, Katie brings to the board skills in strategic planning, project management, governance and corporate risk management.
She is a passionate about ensuring that all children and young people have the opportunity to attend brilliant schools that offer positive learning experiences that supports them to grow as individuals.
Nigel Wyrley-Birch
Diocesan Corporate Member – DDBE
Experienced Chair of Durham Diocesan Board of Education
Appointed 21st June 2022
Business and Pecuniary Interests –
- Chair of Durham Diocesan Board of Education (Education Church Schools) – 21 June 2022
- Self employed consultant with Ryecroft Glenton (Chartered accountants) – 21 June 2022
Stephen Pickering
Individual nominated by the DDBE as Diocesan Corporate Member
Diocesan Board of Education Representative
Appointed 23rd June 2021
Business and Pecuniary Interests –
- Member of the Diocese of Durham Investment Committee (makes recommendations to the Durham Diocesan Board of Finance in respect of its investments) – 23 June 2021
- Member of the Diocese of Durham Board of Education (Education Church Schools) – 23 June 2021
- Member of the Durham and Newcastle Diocesan Learning Trust (Education) – 23 June 2021
- Member of One Excellence Multi Academy Trust (Education) – 21 June 2022
- Member of Melrose Learning Trust (Education) – 1 August 2023
- Director and Trustee of the Durham Diocese Board of Finance (2015-2021)
- Member of the Bishop’s Council (2015-2021)
- Extensive experience gained within local government, including at Management Board Level, both as a Chief Officer and Director and also as a consultant.
Dame Maura Regan
Individual nominated by the DDBE as Diocesan Corporate Member
Appointed 6th February 2024
Business and Pecuniary Interests –
- Elected member of DfE Advisory Board North (Education) – 6 February 2024
- Consultant for Confederation of School Trusts (Education) – 6 February 2024
- Consultant for The Edwin Group (Education) – 6 February 2024
- Quality Assurance for the following Trusts (Education): Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust, Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust – 6 February 2024
- Quality assurance visits at Berwick Academy (Education) – 6 February 2024
- Director of St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust, Liverpool (Education) – 6 February 2024
- Trustee of The Gaudete Trust, London (Education) – 6 February 2024
- Member of Laetare Trust National (Education) – 6 February 2024
- Trustee of Youth Ministry Team Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle (Education) – 6 February 2024
- Trustee of Schools North East (Education) – 6 February 2024
- Member of Emmanuel Schools Foundation (Education) – 6 February 2024
Historic Members (Left within the last 12 months)
Mark Stouph
Member
Appointed 4th July 2016
Left 11th July 2023
Bev Hart
Member
Appointed 29th January 2018
Left 12th November 2023
