Meet the Regional Governors

David O’Leary

David has 42 years’ service in education, including teaching Mathematics for ages 11-18.  He is the Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee and a leader in Governance.  He completed the Governance Leadership Programme with Confederation of School Trust in 2020.

With 4 years’ service as the former Chair of the CtKCC Board, David plays a key role in implementing and enhancing effective, robust and coherent systems of governance.

David is an active member of his local parish and a member of the Lay Community of St Benedict and member of CAFOD group. He has lived and practiced Catholic faith all his life, and he promotes the mission and ethos of Christ the King Catholic Collegiate, working together as one community

Francis Tunney

Francis was the Deputy Headteacher of St Thomas Moore Catholic College, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, for 10 years and Headteacher of Painsley Catholic College, Staffordshire, for 20 years. The College was one of the top performing schools in Staffordshire and rated outstanding by Ofsted and the Archdiocese of Birmingham. It had been a Beacon School and was listed several times in HMCI reports and Ofsted’s Hall of Fame. Awarded Midlands Headteacher of the Year Award in 2010 and subsequently worked for the Pearson Group Judging other schools and as a Consultant to various Leadership teams. Francis chaired the Education and Standards Committee as a Director of the Bishop Cleary MAC in Wolverhampton for 6 years and co-opted onto the newly formed St Francis and St Clare MAC, Wolverhampton for 6 years. He also chaired the Education Standards Committee as a Director of the All Saints MAC, Longton, for 12 years and acted as Vice- Chair for 7 years. 

Francis also chaired the Trinity Strategic Group for 5 years looking at collaboration for the 3 Catholic Sixth Forms in North Staffs.

He served on the Corporation of the Newcastle Under Lyme FE College and later the Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) for 12 years. Paired with the Head of Sixth Form, Vice-Chair of the Education and Standards Committee and on the group meeting Ofsted. NSCG is rated outstanding in all areas. 

Francis has served on Admission and Exclusion Appeals Committees for Staffordshire, Stoke-on- Trent and the Archdiocese.

Dr Helen Ryder

I am a Research and Facilities Manager for Royce at The University of Manchester supporting access to world-leading facilities from both internal and external users (UK, non-UK, academia, research institutes and industry). I strategically manage an imaging and characterisation facility within Royce (National Institute for Advanced Materials) and am responsible for ensuring excellence in delivery of projects. I support academics and technical teams to develop business cases for new capabilities and infrastructure which meet the research objectives of the University. I am involved in all stages of procurement– initial business case, justification of resource, tender documentation and review, purchase, installation, and commissioning. I report on utilisation of equipment and implement robust financial models to manage budgets and support cost recovery. I have a PhD in Chemical Engineering, and throughout my scientific and management I have built, and maintained, a strong network and I work in partnership with academia, industry, research institutes, knowledge transfer networks, learned societies, and the public for personal and professional development. I am a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), Chair for the RSC Formulation Science and Technology Interest Group, Chair of the RSC Member Network Committee and the Interest Group Representative on the RSC Member Communities Board. I am an ambassador for formulation in chemical science and foster strategic working relationships across RSC networks and RSC Council. I have a long-standing commitment to supporting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. I am the Co-Chair for Royce’s EDI Committee and previously worked as Athena SWAN Coordinator for The University of Manchester (HR management role). I ensure principles are embedded, share best practice, monitor performance, identify initiatives and assist in the development and implementation of action plans to meet equality related strategic goals. 

Ellen Brindley 

Ellen is a highly experienced school governor with over 25 years of committed service, including her role as a director of CTKCC since 2014. She has played a pivotal part in shaping governance strategy, driving school improvement, and ensuring accountability across a range of educational settings. A retired civil servant with 36 years at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Ellen brings extensive expertise in public service leadership, policy implementation, and

operational management. Her professional background includes significant experience in staff training and recruitment, equipping her with strong skills in capacity building, performance development, and team leadership. Ellen is passionate about inclusive education and has consistently championed high standards, safeguarding, and pupil wellbeing. Her analytical approach, combined with a collaborative and supportive style, makes her a valued contributor to governing boards. She is committed to continuous improvement and brings a wealth of knowledge in governance, compliance, and strategic planning.

Toni Smith

Coming soon.

Sharon Brammeld

Coming soon.

Bridget Williams

My name is Bridget Williams and previously was a Director and Vice Chair of the Painsley MAC. My involvement with this board and previous LGB has spanned some 9 years.  I am a  widow with two grown-up children and one grandson all of which went through Catholic Education my grandson currently attending St Giles Primary in Cheadle.I am retired after many years working in the corporate world, firstly with a major brewer as  regional sales manager covering the South of England .During this time l worked both in the wholesale and retail trade, together with the tied house estate where my experience was extensive particularly with staffing and external clients. Later I moved to Uttoxeter due to my late husbands promotion, followed  a short career break with my young children and then into the world of property and estate agency. My time in estate agency as a Board of Management Partner being responsible for staff, marketing, budgets and sales is where l stayed until retirement.

I am  practicing Catholic and active parishioner in my local Church, and have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Painsley MAC being part of its continuing strength and success and contributing in  however I could.

Luke Salkeld

I currently serve as Headteacher of a Catholic secondary school, championing Faith, Culture and Learning. With a strong foundation in Catholic education, I serve as a Catholic Schools Inspector, ensuring the spiritual and educational integrity of Catholic schools. I have active involvement on the advisory board of an improving school in Wolverhampton, offering strategic guidance and support for sustainable progress. A parent to three young children, balancing professional responsibilities with family life and a lifelong passion for sport, which informs my belief in teamwork, resilience, and well-being in education.

Clare McGarrigle

Hi, I’m Clare.  I have been in Catholic education my whole life.  I’m a former pupil of St Anne’s and Blessed William Howard schools in Stafford and I have taught in Catholic secondary schools for the last 30 years, gaining an MA in Catholic School Leadership from St Mary’s in Twickenham along the way. I am currently an assistant principal and English teacher with whole school pastoral and communication, language and literacy responsibilities and I believe in helping every child to become the best that they can be.  I attend St Austin’s Catholic Church in Stafford, which I serve as both a reader and Eucharistic Minister.  I have

worked on governing bodies and Boards of Directors for the past 10 years to support our Catholic schools in their mission to provide every child with an excellent education and to secure Catholic education for the future.  I love reading, travelling and, since lockdown, I have been developing my artistic side through painting and crafting.

Mary Rooke

Holding qualifications in Diagnostic Radiography, Mammography and Counselling, I worked in clinical practice in the NHS and Breast Screening Services. Moving into a clinical educator role, as a Practice Placement Manager, I was responsible for ensuring the consistency and quality of the practice learning experiences available to students across all of the healthcare and medical professions. Joining the Faculty of Health in a Midlands university, I completed a PGCertEd as part of MA study and became a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. As Associate Professor and Faculty Director of Academic Quality, I was involved in several visits to overseas universities to set up franchise/endorsement arrangements.

Upon retirement, I became a Lay Visitor for the Nursing and Midwifery Council, undertaking course approval and monitoring visits to Universities throughout the United Kingdom and Crown dependencies. I was recently invited to join the Professional Conduct Committee of the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy. A practising Catholic, married for almost fifty years with two children and four grandchildren, I’m an extraordinary minister and lay reader in my local parish and was a foundation

Governor of the parish primary school. I am a member of my parish conference of the Society of St Vincent de Paul and in addition

to local visiting, I coordinate the school’s Mini Vinnie group. As a young Vincentian development officer, I have visited many schools throughout the Archdiocese to help set up Mini Vinnie groups.

I am also a very committed advocate for Catholic schools. My family benefitted from Catholic education with all the joy, sense of family and security that brings. I hope, in this wonderful new venture, we can offer that to many other families for a long time to come.

Ken Wilson

My name is Ken Wilson and I was Chair of the Board of Directors for Painsley Catholic Academy. I’m married for over 50 years, have 3 children and 8 grandchildren. I enjoy most sports including football, cricket, rugby and in earlier years participated in athletics, squash, swimming, boxing, football, angling & cricket. I also trained in my early years as a musician and attended the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall where I played Bass Trombone, Violin and Bass Fanfare Trumpet. I enjoy music singing Bass in the Church Choir and as Cantor as well as in the past in local / County choirs.

I’ve been involved with Catholic Education for more than forty years in various capacities including PTFAs, elected Parent Governor, LGB Foundation Governor, Foundation Director; Chair of the Board of Directors of Holy Trinity Academy, Stafford and Chair of the Board for the past 7 years of The Painsley Catholic Academy, which comprises 16 schools. In this capacity I also Chair sub committees on Standards & Curriculum, Safeguarding, Catholic Life and am a member of the Resource / Finance committee.

I’m a CATENIAN for over 22 years, past President of Stafford Circle and currently President of Stoke- on-Trent Circle. I am also a member and past Chair of PROBUS. I started a Catholic Scout Troop which I enjoyably led for a number of years until work / travel commitments overtook me.

I studied with the Open University, University of Wolverhampton, Ohio State University, USA and have a B.A. (Hons) in Business and HR. Whilst I’m now retired for many years I was responsible for operations in Russia, Europe, Middle East & Africa in a leadership, technical, quality and manufacturing capacity having also worked prior to that in the UK, Japan and USA.

Ian Gallager

I am Ian Gallagher, serving as a Regional Governor for the Staffordshire region of St Gabriel the Archangel CMAT. With over a decade of experience as a headteacher in Birmingham, working in an area of significant deprivation, I bring a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities schools face. My background includes teaching and senior leadership roles across a variety of settings, alongside my work as a Local Leader of Education (LLE) supporting a variety of schools in need. This experience has given me valuable insight into how to provide effective guidance and challenge to school leaders, which I aim to apply in my regional governance role.

I have been a member of three local governing bodies for primary schools, gaining familiarity with governance processes and the importance of clear, strategic oversight. I have also contributed to Central Team committees within the Our Lady and All Saints Multi-Academy Company, focusing on areas such as branding and communication, HR, recruitment, and attendance.

I have taken responsibility for overseeing attendance for our regional governing board, an area I am passionate about as it plays a crucial role in pupils’ learning, progress, and wellbeing.

Outside of education, I am passionate about cooking, and I also enjoy walking and quizzing, hobbies which help me relax and recharge.

My commitment to Catholic education is deeply personal, and I am motivated by the opportunity to support the diocesan vision. I see my role as living my vocation by assisting in the formation and education of future, successful members of our Church, while offering support and challenge to school leaders to help them thrive. I look forward to working collaboratively with the school communities in our region, to continue making a positive impact.

Marie Conway

My name is Marie Conway. I am currently the Director of School Improvement for Our Lady and All Saints MAC. The MAC includes 2 secondary schools and 12 primary schools. Before taking up this role in 2023, I was the headteacher of St. Anne’s Catholic Primary School in Chelmsley Wood, Solihull for 18 years. Throughout my career I have worked across 3 local authorities. I am also a serving Catholic School Inspector. I am delighted to be a regional governor and I am looking forward to working in partnership with the local governing body.

Helen Milligan

Helen Milligan is a highly experienced and values-driven Executive Headteacher based in Birmingham, with almost 20 years of service in education and a proven track record of rapid and sustainable school improvement. She currently leads two strategically aligned primary schools within a large Multi Academy Trust comprising 14 schools and over 6000 pupils. Her leadership is rooted in a deep commitment to inclusive education, exemplified by her stewardship of a specialist resource base for pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Helen holds both the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leaders (NPQEL) and a Level 7 Apprenticeship in Executive Leadership, gained in 2024. These qualifications underpin her strategic contributions to trust-wide initiatives, including her active roles in the Estates Strategy Team and the Communications and Marketing Team. She is passionate about the intersection of estates, health and safety, and school improvement, firmly believing that high-quality learning environments are foundational to pupil success.

Governance is a cornerstone of Helen’s professional life. She brings a wealth of experience in trust-level governance, alongside local governance roles in both primary and secondary settings, including her current position as a local governor at a large secondary school in Solihull. Her governance expertise is complemented by her role as a trained Catholic Schools Inspector (CSI), which reflects her deep understanding of the Catholic life and mission of educational organisations and her commitment to upholding and evaluating their spiritual and academic integrity.

Outside of her professional commitments, Helen is a devoted wife and mother of three children, all in various stages of education. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and music.

Phil Hancox

Phil is a retired Finance Controller having worked for a multi-national steel company for over 35 years. As a senior manager he has a wealth of experience across all aspects of financial and general management with particular focus upon corporate governance, risk management, strategic planning, cash and budgetary control. He is  CIMA qualified and was a director of a number of overseas entities providing the opportunity to experience and appreciate a variety of different cultures.

He has over 25 years experience within school governance having previously served as Chair of St Mary’s Brierley Hill and as a governor of Bishop Milner Catholic College. He attended two of the schools within the CMAT; St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School and Bishop Milner. He now has grandchildren that attend St Chads Catholic Primary School.

Paul Piddock

Paul, is a retired Senior Local Government Manager. Having worked in a variety of Local Government settings: Leisure, Education, Transformation and Strategic Assets, skilled in Partnerships, Sustainability, Procurement, Asset Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Capital Projects; including 5 Primary PFI Schools and was Programme Director for Sandwell MBC Building Schools for the Future project including a PFI school. A Post Graduate Diploma focused in Management Studies. With over 29 years’ experience in school governance within Primary, Secondary and Special school settings serving boards as Chair or Vice Chair. He is currently a Trustee of Unity MAT, Sandwell Leisure Trust and was previously a Director at St John Bosco Multi Academy Company before being appointed a Regional Director in 2025. He is the parish volunteer for Health and Safety at St Mary’s on the Hill Wednesbury.

James Witshire

James is a Chartered Engineer and Director of a local Building Services Engineering consultancy firm. He has experience in management and organisation of a team of staff. His work involves design and project management through engineering and construction projects throughout the UK.

James is a practising Catholic and attended two of the Schools in the CMAT; St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School and Bishop Milner Catholic College. Following on from Bishop Milner Sixth Form he went to Birmingham University, where he graduated with a Bachelors in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

His wife attended St Chads Catholic Primary School and Bishop Milner Catholic College and is now a teacher in a Catholic School in Walsall, as well as their RE coordinator. His daughter now also attends St Chads Catholic Primary School. 

Ian Bickley

Ian is Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement for a major

Government Department working on the modernisation of benefit services.

A civil servant for over 30 years his extensive experience spans several

government departments and arms-length bodies, with responsibilities ranging from corporate and strategic communications, change management, business administration, finance, project and operational delivery. He has managed a number of government brands and successfully defended public services and reputations, regionally, nationally and internationally.

A practising Catholic, Ian has also served as a director and vice chair on two Catholic Multi-Academy Companies (St Catherine, St John Bosco) and over 20 years’ experience in school governance within both Primary (St Gregory’s, St Phillips) and Secondary (Stuart Bathurst) sectors.

APM certified practitioner in Change Management, Ian has a Masters degree in Visual Communications, a certified Master Practitioner in Neurolinguistic Programming, a certified workplace coach, and Member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.

Christopher Walker

Having trained at Selwyn College, Cambridge and St Mary’s Hospital, London, Dr Walker moved to General Practice in Wolverhampton where he was a Principal for about 35 years.  During that time he was also Wolverhampton Local Medical Committee Chairman between 1996-2005 and Royal College of General Practitioners Midland Faculty Board Chairman between 2005-8

After retiring he became the Leader of the Lay Community of St Benedict from 2014-2020.

All four of his children successfully attended either St Edmund’s Catholic School or St Peter’s Collegiate C of E School in Wolverhampton.

Dr Walker values excellence in education by growing in Christian faith and understanding together and by providing outstanding teaching and learning. By working collaboratively in a Multi Academy, he believes that skills and resources can be shared for the common good of those in the community in preparation for life in the wider society.

Mgr. Canon Mark Crisp

Born in Birmingham, Mgr Crisp trained for the priesthood at the Venerable English College in Rome. Shortly before ordination, he left seminary and worked as a layman in Youth Ministry as a member of the Maltfriscan Community in Yorkshire and London for several years and then returned to Birmingham and worked as an Auxiliary Nurse at St Mary’s Hospice. He then returned to seminary and was ordained a priest in 1991. In his first years of priesthood, he worked in parishes in Coventry and was chaplain to Cardinal Wiseman Secondary School and Vocations Director for the Archdiocese of Birmingham. He became full time Vocations Director in 1998 and then in 2001, Rector of Oscott College, the seminary for the Archdiocese of Birmingham. Since 2013 has been working in Wolverhampton as chaplain to Wolverhampton University, chaplain to St Edmund’s Catholic Academy, and parish priest of SS Peter and Paul, St Michael’s and St Bernadette’s. Mgr Crisp is Dean of Wolverhampton.

Nicole Anderton

Nicole trained as a secondary school teacher, teaching French, before switching to primary education. She was a Headteacher for the last twenty years of her career, firstly in Staffordshire and then in Dudley where she was Headteacher of a large primary school until 2016.

Nicole also taught in Wolverhampton and Walsall, across the age range from Reception to A level. She has been a school governor continuously from 1991 across five different schools as teacher governor, parent governor and Headteacher governor, and more recently Foundation Governor at Saint Peter and Paul’s RC Primary Academy in Wolverhampton until 2019.

During her headships Nicole also worked as a Threshold Assessor and External Adviser, which involved challenging, supporting and giving advice to headteachers on performance management and teaching standards. 

In 2019 Nicole was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Saint Francis and St Clare MAC, and became Chair of the Education Standards Committee.

Nicole’s three grown up children all attended Catholic primary schools locally. Nicole is a member of SS Peter and Paul’s parish, after many years at St. Christopher’s, Codsall. She is also a member of the Lay Community of Saint Benedict.

Christina Haydock

Christina Haydock is an experienced business operations and financial management professional with over 20 years’ expertise in the education sector, as well as charitable organisations, construction, and facilities management. She has held senior leadership roles including Director of Business Operations at The Mercian Trust, where she oversaw professional services across twelve secondary schools, leading teams in HR, estates, IT, compliance, and capital development. Christina played a key role in expanding the Trust and delivering strategic projects that improved operational efficiency and educational outcomes.

Previously, Christina was Head of Operations and Finance at The Vine Charitable Trust, where she managed diverse educational and apprenticeship programmes, catering operations, and facilities management. She led the financial operations for Walsall Studio School from pre-opening through its first five years, and contributed to successful bid writing for new educational initiatives.

Christina’s governance experience includes serving as Chair of the Walsall Local Authority Alternative Provision unit (New Leaf), Parent Governor at St Chad’s School, Sedgley, and currently Vice Chair at Q3 Academy Tipton. In these roles, she has championed high standards, robust compliance, and effective support for young people in mainstream and alternative education settings.

Her freelance work has supported schools and charities with financial systems, audit preparation, board reporting, and process improvement. Christina is known for her proactive approach, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence. She is passionate about helping educational organisations thrive through tailored solutions and strong governance.