Our Staff
John Lawton – Chief Executive Officer
John, who joined OCNHYR in April 2009, is responsible for managing the affairs of the Network in accordance with the policy of the Council of Members. As the Chief Executive Officer, John reports directly to the Board of Trustees on matters of Strategic Development, Operational Effectiveness, Finance and Management, with the support of an enthusiastic and skilled Senior Management Team.
John writes a regular blog to update members of activity in the network and to ensure that members are kept up-to-date on significant national policy developments and matters that directly affect the Yorkshire and Humber Region. Please click here to view the Chief Executive’s Blog.
Operations - Customer Service, Awards and Registrations
Velda Hobson - Operations Manager
The Operations Manager is responsible for the organisations operations, including management of customer services, awards and registrations and the provision of personnel guidance. Velda is a member of the Senior Management Team
Theresa Shaw - Administrator
Theresa is a front-line customer service staff member dealing with accreditation enquiries and HR and has key responsibility of staff development.
Sarah Butler- Administrator – currently on maternity leave
Miranda Foxton – Administrator
Farria is a front-line customer service staff member dealing with accreditation enquiries and staff development.
Karen Lumb – Committee Secretary (PA)
Karen’s responsibility is to service the Board of Trustees and the other Committees and is also PA to the Chief Executive Officer
Gill Roberts - Senior Administrator (Business Development)
Gill is a Senior Administrator dealing with the administration for the Business Development Team.
Debbie Gill - Senior Administrator (Business)
Debbie is a Senior Administrator dealing with the administration for the Business Development Team.
Janet Martin – Senior Administrator (Membership & Centre Approval)
Janet is responsible for the administration of Membership and Centre Approval
Susanne Dyer – Administrator (Business Development)
Susanne is the Administrator supporting the Business Development Team
Angie Hall – Administrator (Access to HE)
Angie is responsible for the administration of the AVA and the Access to HE provision.
Christine Ibbotson - Awards
Christine leads the Awards Team and is responsible for the implementation and management of the registration and certification process and customer service.
James Phillips - Administrator (Learner Registration)
James is a member of the Awards Team dealing with accreditation enquiries and the registration and certification of learners.
Sarah Cunningham- Administrator (Learner Registration)
Sarah is a member of the Awards Team dealing with accreditation enquiries and the registration and certification of learners.
John Trout - Administrator (Learner Registration)
John is a member of the Awards Team dealing with accreditation enquiries and the registration and certification of learners.
Business Development
Clare Wigzell - Business Development Manager
Clare is responsible for the Business Development Officer Team and Business Development Strategy for the OCN and is a member of the Senior Management Team.
Jayne Belkadi - Business Development Officer
Jayne is the Business Development Officer for Doncaster, N& NE Lincolnshire and leads OCNYHR's work with the Foundation Learning Tier and Skills for Life.
Laura Sheasby - Business Development Officer
Laura is the Business Development Officer for Barnsley, Hull, Bridlington & leads OCNYHR's work with the Workforce Development / Work based learning.
Caro Blount-Shah - Business Development Officer
Caro is the Business Development Officer for Bradford and Wakefield & leads OCNYHR's work with the Health Sector.
Laiqa Sheikh - Business Development Officer
Laiqa is the Business Development Officer for North Yorkshire & leads OCNYHR's work with the BME Sector.
Guy Farrar - Business Development Officer
Guy is the Business Development Officer for Leeds & leads OCNYHR's work with the Community and Voluntary Sector.
Linda Moore - Business Development Officer
Linda is the Business Development Officer for Rotherham, North Nottinghamshire and Chesterfield areas & leads OCNYHR's 14-19 work, Information Advice and Guidance (IAG).
Julie Knowles - Business Development Officer (Access)
Julie is the Business Development Worker who leads the work of the AVA and is responsible for the overview of Access to HE provision.
Quality and Staff Development
Donna Pritchard - Quality Manager
Donna is responsible for the Quality Assurance systems and processes including the appointment and review of External Moderators. Donna reports to the Quality, Audit and Access to HE Committees and is a member of the Senior Management Team.
Karen Lander- Administrator (Quality)
Karen is responsible for the administration of Quality Assurance and Verification.
Danielle Hickey - Administrator (Quality)
Danielle is responsible for the administration of Quality Assurance and Verification
Karen Duncan - Staff Development Co-ordinator
Karen is responsible for the annual programme of CPD events and leads a team of staff development tutors.
Finance and IT
Melisa Vujatovic - Finance/IT Manager
The Finance/IT Manager oversees the Region’s finances and members' accounts and advises the Regional Director and Board of Trustees on financial matters. Mel is also responsible for the management of IT systems & network across the region. Mel is a member of the Senior Management Team.
Dean Longley - ICT Officer
Dean is responsible for the day to day running of the OCN’s IT systems, including MIS support and development.
Kim Cockell - Administrator (Finance/MIS)
Kim is responsible for daily financial operations including invoicing of Centres and payment of suppliers and MIS reporting.
Joe Schofield - Administrator (Finance/MIS)
Joe is responsible for daily financial operations including invoicing of Centres and payment of suppliers and moderators.
To contact any member of staff please send your emails to Enquiries