Stuart Blackett was appointed Chair of the Board of Tyne Coast College in 2026, bringing extensive experience in financial leadership, corporate governance and strategic oversight gained through a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years. A Chartered Accountant by profession, he has held a number of senior executive and non-executive roles across the financial services sector and has built a strong reputation for effective leadership, sound judgement and organisational stewardship.
Stuart retired in 2024 from his role as Chief Financial Officer at Railpen, one of the United Kingdom’s largest pension managers. In this position, he was responsible for leading the organisation’s financial strategy, governance and risk management functions, ensuring robust financial performance and long-term sustainability. Throughout his career, he has developed significant expertise in finance, audit, risk, investment governance and corporate leadership.
Born in Durham and a resident of Teesside since 2005, Stuart has a strong connection to the North East and is passionate about supporting opportunities that enable individuals, businesses and communities to thrive. He is a firm advocate for the transformative role of further education in developing skills, widening access to opportunity and supporting economic growth across the region.
Alongside his executive career, Stuart has undertaken a number of governance and advisory roles, providing strategic insight and independent challenge to organisations across a variety of sectors. As Chair of Tyne Coast College, he is committed to supporting the College’s long-term success, ensuring learners remain at the heart of decision-making and helping the organisation continue to deliver positive outcomes for students, employers and communities.
Stuart is proud to serve an institution that transforms lives through education and skills development and looks forward to supporting Tyne Coast College as it continues to grow, innovate and make a lasting impact across the region.
Gary has been involved with marine engineering since the 1970s, when he joined the UK Merchant Navy. After graduating from the then South Shields Marine and Technical College, he worked for Canadian Pacific Ships until leaving in the late 1980s at the rank of Chief Engineer on tankers and bulk carriers.
He moved ashore into a shore-based chemical production plant and then became Technical Superintendent in a UK-based tanker company.
Gary returned to join South Tyneside College as a Lecturer in the early 1990s and undertook various roles before becoming Head of Faculty. He created national maritime Further and Higher Education programmes from 1998 and led the UK development team for the introduction of the Electro-Technical Officer STCW programme in 2008. His final position was Principal of South Shields Marine School, where he served until 2018.
Gary is active in a wide range of advisory roles within Higher Education, both in the UK and overseas, and currently serves on the boards of a number of local, national and international maritime associations that deliver maritime training, education and assessment.
Philip Dixon is an experienced local government leader with more than 20 years of service across a wide range of corporate and frontline public sector roles. He currently serves as Assistant Director of Strategic Development and Assets at South Tyneside Council, where he leads major programmes that support economic growth, community regeneration and the delivery of essential public services.
In his current role, Philip is responsible for the strategic management of the Council’s extensive property and land portfolio, comprising more than 500 assets across corporate, leisure, social care, education, retail and industrial sectors. He also leads three Pride in Place programmes, which will deliver more than £40 million of community investment over the coming decade, helping to enhance local neighbourhoods and improve quality of life for residents.
Alongside his asset management responsibilities, Philip oversees the delivery of new social housing developments and works closely with colleagues and partners to bring forward Council-owned land for both specialist and general-needs housing. His work plays a key role in supporting housing growth and meeting the evolving needs of local communities.
Throughout his career, Philip has successfully led a number of high-profile regeneration, infrastructure and capital investment projects. Recent achievements include the delivery of two major renewable energy networks, the development of three new children’s homes, the modernisation of the Council’s civic offices and public works depot, and the leadership of a major housing renewal programme. He has also worked in partnership with a Registered Provider to deliver three new Extra Care housing schemes, improving accommodation and support for older residents.
Passionate about public service and community development, Philip is committed to creating thriving, sustainable places and recognises the vital role that strong local services, strategic investment and education play in supporting economic prosperity and social wellbeing.
Joanne Fanning became a Governor in April 2024, bringing extensive leadership experience in human resources, organisational development and people management gained over a distinguished career in the public sector. She has worked across a range of organisations, primarily within North East local authorities and, more recently, the NHS, where she held senior leadership roles responsible for shaping workforce strategy and organisational performance.
A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and holder of an MSc in Human Resource Management, Joanne has led the development and implementation of people management strategies across organisations of varying size and complexity at Director level. Her expertise spans workforce planning, organisational development, employee relations and leadership development.
Throughout her career, Joanne has also contributed at regional and national level to the development of professional standards and guidance, working closely with trade unions and employee representatives to support effective workforce practices and positive employee engagement.
Committed to promoting equality, inclusion and diversity, Joanne has spent more than 20 years supporting community-based groups and initiatives aimed at enhancing opportunities and representation within the public sector. Following her retirement in 2020, she continued her professional contribution through her own HR consultancy business and as an Investors in People Assessor.
Passionate about supporting people and communities across the North East to learn, develop and thrive, Joanne remains actively involved in volunteering and contributing to management development initiatives within the public sector.
Graeme Hardie is a highly experienced senior leader with more than 40 years of expertise spanning the armed forces, logistics, engineering and port operations. He began his career in the Army before moving into the transport and logistics sector, joining the Port of Tyne in 1995.
Over the past three decades, Graeme has progressed through a range of senior leadership roles, developing extensive experience in operational management, engineering, infrastructure and strategic development. He currently serves as Port Operations Director at the Port of Tyne, with responsibility for engineering, infrastructure, security and landside operations. In addition, he contributes to strategic planning and major investment decisions at Board level, helping to shape the long-term direction of one of the region’s most significant economic assets.
Throughout his career, Graeme has led major operational transformation programmes, infrastructure developments and automation projects, delivering significant improvements in efficiency, safety and organisational performance. He has extensive experience in leading large multidisciplinary teams and working collaboratively with stakeholders across industry, government and the wider public sector.
As a Governor of Tyne Coast College, Graeme is a passionate advocate for education, skills development and social mobility across the North East. He strongly supports apprenticeships and technical education and is committed to helping develop the workforce skills required by regional employers both now and in the future.
Graeme is particularly keen to strengthen partnerships between education and industry, ensuring that learners are equipped with the knowledge, behaviours and practical skills needed to succeed in modern careers and make a positive contribution to the regional economy.
Tony is an experienced Health, Safety and Environmental professional with more than 26 years’ experience across high-risk sectors including oil and gas, construction, nuclear and manufacturing. As Founder and Director of Potentia Safety Solutions, he has provided strategic leadership and governance support to major organisations including Studsvik, the NHS and Coca-Cola.
Tony brings expertise in risk management, regulatory compliance, project assurance and construction governance, developed through senior appointments on complex projects. He is particularly interested in supporting the College’s strategic development and ensuring strong governance as it delivers its future ambitions.
Having lived in South Tyneside throughout his life and having studied at the College himself, Tony is passionate about the role education plays in transforming lives and creating opportunities. He is committed to supporting the College’s mission of helping learners develop skills, achieve their potential and progress into meaningful employment.
Having attended Newcastle College of Arts and Technology between 1988 and 1992, Neil has spent the last 36 years in the building services industry, specialising in the commercial and industrial air conditioning and refrigeration sector. Of those 36 years, Neil spent 20 running HLA Services Ltd, a successful business employing more than 100 people and based on Boldon Business Park.
Following Neil’s exit from the business in March 2023, he established Option3 Logic Ltd, a consultancy providing mentoring to SME business leaders in sustainability, growth and exit strategies.
Neil has also been a trustee of Grace House children’s charity for eight years, where he currently holds the position of Vice-Chair.
Neil is passionate about apprentices, especially in the building services sector, and is currently working with a number of organisations to improve the delivery of apprenticeships in the North East.
After gaining a Business Studies degree in 1981, Clive has spent his career in finance. Initially in banking and then in Local Government, he started at Tyne and Wear County Council, where he qualified as an accountant in 1985, before moving to the Education service at North Tyneside Council. In 1989, he moved to the NHS and worked in several local NHS bodies before finishing his career at the NHS Business Services Authority, where he was responsible for the provision of all financial services to a business with a turnover in excess of £36bn.
Throughout his career, he has been involved in and delivered major change programmes, mergers and consolidations, and the development of new accounting and reporting practices. He is qualified in PRINCE2 project management processes and has continued an intensive leadership development programme. Since retiring in 2019, Clive has been assisting in the strategic planning of a housing organisation working in the Housing Benefit exempt sector.
He is a past president of CIPFA in the North East and a member of the national Technical Information Service. Clive is also a member of the Cramlington LV MAT and Lay Chair of St Mark’s PCC.
David Ormston is a highly experienced maritime professional with more than 36 years in the marine industry. His career began at South Shields Marine School in 1990 before progressing through seagoing and shore-based leadership roles, developing extensive expertise across vessel operations, technical management and marine consultancy.
After moving ashore into management in 2003, David built a distinguished career working on new build, refit, inspection and survey projects across a diverse range of vessel types, including chemical, oil and LPG/LNG tankers, bulk carriers, car carriers, ro-ro vessels, offshore support vessels and superyachts. He has held a number of senior leadership positions throughout the sector, including Director-level appointments both in the UK and internationally.
In 2009, David completed a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Commercial Law, further strengthening his expertise in the commercial and regulatory aspects of the maritime industry. This led to senior assignments in the Middle East before his return to the UK in 2017. Throughout his career, he has provided expert technical advice to leading marine insurers and law firms, conducted office audits and pre-purchase inspections, and led complex hull and machinery casualty investigations.
Demonstrating a commitment to innovation within the sector, David founded Marine Insights Limited in 2021, developing a remote monitoring and machine-learning system designed to identify potential machinery failures and provide proactive technical support to vessel operators. He also serves as Director and shareholder of Nautical Management Services Ltd, a vessel management company supporting commercial shipping and superyacht clients.
Passionate about the maritime industry and its future development, David is committed to sharing his knowledge and experience and is proud to contribute to the sector that has shaped his career.
Andrew Potts is a Chartered Accountant and successful business leader with more than 27 years of experience in accountancy, business advisory services and entrepreneurship. Having studied at South Tyneside College, he began his career in accountancy in 1999 and has since built an extensive track record of supporting businesses across a wide range of sectors.
Qualified through the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Andrew founded KP Simpson Accountants and Business Advisors in 2008. Under his leadership, the firm has grown significantly, developing a strong reputation for delivering expert financial and business advice to organisations of all sizes.
In 2021, Andrew successfully led the acquisition of two local accountancy practices, supporting the continued expansion of the business. As Chairman of KP Simpson, he now oversees a multi-office practice with locations in South Shields, Jarrow and Newcastle, serving approximately 2,000 clients across the UK and beyond. The firm employs a team of more than 25 professionals and provides services to businesses operating across a diverse range of industries.
Alongside his accountancy interests, Andrew is a part-owner of Potts Gray Property Management Company Ltd, a South Shields-based business employing a team of nine staff. He is also a proud Trustee of the Chloe & Liam Together Forever Trust, established in memory of Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry, who tragically lost their lives in the Manchester Arena attack.
Andrew is passionate about supporting local businesses, contributing to economic growth across the region and giving back to the communities in which he lives and works.
Rebecca Wall is an experienced children’s services leader with more than 20 years of experience working across local government, education, social care and multi-agency partnerships. A qualified children’s social worker, she has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for children, young people and families, with a particular focus on ensuring equitable access to education, learning and development opportunities.
Originally from South Yorkshire and now based in the North East, Rebecca has first-hand experience of a diverse educational journey, progressing from A Levels through to degree-level study and vocational postgraduate qualifications. These experiences have shaped her commitment to lifelong learning and informed her approach to supporting others to achieve their potential.
Rebecca currently serves as Director of Children’s Services for North Tyneside Council, where she has responsibility for a broad portfolio that includes children’s social care, education, special educational needs and disabilities, skills and workforce development. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with some of the most vulnerable children and young people, witnessing the transformative impact that high-quality education and effective support can have on life chances and future opportunities.
Over the past two decades, Rebecca has held senior leadership roles across a number of local authorities, working closely with Ofsted, the Department for Education and a wide range of partner organisations. She has extensive experience leading service improvement programmes, ensuring compliance with national legislation and regulatory frameworks, and supporting the development of a skilled and effective workforce.
Rebecca is passionate about fairness, inclusion and social mobility. Her personal and professional values are centred on ensuring that every child and learner has access to opportunities that enable them to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances.
After gaining a degree in occupational psychology, Donya joined the graduate training programme at Marks and Spencer and worked throughout the UK in a variety of retail management roles. In 2001, she joined Jaguar Land Rover as its Diversity Manager and then moved to Ford Motor Company, where she worked internationally as an HR Director in South Africa, North America and continental Europe, finally being appointed to the Executive Leadership Board as Vice President of Human Resources for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Leading large international teams, negotiating with a wide range of trade union partners and controlling significant budgets has provided her with a wealth of experience. Donya has a particular interest in coaching and mentoring senior managers.
Nicola McCluskey has dedicated her career to further education and workforce development, bringing more than 17 years of experience at South Tyneside College and Tyne Coast College. A former student of South Tyneside College, Nicola studied A Levels in Sociology, Law and ICT before progressing to the University of Sunderland, where she completed a Joint Honours Degree in Sociology and Criminology.
Following her graduation in 2007, Nicola joined South Tyneside College as a Lecturer in Health and Social Care. Throughout her teaching career, she delivered a broad range of programmes, including Access to Higher Education, A Levels, Level 3 Criminology, Foundation Degrees in Health and Social Care and Criminology, and the Post-Compulsory Education and Training programme. During this time, she also served as a Lead Practitioner, supporting the development of new teaching staff and promoting high standards of teaching and learning.
In 2016, Nicola joined the Centre for Inclusive Learning, Teaching and Assessment, where she played a key role in driving quality improvement activities across the College. Her responsibilities included lesson observations, staff development, quality assurance and supporting departments to enhance teaching, learning and assessment.
Since 2022, Nicola has served as Learning Development Manager for Tyne Coast College, leading continuing professional development activity for staff across all campuses, including South Tyneside College, TyneMet College and South Shields Marine School. In this role, she works collaboratively with colleagues to identify training needs, support professional growth and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Alongside her professional responsibilities, Nicola is actively involved in her local community. She serves as Vice Chair of the Governing Board at her daughter’s primary school, a role she has held for eight years, and is a Trustee of The Glen Corner Trust, a charity dedicated to supporting families affected by knife crime.
A passionate advocate for education and lifelong learning, Nicola is currently undertaking a Master’s degree in Education: Learning and Leadership. She lives locally with her husband, two daughters and their Springer Spaniel.
Lindsey Whiterod oversaw a rapid rise in education standards at South Tyneside College, where she was Chief Executive from 2009, by introducing a new focus on vocational qualifications.
Her resolute and forward-thinking approach to provision ensured courses and resulting qualifications targeted real jobs, a policy that won the approval of many within the North East business community and education inspectorate Ofsted, which graded the College good with some exceptional features. In 2012, it was the only North East college where standards of provision were identified as rising.
Her influence on South Tyneside College’s academic resurgence was such that she was made an OBE for services to education in the New Year Honours List in 2013 and later made a CBE in the New Year Honours List in 2018.
Lindsey’s achievements included overseeing capital refurbishment and estate rationalisation programmes in excess of £21m, part of which was a £4.5m upgrade to the College’s world-famous South Shields Marine School and the development of its globally renowned brand into new markets in countries such as China, India and Bangladesh.
Significantly, she also ensured the College was rated financially outstanding by the Government’s Skills Funding Agency.
If you require any further information about the College’s Board of Governors or have any corporate or governance queries, please contact Neil Longstaff, Director of Governance, on 0191 427 3903 or email neil.longstaff@tynecoast.ac.uk.
