Board members

Ex Officio Chair

Bishop Marcus was ordained to the priesthood in 1988. He served in parishes within the Archdiocese of Birmingham from 1988 to 2009 and was the diocesan Director of Schools from 1999-2009. He was then appointed General Secretary of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales. From 2011-13, he was also Acting Director of the Catholic Education Service. Following his appointment by Pope Francis, he was ordained as the tenth Bishop of Leeds on Thursday, 13th November 2014.

Within the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, he was Vice Chair of the National Catholic Safeguarding Commission from 2015-21 and is currently the Chair of the Catholic Education Service and Chair of the Department for Education and Formation.

The experience of working with the leadership and governance in Catholic primary and secondary education brings a holistic vision of the importance of life-long learning to the important role of higher education in today's world.

The formation of men and women for positions of leadership in the Church, in society and in public service. As a Catholic University, Leeds Trinity provides a hospitable place for integrating faith and reason at the institutional and personal levels.

Other positions held

• Leeds Diocesan Trust - Chair of the Board of Directors
• Catholic Care - Chair of the Board of Trustees
• St John's School for the Deaf - Chair of the Board of Trustees
• St Cuthbert's College Ushaw - Trustee
• St Bede's Catholic School Bradford Trust - Non-Executive Director

Ex Officio Governor, Vice Chancellor, and Member of the Finance and Resources Committee, Governance and Nominations Committee and Student Outcomes and Experience Committee

Charles joined Leeds Trinity University as Vice-Chancellor on 1 November 2020. His role is to lead the University on all strategic matters; ensuring financial sustainability to allow the delivery of the University's Strategic Plan, including the overall vision and values of the University. 

Charles has significant experience of working in the higher education sector, championing the quality of learner experience, improving student outcomes, widening participation, equity and inclusion in higher education, and industry-academia collaboration. He represents the University externally at various groups including Universities UK (UUK), Million Plus, Yorkshire Universities, Leeds Learning Alliance, and the Cathedral's Group.   

Charles also works closely with industry and professional bodies, especially in the Built Environment sector, and with local communities.

Charles research interests focus on project management, construction management and sustainable development; subjects about which he has written 12 books and contributed to more than 350 publications in various international journals and conferences. In addition to this Charles has supervised over 25 PhD students and examined over 100 PhD candidates world-wide. Also acts as an external examiner on taught and research programmes in several universities all over the world.

Interests

• Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building (FCIOB)
• Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS)
• Fellow of the Association for Project Management (FAPM)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
• Fellowship of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (FRSA)
• Sits on Editorial Boards, and National and International Scientific Committees to do with research in Sustainable Development, Architecture, Engineering and Construction.

Past appointments

• Past President of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
• Past Chair of the Association of Researchers in Construction Management)
• Former Member of the Peer Review College of both the UK Economic and Social Sciences Research Council (ESRC) and the Peer Review College of the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
• Former Governor and Member of the London Design & Engineering UTC Board of Directors
• Was admitted to the Worshipful Company of Constructors in May 2017 and received the Freedom of the City of London in 2017.
• Former Director and member of the Board of Trustees for the Association for Project Management (APM), and Chairman of the Professional Standards and Knowledge (PS&K) committee of the Association for Project Management.

Chair of Board

Jamie heads the U.K. operation for the leading global law firm Labaton Keller Sucharow, whose clients collectively have over $4.5trillion AUM and for whom the firm has recovered over $27billion in losses. He is independently recognised as a leading global litigator, with a particular interest in challenging corporate wrongdoing and furthering ESG goals and values.

Jamie is passionate about education and he was a member of a former Government's Education & Skills Policy Commission. He has worked alongside two UK Prime Ministers in policy development whilst sitting as a member of the Joint Policy Committee for over a decade.

Jamie's international work has included working as the UK’s sole delegate accompanying a former President of the United States and other international leaders to oversee Presidential Elections in Middle East, and leading a team to tutor key political figures in Eastern Europe in policy making, campaigning and public engagement.

He is a confident media performer with live broadcast experience, and he has written for major publications including The Financial Times, The Times as well as leading legal and financial journals.

Jamie has served on the Board of Leeds Trinity University since 2018 as a representative of the Catholic Education Service, and he has been our Chair since 2020.

Vice Chair to the Board of Governors and Chair of Finance and Resources Committee

Before retiring, Kevin O’Connor was the Executive Chairman at RSM UK. He took up this role in April 2020, when he was appointed to the RSM UK Board. He was previously the Regional Managing Partner for Yorkshire and the North-East.

Kevin joined RSM in 1999 as a tax partner at the Leeds office and became the office’s managing partner in 2002. He then added responsibility for its operations in the rest of Yorkshire and the North-East to his remit, as well as becoming the firm’s National Head of Tax.

Kevin has significant experience in managing and building significant businesses within RSM as well as advising clients, including three HE institutions, during his 40-year professional career. His previous role as Chair of RSM has given him considerable experience in board and governance matters in large organisations.

He was also a trustee of the Leeds Community Foundation for nine years, including four as Chair, giving him detailed insight into running a not-for-profit organisation. The Governor’s role will allow Kevin to use his commercial experience to benefit the University as it moves towards its 2026 vision. Kevin is a practising catholic and the principles and ethos of the University resonate very strongly with him. 

Kevin is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation. Away from work, he enjoys spending time with his four children and three grandchildren, and is a keen golfer.

Ex Officio Governor

Kerry retired in 2024, having been Chief Executive of St Gemma’s Hospice for 14 years. At St Gemma’s Kerry worked closely with the Sisters of the Cross and Passion, who founded the Hospice, and whose interests she now represents as a Governor of Leeds Trinity University.

Prior to joining St Gemma’s Kerry worked in several healthcare roles, including the Department of Health’s Private Finance Unit; Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust where she was Project Director for the £250m Bexley wing cancer centre; and Nova Healthcare as Chief Executive. She qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte where she worked from 1989 to 1997.

Kerry is also a Trustee at Care & Repair Leeds and undertakes some healthcare consultancy work.

Independent Governor and Member of the Governance and Nominations Committee

Amy Wilson is a Leeds Trinity graduate and works as a freelance Marketing consultant specialising in creative Marketing Consultancy. More recently she is developing her hobby of Interior Design into a business. Amy merges the worlds of design & marketing to help her clients find a truly creative way to tell their brand story. She has over 20 years’ experience working with a range of businesses from the retail and leisure industries focusing on marketing strategy and incorporating social media and brand development into her portfolio.

Amy currently splits her time working on a residential interior project and working as Creative Director for a leading interiors brand. As a long-term freelancer, working with other small businesses, Amy is a passionate advocate of the squiggly career model and enjoys talking to young people about remaining flexible, embracing change and keeping their options open.

Amy is also a mother to three children aged 18, 15 and 11, so spends her spare time as 'taxi driver', football cheerleader & chief cook!

Amy enjoys contributing to the work of Leeds Trinity University beyond her time on the Board of Governors by offering feedback and consultation with the Marketing team. Amy also has an interest in wellbeing-led design so is looking forward to having input into the development of the campus as it grows and adapts for the next generation of students.

Independent Governor

Bill retired at the end of July 2021 as Regional Director for NHS England/Improvement in North West England.  Previous roles included: Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Hon Professor of Health Policy at the University of Bradford; National Policy Director at NHS England; Director General at the Department of Health; Chief Executive of NHS Yorkshire and the Humber; Chief Executive at City of York Council.

Bill's previous non-executive experience includes being a Member of Council at the University of York; Chair of the Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; and Chair of Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.  Bill is currently Vice Chair of Leeds Mencap, Senior Adviser to NHS West Yorkshire ICB, and volunteers with the Chaplaincy at HMP Leeds.

Bill and his wife, Rose, have lived in Horsforth for the last 30 years where they have brought up 5 children and are active members of Our Lady of Kirkstall Parish.

Academic Staff Governor

Alison Torn PhD, is Associate Professor (Teaching and Learning) at Leeds Trinity University, where she leads on digital pedagogy across the university, as well as teaching on the psychology programmes and supervising postgraduate research.  Prior to this she spent 9 years working as a psychiatric nurse, followed by 8 years at the universities of Leeds and Bradford, as a qualitative researcher on health-related projects. 

She has published research in areas relating to nursing, mental health, narrative psychology and higher education, and has convened conferences for the British Psychological Society. She is co-editor of the book Psychology for Nursing (2016, Polity) and co-author of Madness: History, Concepts and Controversies (2019, Routledge). Alison is passionate about her teaching and students’ university experiences. This is reflected in her current research interests around the development of communities of learning, the co-construction of the student experience, and barriers/facilitators to student engagement.

Alison was branch Chair of the University and College Union (UCU) from 2019-2023.

Senior Independent Governor and Chair of the Governance and Nominations Committee

Emily is a barrister specialising in all aspects of family law and the Court of Protection. As a barrister, she has developed the ability to analyse and assimilate vast amounts of information quickly and act as an impassioned advocate, putting forward the case for her client whether they be a CCG, local authority, parent or child. She converted to law after gaining a first class degree in English at the University of Cambridge. 

Her background in law enables her to assist the Board with respect to any legal issues that from time to time arise. In her career and past work in pupillage recruitment, Emily has undertaken equality and diversity training, which provides her with a depth of knowledge when issues with respect to diversity surface.

Emily is a practicing Catholic and is invested in the Catholic ethos and foundation of LTU. LTU's approach to ensuring that each student is supported and treated as an individual, a name not a number, also motivates her to contribute in whatever way she is able to the progress of the University and its students. 

She is the Pro Bono Champion at her Chambers, Park Square Barristers.

Emily has two young children aged three and one. She is a keen allotmenteer and foodie, a good eater rather than cook! She also enjoys getting into the fresh air as much as possible.

Independent Governor and Chair of the Audit Committee

Martin is a Certified Accountant with over 35 years’ experience, and before retiring, was a partner at Saffery Champness in Harrogate. 

He specialises in advising complex ownership businesses and AIM Companies. The nature of advice given ranges from strategic commercial advice to structural and financial planning, in addition to providing audit assurance.

Martin is passionate about education and the benefits it can bring to all. He believes that if all parties contribute, then this can be life-changing, enhancing and great fun at the same time.

He is a trustee of a local charity and works with a number of Boards of Companies.

Martin lives in the Yorkshire Dales with his wife, Angela and two dogs, Basil and Billy.  He is an enthusiastic but inadequate golfer. He is also a keen runner, who has completed four of the six Abbot World Marathon Majors as well as a number of others in the UK.

Independent Governor

Father Paul is the Episcopal Vicar for Education of the Diocese of Leeds.

A life-long learner, himself, particularly in the field of modern languages and as a speaker of French, German and Italian, Fr Paul attributes his own love of continuing intellectual engagement to his university studies, in Cambridge, Rome and more recently at Leeds Beckett University. He loves the fact that universities like Leeds Trinity provide spaces for enquiry and reflection, affording students the opportunity both to collaborate and to compete with one another in the shared task of articulating that which is true. As a parish priest in a poor area of Bradford and one who has spent many years in youth ministry, he is mindful of the transformative effect of higher education on the life chances of young people from deprived backgrounds.

Through his work as a governor, Fr Paul wishes to foster the common good of society, especially that part of it which is located in West Yorkshire. Possessed of a wide vision of the value of Catholic education, he wishes so to influence the university so that it affords as many local people as possible the opportunity for academic advancement, that most liberating of threshold experiences. He is convinced that the more assiduous the university is in ministering to students' key "outer" desires - intellectual achievement, authentic companionship and the securing of lucrative and meaningful employment - the more successful it will be in signposting students, respectfully, intentionally and non-judgmentally, towards discovering and acting upon their yet more important "inner" desires: communion with God; virtuous living; and friendship based on self-sacrificial love.

He is a member of the Old Brotherhood of the English Secular Clergy, a group which was set up in the sixteenth century to help oversee the Catholic Church in this country during the Reformation and which continues to have an honorific function to this day.

Fr Paul is Parish Priest of the Parish of Mary, Mother of God, Bradford and a Governor of St Bede's and St Joseph's Catholic College, Bradford. He has a degree in English Literature from the University of Cambridge, a Licence in Moral Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and a degree in French from Leeds Beckett University. He teaches ecclesiology, sacramentology and moral theology for the Catholic Certificate of Religious Studies, gives occasional lectures and spiritual conferences, co-edited The New Evangelisation (T&T Clark, 2015), following a conference at Leeds Trinity he co-organised, and he has written a couple of pamphlets for the Catholic Truth Society.

Independent Governor, Member of the Finance and Resources Committee, and Member of the Governance and Nominations Committee

Roland is a PhD Candidate at the Leeds University Business School, researching International Business Policy, and Inclusive Economic Growth and Sustainable Development in Africa. He serves as an independent Governor on the Board of Leeds Trinity University and sits on two committees.

Roland’s previous board experience includes serving as a Trustee on the board of Leeds University Union. In co-founding InLeeds, an initiative that works toward retaining student talent from Universities in the City of Leeds, he has led groups of students from three Universities in the city, introducing them to the wider Leeds City Region and the LCR’s inherent opportunities. With a keen interest in social inclusion through education, Roland strongly desires to empower individuals and communities, informed by his aspiration to serve and give both forward and back. Roland is a sitting Director for a family business, and he also serves as an independent Subcommittee member at Leeds University Union. He brings strong experience in the UK Charity sector and a student experience and perspective, informed by his studies in International Business and the Contemporary World of Work.

Inspired by Leeds Trinity University’s values of dignity and care, particularly respect and inclusivity. In his role on the board, Roland approaches his duties and responsibilities inclusively and, from a people-centred, purpose-led, and solution-focused perspective. He aspires to contribute positively to Leeds Trinity University's values of social justice and enhancing opportunity, and to the University’s ambition to be an enterprising anchor institution in Leeds.  

Independent Governor

Stuart, in his role as a Senior Energy and Sustainability Manager at Balfour Beatty, assumes responsibility for overseeing efforts to minimize energy consumption and develop net zero strategies across all operations in the UK, encompassing construction sites and the permanent property portfolio. Engaging with some of the nation's most significant infrastructure projects, he spearheads initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainability outcomes for governmental bodies, private enterprises, and broader societal interests.

A pivotal aspect of Stuart's role involves offering guidance on energy and sustainability policies to empower colleagues throughout the organization to effect positive change at project levels. Additionally, he provides oversight on sustainability proposals originating from Balfour Beatty's supply chain to ensure alignment with the company's sustainability goals and overarching values.

Having achieved Chartered status from the Energy Institute and serving as an ESOS Lead Assessor, Stuart brings a wealth of experience from diverse professional environments, spanning both large and small organizations across the public and private sectors. With a background that includes military service, retail, and construction, he possesses a versatile skill set that can be harnessed to benefit the University and its stakeholders. While his current focus lies primarily on energy and sustainability, his professional journey has involved close collaboration with estate management teams, encompassing areas such as biodiversity, waste management, and community engagement strategy.

Committed to promoting inclusive education opportunities, regardless of background or educational path, Stuart pursued higher education as a mature student at Lancaster University following his service in the RAF and completion of courses with the Open University. His academic journey continued with a part-time MA program at Durham University while participating in a graduate scheme with Morrisons supermarkets. Subsequently, he conducted independent research in energy economics and pursued further training in energy management through the Energy Institute. He views a position on the board of governors as an opportunity to contribute to shaping Net Zero strategies within an institution dedicated to providing diverse educational pathways, particularly given the University's emphasis on both traditional academic and vocational courses.

In line with his commitment to widening access to education, Stuart established a bursary scheme at Lancaster University in 2016, which presently awards up to three separate £1,000 bursaries annually to mature students, particularly those facing financial barriers to returning to education.

Active participation extends beyond professional realms, as evidenced by his membership in the Climate Action Group for the Diocese of Leeds, a sub-committee of the Justice & Peace Commission chaired by Sir John Battle. Additionally, he contributes to the Energy Institute's Professional Development Committee.

Residing in Farsley with his wife and six-month-old son, Stuart is an active member of Pudsey parish and enjoys pursuits such as walking, running, swimming, and cycling.

Independent Governor and Member of the Student Outcomes and Experience Committee

Susan is Head of Nursing and Quality for Marie Curie, overseeing the Yorkshire region. With over 36 years of experience in nursing, Susan has held diverse roles in both community and acute settings, including practice educator, operational manager, and clinical governance lead.

Transitioning from the National Health Service (NHS) to the third sector in 2011, Susan served as a national executive director for a prominent palliative care charity until 2018. During her tenure, she led a national education program focusing on Human Rights at the end of life. In 2018, she established her healthcare consultancy business, offering professional mentorship and coaching services.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Susan was the Director of Care for a charitable organisation, overseeing care homes, supportive living, and services for individuals with learning disabilities. She then returned to palliative care, driven by her passion for service development and nurturing the nursing and care workforce.

Susan brings a wealth of knowledge and skills in healthcare delivery, nursing development, and charity sector leadership, having served as a director in three separate charities since 2011.

Following her nursing and specialist nursing qualifications, Susan completed a politics degree, handing her dissertation in on a Friday and then giving birth to her second child on the Monday. Committed to lifelong learning, she has achieved additional qualifications in patient safety, risk management, mentorship, and coaching. 

As a dedicated volunteer throughout her adult life, Susan has held various roles ranging from Brown Owl to school governor, demonstrating her commitment to community engagement and appreciative inquiry. Beyond her professional endeavours, Susan enjoys walking her two spaniels and cherishes time spent with her granddaughters. Her Catholic faith holds significance, particularly in her involvement with the nursing team during the Leeds diocese pilgrimage to Lourdes.

Independent Governor

Tara is an experienced finance leader who brings support, challenge and advice for the executive as the University delivers on its ambitious strategy.

Tara has been a Chartered Accountant for over 25 years and started her career with PwC, working in Ireland, Canada and the UK for more than 10 years focusing on food manufacturing and financial services clients. She then worked for five years in the financial services sector.

Tara joined the civil service in 2006, holding numerous senior finance roles across the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department of Health, where she has led across financial control and financial strategy and planning. Since June 2022, she has been the Director of People and Resources at the Food Standards Agency, where she is responsible for HR, Finance, Estates, Commercial and Planning. Tara is an active leader across the Government Finance Function and a member of the People Committee.

Tara is passionate about the value of supporting young people into brilliant fulfilling roles and careers. she started her career as an apprentice, combining college, study and work experience to become a qualified chartered accountant. She believes the challenges facing young people in the current climate are many and can see a fantastic opportunity for combining education with work placements and experiences.

Tara lives in Guiseley with her husband Dan and two teenage sons Conor and Aaron. She is a recent convert to the gym and also enjoys walking and attending live music.

Independent Governor and Member of the Audit Committee 

Thelma is a Head of School and an experienced academic manager with a multifaceted career in higher education, business consultancy and quality assurance. For over two decades she has strategically led creative learning, teaching and assessment initiatives and major curriculum improvements, on large-scale programs of delivery, directly targeted at the needs of students and academic staff.

As a specialist in the management discipline, she is a senior lecturer and regular speaker on leadership topics, including transformational leadership, diversity & inclusion, and employability.

Thelma served six years as Board Member at the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) as HE Partners Lead and as Women, Diversity and Inclusion Lead. She is an FHEA Mentor and Assessor, resulting from her Senior Fellow of Higher Education Award in 2021. She brings a broad range of knowledge in higher education policies and procedures, and academic quality, to the board.

Holding Roman Catholic values and faith, she is a firm believer that young people are at the heart of kindness and generosity of faith through their own shared interest in global development and change.  She believes Leeds Trinity is a unique higher education institution with a deeply caring community at the heart of matters with regard to its student and staff experiences and wellbeing. 

Interests

• Senior Fellow of Higher Education Academy
• Chartered Fellow Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
• Member of British Academy of Management 

Independent Governor

Vijay brings solid finance skills from the depth of his professional background as a Chartered Management Accountant. He also brings wide experience as a senior finance leader from one of the largest UK Government Departments which has been at the forefront of serving citizens. Additionally, Vijay has an excellent understanding of the demands faced by people in the Education sector from his time as a primary school Chair of Governors.

A Chartered Management Accountant by profession, Vijay trained in the private life insurance, pensions and consumer finance sectors before joining the Civil Service in 2003. Recently, he has been in the Finance Director role overseeing the Annual Report and Accounts as well shaping the direction of development of financial reporting and performance data systems. Beyond Finance, Vijay has participated in a senior leadership talent scheme over the last two years enabling him to find out about how a wide range of other organisations respond to strategic opportunities and leadership challenges facing their organisations.

Earlier in his career, Vijay was a Non-Executive Board member of a Leeds social housing company where he supported a diverse Board through key financial decisions to improve housing quality for tenants.

Vijay's experience as a past student from Loughborough University, particularly living away from home to study gave him a natural empathy with students at Leeds Trinity University as well as a passion for education. He has always lived in the local area around Leeds Trinity University and is delighted to use his skills to help students, the staff and stakeholders. Vijay has a past record of volunteering as both a chair of school governors and a housing board member. In both capacities, he developed strong listening abilities to supportively work with parents, teachers and pupils to grow a good school as a governor.

In housing, Vijay helped tenants, staff of the company and external suppliers to maximise wellbeing and housing outcomes. Coming from a diverse background, Vijay has roots from a Catholic background though his late mother and his wife were convent-educated in India.

Vijay is an active member of the Government Finance Function, a body which brings together financial professionals across Government Departments and agencies.

Vijay lives close to Leeds Trinity University in Cookridge, with his wife Madhu and his son Raj. He enjoys an active sports lifestyle, including walking, cycling and swimming.

Student Governor

Beth recently graduated from Leeds Trinity University and now serves as President of the Leeds Trinity University Students’ Union.

During her time studying at LTU, Beth worked as a Student Ambassador, representing the university to prospective students and their families both on campus and at external events. She also spent two years as a Resident Mentor, providing academic, personal, and social support to students. In addition, Beth contributed to several co-creation panels, collaborating with staff and students to shape projects and enhance the overall student experience.

Beth is committed to listening first, acting with integrity, and ensuring every student feels heard, valued, and supported

Co-opted Committee Member

Andy has over 18 years’ operational and strategic HR experience, the last 10 specialising in executive reward/share plans for global FTSE 100 companies, a local building society and as a volunteer. Currently an Executive Reward Manager for Tesco PLC and a Chartered Member of the CIPD, he holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Personnel Management from Leeds Beckett University and a BA (Hons) in History from York St. John University.

Andy is passionate about all things reward, especially the governance behind design/ implementation decisions and underpinning motivational theories. He was drawn to Leeds Trinity due to its emphasis on student outcomes that extend much wider than education. He also wanted to give something back to a sector that has provided the academic foundation for his career.

Outside of work, Andy has a passion for travel (a sun seeker during the Summer and a snowboarder during the Winter), reading, and getting as much use as possible out of his Sky Sports subscription!

Co-opted Committee Member and Member of the Audit Committee

James is a Director at KPMG, working in the Governance, Risk and Compliance Services team, as part of KPMG's Consulting practice. He specialises in supporting businesses with internal audit, risk management, and corporate governance.

James has many years of experience working with Boards and Audit Committees for businesses across the UK in a range of sectors, including technology, construction, energy, retail, manufacturing, and housing. His experience extends to working with large global businesses and FTSE listed companies, as well as private businesses and public sector organisations.

Having grown up in Leeds and now working in the city, James is passionate about supporting the Leeds City Region. He is a strong advocate for Higher Education and all that Universities have to offer, helping graduates to prepare for a rapidly changing world.

When James isn't working, he has a busy family life, spending time with his wife, Charlotte, and their three young sons. James also sits on the Committee at Ilkley Town Association Football Club as the club's Governance Officer and Club Secretary.