I have lived in Silksworth all my life and have attended New Silksworth Infant and Junior Schools before moving over to Farringdon School for my secondary education. I have been a school governor for over 20 years most recently at New Silksworth Academy and Venerable Bede C of E Academy. I am the current chair of New Silksworth Academy Local Governing Body.
My full-time occupation is as an Operations Director for a large manufacturing/Construction Company in the region. My remit is to cover all operational matters for the business but predominantly our work is in the Northeast and Yorkshire Regions. I have also been a director at Gentoo and have sat on the main group board between 2015 and 2022.
I was appointed as the chair of Tyne and Wear Fire and Resuce Authority in May 2022, in this role I chair the fire authority and assist my fellow authority members in setting the strategic direction of the service in the interests of the residents of Tyne and Wear.
I was elected as a Ward Councillor for Silksworth in May 2006. I have held several internal and external appointments since that date including Chairman of Sunderland South Area Committee, Chairman of Planning and Highways, Chairman of the Sunderland West Place Board and Vice Chairman of Sunderland West Area Committee.
I am a Chartered Member of IOSH (Institute of Occupational Safety and Health), and I am a previous chairman and secretary of the Tyne and Wear Branch.
I also have the privilege of volunteering at Youth Almighty Project, a local youth and community charity, I lead and manage sessions, plan activities and act as the organisations Designated Safeguarding Lead. I assist the full-time project manager with the organisation's policies and procedures and offer HR and H&S advice to the organisation and its 23 members of staff. In addition to these roles, I am also the chair of the management committee which I have done since the charity was established in 2008.
For details of my ward surgeries or for further contact details please visit my local ward website www.silksworth.org