Governor Profiles

Helen Jaggar BA Hons, FCIH, FCIPD - Vice Chair

Helen has worked in Barnsley for over 12 years as Chief Executive of Berneslai Homes and in that time has achieved three stars excellent for the Company and attained IIP Gold 6th generation. Berneslai Homes won numerous awards including winner of 24Housing Landlord of the Year on 2017 and being included in the Sunday Times Best Companies one hundred list as a one star company under Helen’s leadership. Helen was personally awarded 24Housing Chief Executive of the Year in 2015 and has been named in the top fifty power players list.

Helen retired in 2019 after having worked in the public sector for thirty nine years, she became professionally qualified in housing whilst working for the London Borough of Camden and extended her professional portfolio into Human Resources and Organisational Development with Leeds City Council. In 2005 she became Chief Executive with Leeds South Homes before joining Berneslai Homes in 2007 as Chief Executive.

Helen has extensive governance experience having held positions of Chair of Leeds Federated Housing Association, Board Director of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce and Chair of Sheffield City Region Housing Provider Forum. Currently Helen is a Board Director with Accent Housing Limited and chairs their Customer Experience Committee.

Helen’s touchstone in her approach to work has always been about the customer being at the heart of everything and ensuring that they influence the strategic direction of services and recognising the impact and influence they can have on their community and place.

Helen’s leadership style is all about collaboration, empowerment and making a difference by doing the right thing.

Helen has been a Governor at the College since 2017 and is currently Vice Chair and sits on the Governance and Search and Remuneration Committees and is the link governor for Safeguarding and Prevent.

Marie Lang - Vice Chair

Marie Lang is a Director and Co-Owner of gbac Limited, Accountants and Business Advisors based primarily in Barnsley. She is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and she holds a BA (Hons) in Economics from Lancaster University.

Marie qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1994 with KPMG where she spent much of her time working with large multinational companies and time working overseas including a secondment in the Czech Republic. In 2001, she joined Assetwell Ltd, a UK Truck Exporter based in Doncaster, as their CFO. After 9 years as an accountant in business, she returned to practice in 2010 when she joined gbac and where she specialises in advisory work around Corporate Finance and Transaction Services, in addition to being a Senior Statutory Auditor.

From 2010 to 2018, whilst with gbac, Marie was also the Technical Director for the European Federation of Accountants and Auditors for SMEs (EFAA). In this role she represented the accounting profession at both a global standard setting level and at a European legislative level. The latter involved her undertaking work with the European Commission during the most significant changes to European Accounting and Auditing Legislation of the last 30 years. As part of her global standard setting role Marie has served as both member and past Chair of the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board Consultative Advisory Group, member of the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants Consultative Advisory Group and member of the International Accounting Education Standards Board Consultative Advisory Group. Work as the EFAA Technical Director has enabled Marie to spend a considerable amount of time in New York and Brussels, as well as visiting many other places around the World. This has fostered, and helped satisfy, her love of travel, and given her an appreciation of diversity of culture.

Marie is Barnsley “born and bred”. She is an advocate for lifelong learning and is proud to be involved with Barnsley College.

Marie is a member of the Audit Committee and is the link governor for Special Educational Needs.

David Akeroyd - Principal and CEO

David Akeroyd is Principal and Chief Executive Officer at Barnsley College. He was appointed to the role in June 2023 following four years as Deputy Principal for Development and Productivity.

Kayleigh Bell - Staff Governor

Kayleigh began her journey with the College as a Support Worker in the STEM department. Over time, she advanced to Tutorial and Learning Mentor in the Construction department, where she played an active role in promoting gender diversity by encouraging more females to pursue careers in construction. Most recently, she became the Tutorial Team Leader for Hair, Beauty, and Catering – working alongside the very people who taught her the skills that led to a successful career before transitioning into education.

In addition to her role at the college, Kayleigh is a governor at a primary school in Barnsley, where she plays a vital role in shaping the school’s direction and development. Deeply invested in the local community, Kayleigh has volunteered with the Barnsley Youth Choir, and actively supports events organised by Barnsley Hospice. Recently, she took on the role of ambassador for the Carbon Literacy Project, where she helps to promote environmental awareness and sustainability.

A particularly impactful experience for Kayleigh has been her involvement in the Practise Leads Programme, through Barnsley Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Services (BSARCS). This initiative played a vital role in addressing the stigma surrounding conversations about sexual assault and helped create a safer space for open dialogue, breaking down barriers that often prevent survivors from coming forward.

Steven Burkinshaw

Steven joined the college in November 2019. He is dedication to education and innovation was recognized in July 2020 when he became a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, a testament to his commitment to integrating advanced technology in teaching and learning processes.

In addition to his role at the college, Steven has actively contributed to the local education community. He became a Local Authority Governor at a local primary school, where his leadership and guidance played a crucial role in the school achieving an OFSTED Good Rating in February 2024. This accomplishment highlights his ability to drive improvement and maintain high standards in educational settings.

Steven’s dedication to public service extends beyond education. He recently took on the role of magistrate in West Yorkshire, where he is committed to ensuring justice and contributing to the local community. His appointment as a magistrate reflects his strong sense of civic duty and his ability to handle responsibilities with fairness and integrity.

Steven’s connection to the college extends back to his time as a student. He served as a Student Governor in 2015 and 2017, demonstrating early on his passion for governance and his commitment to the institution and its stakeholders

Carol Cooper-Smith - Governor

Carol has had an extensive career in Economic Development and a range of other public services, in both national and local government with over 25 years experience within the field of regeneration; from small community based projects, to large multi-million pound programmes and build schemes; as well as strategies, writing funding bids and work with funding bodies.

Carol has worked with businesses, community groups, residents, schools, colleges, Universities, Police, Funders, Government departments, artists and Politicians local and national.

Most recently Carol was interim CEO at Ashfield District Council.

Billy Cowley - Student Governor

Billy is a dedicated student at the Sixth Form College, where he studies history, politics and business. Passionate about student advocacy, he actively promotes politics and Carbon Literacy across the college. He runs a political literacy radio show, engaging students in discussions on current affairs, and manages a small budget for college societies, ensuring student-led initiatives are well-supported. Alongside this, he has recently been involved in working with the Association of College’s Student Network.

He currently serves as a student governor, representing over 8,000 peers. He works closely with Student Services, the Learner Voice Adviser and the Director of Governance to elevate student voice in decision making. Most importantly, Billy works with students to get their opinions on changes and their time at college. His most recent project includes reworking the Strategic Away Day Seminar for governors to ensure student voice is positively heard. Outside of college, Billy works as a Crew Trainer at McDonald’s, further honing his leadership and teamwork skills.

His dedication recently resulted in Billy being nominated and receiving the Student Voice Representative Award. Billy was also recently elected as Chair of the AoC Student Governor panel

Gavin Day - Governor

Gavin has over 15 years’ experience in learning and organisational development across a variety industries.

Gavin is currently the Organisational Development Manager for Masonite UK, a leading manufacturer of internal and external door products and founded the engineering focussed Premdor Academy at Barnsley College in 2018.

Starting his career in financial services with Halifax Share Dealing Limited, Gavin completed his training qualification at Huddersfield University before moving on to other senior learning and development positions in retail, housing and public services.

As an Organisational Development professional, Gavin’s areas of specialism includes leadership development, performance management, employee engagement and team development activities as an Insights and MBTI practitioner.

George Graham - Governor

George joined the South Yorkshire Pensions Authority as Director in February 2018 and as Head of Paid Service is responsible for the management of all aspects of the Authority’s activity which is concerned with the management of a £10.5bn Pension Fund with over 170,000 members.

Previously he was Managing Director of Local Pensions Partnership’s pension administration business, having led the Lancashire County Pension Fund prior to the transfer of its staff to LPP as part of the creation of a joint venture with the London Pension Fund Authority.

A fellow of CIPFA George’s previous career in local government finance involved roles as Deputy County Treasurer at Lancashire County Council, Executive Director of Resources at Rossendale BC and Director of Finance at Chorley BC preceded by roles at Northamptonshire CC and Oxfordshire CC where he did his CIPFA training.

George has also represents practitioners on the Local Government Pension Scheme Advisory Board for England and Wales.

George also sits on the audit committee.

Donavan Hutchinson - Governor

Donavan Hutchinson is Chief Revenue Officer at Trustmarque.

His commitment to driving change across various industries in promoting equality for all has been instrumental in the growth of several organisations he has had the opportunity to lead during his tenure.

Previously Donavan was Chairman for SHI’s EMBRACE employee resource Group focussed on providing a safe and inclusive environment for the LGBTQIA++ communities, WiSH Board Member for SHI, supporting the empowerment and progression of women in technology, CRN Diversity A lister, CRN Channel A Lister, CRN Executive Mentor of the Year finalist 2022 and CRN Mental Health Champion of the Year finalist 2022 , Donavans focus on equality for all stems across all demographics.

A committed but also family orientated leader with 2 daughters and husband and various pets with a goal to set up his own Horse Riding school for the disabled (RDA Facility) Donavan is also focussed on fund raising for several charities across the UK to support the local and national communities.

Tracey Johnson - Governor

Tracey Johnson is a creative and digital business strategist, project director and founder with many years of experience in the digital, technology and creative industries.

She leads the Digital Media Centre in Barnsley, a landmark hub for the creative and digital industries and home to over 50 businesses, as well as a range of programmes to support sector growth.

Tracey is also part of the award-winning Enterprising Barnsley business growth team at Barnsley Council.

Jo Mallows - Governor

Jo joins the Board bringing years of varied experience working as a manager and leader at the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield. She has most recently led a collaborative education outreach partnership, working with schools, FE colleges and universities across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. She is passionate about addressing educational inequalities and is an advocate for diversity and inclusion.

Jo was a student at Barnsley Sixth Form College in the 1980s, from where she went on to Loughborough University to graduate with a BSc in Geography. She also holds a Masters in Education from the University of Leeds.

Jo brings a strong personal and professional commitment to the role of Governor. She looks forward to joining our strong Governance Board and to making a positive contribution to the ongoing success of Barnsley College and the wider community.

Jo is delighted to be nominated as Link Governor for Higher Education and is also a member of the Audit and Risk Committee.

Matt Mills - Governor

Matt is passionate about enhancing students’ experiences and outcomes. Since 2017 he has been the Director of Student Services at the University of Huddersfield, overseeing Disability & Wellbeing Support, Careers and Employability, Sport and Faith provision. Matt has a wealth of experience in education, leadership and management, having served as the Chief Executive of the Huddersfield Students’ Union from 2008 to 2017.

Previously he has led a local Citizens Advice Bureau, been a business controller for IKEA, a paid political organiser, service manager at Nottingham University Students’ Union, a Regional Officer for the National Union of Students. He is also an active member of his community. From 2014 to 2023 he served as Governor of King James School Almondbury, and as chair of governors from 2016.

Matt is originally from South Yorkshire, attending both Wath Pope Pius Comprehensive School and Wath Comprehensive School. He has a BA in Politics from the University of Leicester, an MA in Politics from the University of Warwick, and an MBA with distinction from the University of Huddersfield. He is also a Chartered Manager, Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute and Fellow of The Association of Higher Education Professionals.

One of Matt’s first jobs was an outdoor education instructor, he has held on to that passion, in any spare time he will be out cycling, walking, camping with his family.
Born in Barnsley, he is committed to ensuring the College meets the needs of students and the wider community, living up to the vision of Transforming Lives.

Kalam Neale - Governor

As Head of Education at British Esports, Kalam focusses on delivering growth and development of esports in education across the UK and beyond.

Recipient of the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Award for his outstanding commitment to digital innovation, Kalam, an experienced teacher, educator and educational leader previously served as Esports Programme Lead at Barnsley College, where he co-wrote the Esports BTEC in association with Pearson and British Esports, as well as being one of the first to offer the qualification to students and participate in the British Esports Student Championships.

Kalam also serves as Director of Education at Strategic Esports Group, Trainer & Podcast Host at Pearson (UK & International), and was a North American Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF) Fellow for the 2021-2022 academic year.
In his previous roles within further education as a Teacher, Coach, Advanced Practitioner, Course Leader and latterly as Curriculum Lead, Kalam’s key areas of focus and development were on the quality of education, project management, curriculum developments and engagement with external stakeholders, along with line management responsibilities for esport and sport, League Football & Premier Legue Football Education, essential skills and community education programmes.

As a result, Kalam has worked extensively with a wide range of national education providers, bodies, employers and universities to support the development of education in the United Kingdom and internationally.

Carly Speechley - Governor

Carly Speechley joined Barnsley Council in July 2022 as Executive Director – Children’s Services bringing extensive experience in Local Government including 15 years at senior leadership level across Children’s Services and a track record of leading performance improvement. Since qualifying as a social worker in 1999, Carly has undertaken a number of Assistant Director roles in Children’s Social Care within the Yorkshire & Humberside region; more recently in Sheffield for 5 years before joining Barnsley, as well as management roles in Youth Justice, SEND and Commissioning Care.

Carly’s specialities include leadership, strategic planning, transformation, change management, challenging the status quo, service reviews and re-design, strategic commissioning, business intelligence and performance, workforce development and stakeholder engagement across the political arena.

Since joining Barnsley Council, Carly has led an Ofsted FV for Care Leavers (Jan 2023) and more recently a full ILACS Inspection (Sept 2023) with an overall ‘GOOD’ rating which acknowledged that, since her appointment, an in-depth review of all service areas had taken place leading to a self-assessment that accurately measures the services and experiences of children in care, resulting in positive changes for Barnsley’s children and young people and continues to drive forward improvements in practice.

Carly is also actively engaged in regional sector-led improvement work and a currently chairs the White Rose Regional Commissioning Board.

Carrie Sudbury - Governor

Carrie Sudbury is Chief Executive of the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber

The Chamber currently has a membership of over 1,100 businesses across Barnsley and Rotherham and engages widely on behalf of its members with a number of organisations and partners. I have been within the Chamber for 10 years, and recently appointed as Chief Executive in 2023. Over those years, we have assisted and enabled organisations to network, grow and thrive and to become the best they possibly can be.

I’m delighted to join as a Governor, who have already made such striking developments and enhancements for Barnsley. I’m honoured to be part of it and to be part of Barnsley College’s exciting future. I’m passionate about economic and education collaboration and collectively thriving within business.

Nina Smart

Nina is the HE Student Governor

Heather Jackson - Director of Governance and Clerk to the Board

Heather has a background in Further and Higher Education having worked at a number of colleges and universities across Yorkshire in various roles including student services, marketing and communications and business development.

She spent 10 years at the Higher Education Academy as Director of Operations before working for a number of local charities in Governance and Management roles.