CENTRAL SERVICES
SENIOR SERVICE MANAGERS
Darren Warburton
Chief Financial OfficerDarren Warburton grew up in Yorkshire before obtaining his Bachelor’s degree in History and Politics and his Master’s degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies at Lancaster University. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant with the National Audit Office in London and is now a Fellow of the ICAEW.
Steven Weatherley
Head of Data StrategyWith a decade of experience in the Education sector, Steven has cultivated a specialisation in Data and Curriculum. In August 2021, he became a valuable addition to the ESF central team, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge gained from his role as the Data and Exams Manager at Grace College.
Darren Jensen
Commercial & Business Development ManagerDarren Jensen has worked in commercial, marketing, operations, and customer service roles throughout the whole of his career, including over 35 years in middle and senior management roles. An intensive management development programme in retail took him all over the UK including an extended period as Head of Customer Relations for Bhs in London. Darren joined ESF in 2010 and has been responsible for income generation and for establishing our in-house uniform retail operation - EAS Schoolwear.
Mike Bainbridge
Head of ITMike Bainbridge is a seasoned professional with exceptional expertise in IT and network management. His journey began at Bede Academy, Over the years, Mike has honed his skills and knowledge, becoming a proficient leader in his field. His deep-rooted understanding of IT systems and networks has been instrumental in shaping ESF's robust infrastructure.
Christine Taylor
Company Secretary & Data Protection OfficerAfter taking a two-year sabbatical back-packing around the world Christine qualified as an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives. She has worked within the compliance industry throughout much of her career specifically for large multinational law firms in Leeds, Manchester and the North-East. Christine moved into the educational sector in 2014 bringing with her a wealth of governance knowledge to the role.
Amelia Okeke
Head of FinanceAmelia started her career early in Finance by completing a BTEC in Business and Finance and then qualified as an Accountant in 2002. She has worked in a variety of financial roles in different sectors which included ScS Upholstery for 10 years where she developed an automated banking system. She moved into consolidated accounting working for Eaga Energy which administered the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme. After Eaga dissolved Amelia joined Emmanuel Schools Foundation in July 2011 as a Management Accountant which then developed to Financial Controller when the foundation became a MAT.
Stephen Walton
Trust Lead Operational Audit (Health & Safety)A highly experienced aeronautical engineer, RAF Engineering Officer, project manager, pilot, chief instructor, teacher and senior leader with 35 years’ experience across the UK, Europe, USA, South Atlantic, Middle/Far East. My experience of working on front line operational squadrons, Integrated Project Teams, Contract Monitoring Teams, HQ Staff Roles and at the Defence College of Aeronautical Engineering will provide the Trust with a breadth of project management and operational experience.
Neil Spooner
Head of EstatesNeil Spooner was born and raised in South Africa. He was educated at Hilton College and undertook a wide range of additional studies including internet business strategies, web development and plumbing. Following extensive travel through Europe, the Middle East and period of time living in Australia, he settled in the Northeast of England. Neil worked in the retail industry for a number of years before making the move into the education sector, where he has over 18 years’ experience working in Compliance, Estates and Project Management.
Heather Robinson
Director of Human ResourcesAfter growing up on the Isle of Wight and studying Physics at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Heather Robinson commenced a management career at Tesco; where for 13 years she cut her management teeth in a variety of operational retail roles before specialising in Human Resources. A move to the Legal Services Commission in 2004 saw her develop her HR experience further in a national and multi-site Business Partnering role in the organisation which managed the administration and delivery of £2.4bn worth of Legal Aid.
Mark Boyers
Project and Facilities DirectorAfter completing a Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship with a multi-national design consultancy company Mark Boyers, worked as a Commercial Project Planner for an offshore construction company. In 1995 Mark moved into Project Management within the automotive industry working within the tier one supply chain, having responsibility for key projects for major Automotive manufacturers.
Jamie Arkle
Head of Marketing, Media and CommunicationsJamie embarked his professional journey as a Graphic Designer, He then naturally transitioned into the domains of marketing and media. With ownership of his own print and design studio, he then moved into education where he has worked for over 15 years. In his role as Head of Digital Media, Marketing and Communications, he oversees all related aspects within the trust, using his expertise to further the Trusts digital communication endeavours and marketing efforts.
IT TEAM
Mike Bainbridge
Head of ITMike Bainbridge is a seasoned professional with exceptional expertise in IT and network management. His journey began at Bede Academy, Over the years, Mike has honed his skills and knowledge, becoming a proficient leader in his field. His deep-rooted understanding of IT systems and networks has been instrumental in shaping ESF's robust infrastructure.
Kevin Bowker
IT Service & Delivery ManagerKevin Bowker is an invaluable asset to ESF as the IT Infrastructure Manager, boasting an impressive 20-year tenure with the company. With a wealth of experience under his belt, Kevin has honed his skills in IT and network management.
MEDIA AND MARKETING TEAM
Jamie Arkle
Head of Marketing, Media and CommunicationsJamie embarked his professional journey as a Graphic Designer, He then naturally transitioned into the domains of marketing and media. With ownership of his own print and design studio, he then moved into education where he has worked for over 15 years. In his role as Head of Digital Media, Marketing and Communications, he oversees all related aspects within the trust, using his expertise to further the Trusts digital communication endeavours and marketing efforts.
Liam Sullivan
Trust Digital Media Content CreatorLiam began his career in education as an apprentice Graphic Designer at 18, where he developed a strong foundation in creative media. Over the years, he expanded his expertise, before joining ESF as a Digital Media Content Creator. In this capacity, he assists the Trust with graphic design, social media, photography/videography, marketing and website management.
DATA TEAM
Steven Weatherley
Head of Data StrategyWith a decade of experience in the Education sector, Steven has cultivated a specialisation in Data and Curriculum. In August 2021, he became a valuable addition to the ESF central team, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge gained from his role as the Data and Exams Manager at Grace College.
Peter Keeble
Trust Data Manager
Joel Long
Trust Data Manager
Emma Clelland
Trust Data Manager HR TEAM
Heather Robinson
Director of HRAfter growing up on the Isle of Wight and studying Physics at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Heather Robinson commenced a management career at Tesco; where for 13 years she cut her management teeth in a variety of operational retail roles before specialising in Human Resources. A move to the Legal Services Commission in 2004 saw her develop her HR experience further in a national and multi-site Business Partnering role in the organisation which managed the administration and delivery of £2.4bn worth of Legal Aid.
Clare Harland
Trust HR ManagerClare started her career in retail whilst studying at Northumbria University. She had a variety of operational management roles before deciding to return to education to study for her Level 5 CIPD Qualification in 2017. Since then, she has gained her experience in HR between both Private and Public sector. Clare joined us from NCG, which comprises of 7 colleges across the UK, primarily supporting Newcastle College and Newcastle Sixth Form College in the role of Senior HR Business Partner.
Julie Banks
Payroll Manager FINANCE TEAM
Darren Warburton
Chief Financial OfficerDarren Warburton grew up in Yorkshire before obtaining his Bachelor’s degree in History and Politics and his Master’s degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies at Lancaster University. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant with the National Audit Office in London and is now a Fellow of the ICAEW.
Gillian Beadling
Finance Officer
Amelia Okeke
Head of FinanceAmelia Okeke, is a pivotal figure in the trusts financial management. With her sharp financial acumen and meticulous attention to detail, she plays a crucial role in ensuring the fiscal health and stability of the trust.
Shona McLaughlin
Business & Finance Manager FACILITIES TEAM
Mark Boyers
Project and Facilities DirectorAfter completing a Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship with a multi-national design consultancy company Mark Boyers, worked as a Commercial Project Planner for an offshore construction company. In 1995 Mark moved into Project Management within the automotive industry working within the tier one supply chain, having responsibility for key projects for major Automotive manufacturers.
Neil Spooner
Head of EstatesNeil Spooner was born and raised in South Africa. He was educated at Hilton College and undertook a wide range of additional studies including internet business strategies, web development and plumbing. Following extensive travel through Europe, the Middle East and period of time living in Australia, he settled in the Northeast of England. Neil worked in the retail industry for a number of years before making the move into the education sector, where he has over 18 years’ experience working in Compliance, Estates and Project Management.
Derek Colborn
Regional. Facilities Manager (south) GOVERNANCE TEAM
Christine Taylor
Company Secretary & Data Protection OfficerAfter taking a two-year sabbatical back-packing around the world Christine qualified as an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives. She has worked within the compliance industry throughout much of her career specifically for large multinational law firms in Leeds, Manchester and the North-East. Christine moved into the educational sector in 2014 bringing with her a wealth of governance knowledge to the role.
Kelsey Stoddart
Governance ClerkKelsey Stoddart has lived within the Northeast all her life and has over fifteen years of administration experience, ranging in a variety of roles and levels, of which were mainly within the NHS. Alongside her Business Management degree and Director experience she hopes to now have success within the educational sector, bringing experience to aid the Trust in achieving their mission and core values.
Abby Milburn
Central Services Administrator