After a 30-year career in Policing I started as Chief Executive in February 2022. I am passionate about financial education and helping people to achieve financial independence and control. I have seen first-hand the impact that poor financial choices can have on individuals, families, and communities.
I work part time with a great team here at DCU and our mission is to increase our membership and reach beyond Darlington to the whole of our common bond area which is the North East and North Yorkshire. Our motto is #wecanhelp
When not at work I can be found exploring the world on a bicycle or walking my cocker spaniel Mollyin the beautiful landscapes around us.
I have been a member of the board of DCU since it was formed and have been proud to see the growth and development over time. During the many changes and challenges, it has been a privilege to work with dedicated fellow board members and a great team of staff to meet the needs of our
members. I have lived in Darlington since moving here with my young family over 30 years ago. My
professional life began as an accountant, and I taught accounting and finance at Teesside University
when I moved North.
My grandchildren are now the age my children were when I came to live here, so, having retired, I
have great fun with them.
I joined the Board of Darlington Credit Union in October 2022. I'm eager to be part of a team that is committed to our members, and we really understand the challenges they are facing. Along with the team, CEO, and other Board members, one of the main areas I’m involved with is the implementation of regulatory changes coming along for all Credit Unions.
I took early retirement after 36 years in financial services and relocated to North Yorkshire. During my career, I had several different roles, including heading teams who looked after project implementation and debt management.
I've got a 2-year-old springer spaniel who keeps me busy. We both love spending time walking on the beaches or moors around North Yorkshire. There is so much to see and do in this area that I never get bored on our walks.
I work as a management consultant to organisations in the UK, Europe and Asia Pacific regions. The focus of my work is on supporting organisations to get the most value from investments in digital technology. I have been based in the North East of England for many years and am delighted to support the work of Darlington Credit Union in our region. My role at the credit union is a non- executive director. I work with the executive and non-executive team to support the sustained development and growth of the credit union. I am passionate about bringing inclusive financial services to everyone in our region.
Outside of work I enjoy exploring new places, both in the UK and abroad.
Born in Darlington, I attended Durham (BA Hons) then Newcastle (MPhil). I have worked at Whessoe, Darlington Rolling Mills, Cummins, researcher for Stephen Hughes, member of the European Parliament (1985 – 1988). I then worked for Durham County Council seconded to the NHS Child & Adolescence Mental Health Service before joining the NHS as a Clinical Team Manger. Retiring in 2011.
I served as Councillor for Eastbourne ward (1979 – 2019), & as Deputy Leader of the Council (1991 – 2011) & Leader (2011 – 2018). I was awarded an MBE for services to Policing & Local Government (2011) and made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough (2019).
As Leader & Deputy, I was always a strong supporter of DCU, Darlington was the first Local Authority to buy shares in their local Credit Union. Having retired from politics I wanted to remain involved in the life of the town, & DCU was an obvious choice.
I started my career as a mathematical modeller, moving into the technology industry with IBM, before moving into financial services with JP Morgan where I ran tech transformation, modernisation & risk reduction. Over the last 2 years I have conducted interim & Board Advisory work (for customers in technology, artificial intelligence & public sector).
I moved to the North East in 2007. I am motivated to work for a credit union because of the role of the credit union in financial inclusion & my late mother was an ardent supporter of her local credit union throughout her life.
I grew up in the West Midlands before studying at Bradford University. I worked all over the UK in Project and Retail Management roles. In 1997 I settled in Darlington becoming a Senior Sales Manager for a national retail chain. In 2019 I was elected as a Darlington Borough Councillor and joined the board of DCU.
My role as Board Chair is to oversee and coordinate strategic decision making. I work closely with other board members, our CEO, and branch staff to make sure that the future of DCU is secure and we provide services that are accessible and affordable. I am immensely proud to be supporting the work that DCU does in our community. The ethical foundation of DCU allows us to provide transformational services that no other financial institution can offer.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time in the countryside, gardening, growing food and riding my Dutch bike.
