Paul Pharaoh – Vice Chair and Independent Governor

Formerly a partner in a leading midlands law firm specialising in education, Paul brings extensive legal knowledge and experience of the further and higher education sectors to the governing body. With local family roots, Paul divides his time between the Midlands and Eskdale, where he is active in local community organisations.  He is also a member of the Council of Aston University and an associate director of the University of Cumbria, and sits on the disciplinary panels of six professional regulatory bodies. He is Chair of the Search and Governance Committee in addition to chairing the Board.

Les Agnew – Independent Governor

Les is Head of Safety & Technical Training standards for Sellafield Sites Ltd, part of the Human Resources team servicing 10,000 employees. Among other responsibilities, he manages the team who undertake task & training needs analysis and the development of training facilities. Les is a Member of the Search and Governance Committee and the Remuneration Committee.

Mrs Norma Boyes MBE – Independent Governor

With strong roots in the local community, Norma is Director and Company Secretary of the Cockermouth Agricultural Show and on the Executive of the North West Show Association, in addition to her daytime job at the Rural Payments Agency. She is a long-serving Governor with a particular interest in equality and diversity and is a member of the Remuneration Committee.

Sarah Graham - Staff Governor

A work placement officer and assessor in Childcare at the College, Sarah brings the same enthusiasm and commitment to her role as a Governor. Equally active in the local community, Sarah is also a parent governor at a local nursery and secretary of a local community group. She is a Member of the Audit Committee.

Mr Joe Holliday – Independent Governor

A County Councillor, a District Councillor , a Parish Council Clerk, a school governor, among many other community roles, Joe is a full-time volunteer following his retirement as a Highways Superintendent.  A long-serving Governor, Joe has a particular interest in Health and Safety.

Jill Killen – Independent Governor

A keen amateur photographer, Jill brings an eye for design and detail to her role as webmaster for Cumbria Tourism’s award-winning visitors’ site. She takes a particular   interest in the corresponding curriculum areas at the College and in safeguarding issues, and is a member of the Audit Committee.

Andrew Oldham – Independent Governor

A qualified Chartered Accountant, Andrew has worked in a multitude of sectors including wines and spirits, clothing, electricity generation and engineering. Bringing substantial financial expertise to the governing body, Andrew holds a senior financial position at the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and is Chair of the Audit Committee.

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Cath Richardson – Principal and Governor

Appointed Principal in 2007, Cath is passionate about education and development and firmly committed to enabling students in West Cumbria to achieve their full potential. She brings extensive experience of human resources, management and education to her role backed by a string of qualifications, and vigorously champions the College’s position as a leading player in the economic and community development of West Cumbria.

Tom Ryan – Independent Governor

Tom is Head Teacher at St Josephs Catholic High School in Workington, a ‘good school with outstanding features’. He brings a local schools’ perspective to the Board and takes a keen interest in teaching and learning.

Jon Sibley – Student Governor

Jon is our student governor for further education, where he gives a student perspective to the boardroom discussions.  He is studying for a City & Guilds Certificate in Electro-technical and is an active member of the student forum.

Dr Robin Talbot – Independent Governor

Dean of the Faculty of Health, Medical Sciences and Social Care at the University of Cumbria, Robin brings an academic perspective to the Board and previous Board experience as a former Chair of the Morecambe Bay Primary Care Trust. He is committed to close working between Further and Higher Education and widening participation opportunities for students across Cumbria and Lancashire.

Rick Wylie – Independent Governor

Rick is a senior consultant working in applied political science for the University of Central Lancashire at their site on the West Lakes Science & Technology park. He specialises in governance processes including stakeholder relations, public opinion, perceived risk and public consultation. Rick is a member of the Audit and Search and Governance Committees in addition to his board duties.

Tracy Stainton - Independent Governor

Tracy is currently a solicitor with local firm Milburns. She also brings a wealth of skills and experience in communications, community relations and employment from a diverse career spanning the public and private sectors. Teaching and learning as a route to work ranks highly in her list of priorities, influenced by the rewarding experience of working with unemployed people early in her career.

Irene  Farragher – Staff Governor

Irene has worked in the Hairdressing department for over fourteen years, as a course tutor, personal tutor and training advisor. During this time she has covered a range of roles with several levels of responsibility from course tutor, personal tutor, and course leader. She is also active in her local community where she is Chair of the Village Sports Committee.

Jane Murray – Clerk to the Governors

With a background in broadcasting, government media relations and local government scrutiny, Jane joined the College as Clerk to the Governors in 2009 and has since completed the national, specialist qualification for Clerks. She is the first point of contact for Governor enquiries.

Mark Telford - Independent Governor

A qualified engineer and entrepreneur with over 20 years experience. Mark is currently the MD of Forth engineering based in Maryport.  Forth engineering specialises in engineering innovations and focuses on nuclear decommissioning.  Mark pays particular interest in developing new skills and encouraging today’s youth into science and engineering trades where he believes there is a huge gap.