Ian Looker
Chair of Governors
Committees: Quality & Curriculum, Remuneration and People & Governance
I have been a governor at York College & University Centre since 2020, and the Chair of the Board since the start of 2021.
I’m also involved in a number of other roles within education and social mobility - including a director at the University of Cumbria and a volunteer mentor for the Social Mobility Foundation.
Prior to all this I worked for the professional services firm PwC, for over 30 years, where I focused on working with public sector clients and, in particular, leading PwC’s UK business in the education sector. This meant working with many education institutions, regulators and various government bodies. It also developed a real interest in the education sector, something I'm delighted to be taking forward as Chair, helping to guide the College as it evolves and adapts. The College plays a vital role in supporting people in York and the surrounding area and for me stands out as having a really vibrant feel around the College site - a great place to learn.
I live in Boston Spa and enjoy time with my wife and two children. I love the outdoors, in particular running and cycling, watching sport (Newcastle United and motorsports) and cooking, especially Italian food.
Ken Merry
Principal and Chief Executive
Committees: Quality & Curriculum, People & Governance, Remuneration and Finance & General Purpose
I was appointed to the position of Principal & Chief Executive at York College & University Centre in March 2024, having fulfilled the role on an acting basis since October 2023. I initially joined the college as Deputy Principal and Deputy Chief Executive in June 2023.
Directly before this role, I was Vice Principal for Quality at Barnsley College where I guided the college through their outstanding Ofsted inspection in 2022. Prior to Barnsley College, I worked for Ofsted as one of Her Majesty’s Inspectors and held leadership roles in a range of colleges.
I have strategic responsibility for leading on curriculum design, overseeing the quality of provision we offer, and delivering an exceptional student experience. I am delighted to work for a hugely successful college that delivers learning opportunities that provide life changing opportunities for our students and apprentices.
Outside of York College I am a trustee of the Prisoners’ Education Trust, a passionate Rotherham United fan, and enjoy reading crime thrillers and swimming (not at the same time) as well as travelling.
Rob Hickey BSc, MSc, MBA, MRICS, MAPM
Committee: Finance & General Purposes
I’ve enjoyed working in higher education since 2016 when I joined York St John University as Chief Operating Officer.
The role has been a fantastic challenge and I’ve implemented new campus, digital, people & culture, marketing and diversification strategies, established a new and thriving London campus and created a series of successful international partnerships.
Before Higher Education, I spent five years as Transformation Director at Network Rail, where I delivered large infrastructure investment across the country.
As a chartered surveyor my background is actually property and economic development consultancy and I’ve enjoyed working on numerous high-profile projects, including the London Olympic bid.
I’m a great believer in higher education and I have an undergraduate degree from Lancaster University, a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and an MBA (with distinction) from the University of Leeds. I’m currently completing my doctorate, in Higher Education Management, at the University of Bath.
I became a Governor at York College in 2019 because I feel it’s an important Institution for the city and region. York is a thriving place, but it needs a constant injection of talented and innovative people to keep it competitive.
Dr Ann Lees
Committee: Quality & Curriculum (Chair), Remuneration and People & Governance
I joined the Governing Body in September 2021 and was privileged to be appointed as Chair of the Quality & Curriculum Committee.
I have studied, worked and lived around York for most of my adult life and was formerly the Director of Education for the Diocese of York. I have since worked as an independent Education Consultant, specializing in school organisation and governance. In both roles I became very familiar with the educational landscape in York and the wider region, where York College stands out as a beacon of excellence and opportunity.
I am a former governor of St Peter’s School in York, York St John University and the Sentamu Academy Learning Trust in Hull. I’m also a former lay canon and member of the Chapter of York Minster.
I believe that serving as a governor is a fantastic opportunity to help enrich lives and make a positive difference to communities, and this is nowhere more true than here at York College.
The inclusiveness of the College and the breadth of what it offers to students of all ages and abilities is truly impressive. The care for each and every student and the unwavering commitment to doing more and doing better make it an exciting place to work and study while developing the skills and attributes for more fulfilled lives. As a governor, it is an honour to contribute to making these things happen.
I am married with two grown-up daughters and four young grandchildren and love spending time with them. I also love walking, singing, reading and yoga.
Andrew Thomas
Committee: Audit
I started my career with professional services firm KPMG as a trainee Chartered Accountant. Once qualified I joined the NHS in South Wales in my first line management role.
Since then I have worked in a variety of sectors ranging from health, local authority, charities, etc. mainly in finance, procurement and contract management. This has included both director-level roles and more consultancy based assignments.
In 2020 I semi-retired and now work part-time on various management consultancy projects on an ad-hoc basis - again this is largely in the health sector.
I joined York College as an independent director in late 2018. As well as the main board I serve on the Audit Committee. This allows me to input into the College's governance and audit functions to ensure the organisation is properly managed and risks identified and mitigated.
Now that we are back to physical meetings after the remote working required by COVID, it is good to be back at the College and see the dynamism and general buzz of the students. Their achievements have, and continue to be, impressive. In particular it is amazing how this performance continued throughout the pandemic.
I live in Doncaster with my wife and daughter, enjoying cycling, rowing and (watching) rugby.
Victoria Inness
Committee: Audit
In my professional life I am a corporate partner at Knights solicitors, based in York and Leeds.
I grew up in York but moved to London shortly after qualification and worked in the City for many years. Initially working as a corporate lawyer in private practice I then moved to a position as legal counsel to an infrastructure fund backed by Barclays, Société Generale and 3i and subsequently into an Investor Director role at Barclays Capital Private Equity. After 15 years I returned home to York when my children were starting school.
I am honoured to be part of the Governing Body of York College and to be able to work with the College and the wider York community to support students to achieve their potential.
I live with my
two children in a village just outside York. In my spare time I try
to get to the gym as often as I can and I enjoy the theatre and walking in our
beautiful countryside.
James Farrar
Committee: Audit
James is the founding Chief Operating Officer of the York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The LEP has now been integrated into the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA).
During his time as LEP Chief Operating Officer, James built the team and oversaw an investment portfolio of over £200 million into the region.
Previous to his role in the LEP, James was at Yorkshire Forward, where he led its response to the recession with a focus on business support and access to finance.
Committed to collaborative working, James recognises the importance of a strong public private partnership and is committed to ensuring stakeholders across the region work together to deliver for our communities.
James was appointed as Chief Executive of the LEP in June 2024.
Sheila Willis
Committee: Independent Governor
I started my teaching career in North Warwickshire in a general further education college teaching beauty therapy. Over the years I was promoted, moved to Leeds and became head of department. In 2000, I was appointed as a full-time inspector with the Further Education Funding Council, inspecting further education colleges in Yorkshire and the Northeast. In 2004 I moved to the Adult Learning inspectorate where my knowledge of other remits such as apprenticeships and offender learning was broadened. In 2007 I moved to Ofsted as an HMI in the post 16 division and later was appointed to the role of Senior HMI. I semi-retired in 2020 and work as a freelance consultant.
I was delighted to be invited to join the board of Governors at York College in July 2024. I have been very fortunate during my career to see firsthand, high quality, inspirational provision. I want to use this knowledge and experience to help ensure that the students at the college experience the same high-quality teaching and learning to help them achieve their career aims and ambitions.
In my free time I enjoy being involved in my local community, walking my dog and spending time with my children and grandchildren.
Neil Ashton
Committee: Independent Governor and Chair of Finance & General Purposes
I joined the board of governors of York College in February 2025, and it is my privilege to chair the Finance and General Purposes Committee and support the college and students to achieve their objectives.
I am a qualified accountant and currently the Group CFO for a Telecommunications company and the Vice Chair of the Family Fund, a national children’s disability charity. I have been a Finance Director in large corporate and SME businesses and charities for over 30 years, including Chief Operating Officer at UK Coaching the leading sports coach education organisation and OFQAL regulated qualifications provider.
I live in York and have five lovely children. My youngest daughter is 12 and I have a son at University which helps me to continually appreciate the needs of young people and adults. I follow Manchester United and as a result have learnt to be patient for success, enjoy marginal gains and remain positive during difficult times whilst maintaining a sense of humour.
Aaron Johnson
Committee: Finance and General Purposes
I joined the Governing Body in September 2026 as an independent member.
I am a Technical Director at Binnies, where I leads work in digital strategy, data and artificial intelligence across major infrastructure programmes.
My career has focused on helping organisations understand complex challenges, make well informed decisions and turn ambitious ideas into practical plans and measurable outcomes.
I have worked with organisations including HS2, HMRC and Network Rail, as well as major water infrastructure programmes in the UK and Singapore.
A significant part of my role involves working with senior leaders and multidisciplinary teams, asking constructive questions, testing assumptions and helping people reach balanced decisions about strategy, investment, risk and change.
I hope to contribute this experience to the Governing Body, particularly in relation to digital capability, Artificial Intelligence and the college’s long term development.
I believe strongly in the value of education. A strong college experience can give people the skills, confidence and curiosity to build their future and continue developing throughout their lives.
York College & University Centre plays an important role in the city and wider region, and I am proud to support its work with students and apprentices.
I live in York and, outside work, enjoy walking my dogs in the surrounding Yorkshire countryside.
Andy Finn
Committees: Audit Committee (Chair), People & Governance and Renumeration
I joined the Governing Body in September 2026 as an independent member and Chair of the Audit Committee.
I have over 20 years’ boardroom experience as a Finance Director. I have also been a Governor at Leeds College of Building.
I have wide-ranging strategic financial experience working in different sectors including financial services, sport, construction and property maintenance.
I am currently Finance Director at Novus Property Solutions, a family-owned business that operates nationally, specialising in property maintenance, refurbishment, retrofit and compliance services across social housing, commercial, education and healthcare sectors.
I live in Leeds and am married with two children, one about to start university and the other studying towards A Levels.
In my spare time I can sometimes be found "crate digging" for second-hand vinyl to refresh the family jukebox.
Helen Whiting
Committees: People & Governance Committee (Chair) and Remuneration
In September 2026, I joined the People & Governance Committee at York College & University Centre.
I am strongly aligned to the college’s values, which closely reflect my own leadership approach and personal values.
I am the Chief Officer – HR & Support Services at City of York Council and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (FCIPD).
With more than 25 years’ experience in local government, I lead workforce strategy, organisational transformation, digital innovation and support services as a member of the Council’s Corporate Management Team.
With this role, I bring extensive experience in people leadership, organisational development, governance and strategic workforce planning, together with a deep understanding of the local political, economic and skills landscape.
I am passionate about the College & University Centre and York and its future success.
Through my role at the council, I work closely with partners across the city.
I see strong alignment between the council’s ambitions for York and the role of education in helping people, businesses and communities thrive.
As a proud Yorkshire woman, I have always loved York and, after four years working in the city, remain deeply committed to its future.
I see clear parallels between the council’s ambitions for residents and place and the college’s vision for learners, apprentices and the regional economy, particularly around digital transformation, partnership working and preparing people for the future world of work.
Jessica Leech
Committee: Quality & Curriculum
With over 23 years' experience in education across the secondary and further education sectors, I have extensive experience in student experience and inclusion, including safeguarding, careers and pastoral support.
I have been in the FE sector since 2016, holding leadership positions since 2017 until the present date.
In addition, I have eight years’ experience of governance roles across the education sector and am a Lead Assessor for the Association of Colleges' (AoC) Beacon Awards.
Mark Fogarty
Committee: Audit
I am the Chief Executive Officer of Global Skills Qualification (GSQ), a higher education awarding body with responsibility for the development, quality assurance, and strategic growth of higher education qualifications.
I bring extensive experience in higher education leadership, governance, quality assurance, curriculum development and regulatory compliance.
Throughout my career, I have worked closely with colleges, universities and awarding organisations to enhance educational quality, student outcomes and institutional performance.
As a Governor at York College, I contribute strategic oversight and expertise in higher education policy, governance, academic quality and organisational development.
My professional background provides valuable insight into the evolving education landscape, supporting the Board in ensuring the college continues to deliver high-quality learning opportunities and achieves its strategic objectives.
I am particularly passionate about widening participation, innovation in education and creating pathways that enable learners to achieve their full potential.
Terry Fennell
Committee: Finance & General Purposes
I have worked in the field of further education and skills for more than 40 years and am currently the Chief Executive at FDQ, a non-for-profit Awarding Organisation that, for the past 25 years, has served the food and drink industry across the UK with qualification and apprenticeship assessment services.
I previously served as Vice Chair of the Federation of Awarding Bodies, representing over 140 qualification and professional organisations.
My background spans national work with the Association of Employment and Learning Providers, roles within Improve (the former Sector Skills Council) and senior employer‑engagement leadership in further education.
I live in Wetherby and am a passionate advocate for the power of vocational education and training and look forward to supporting the college with my experience.
