Our Staff
John Lawton – Chief Executive Officer
John, who joined OCNYHR 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
Velda Hobson - Operations Manager
The Operations Manager is responsible for the organisations operations, including management of customer services, health and safety and the provision of personnel guidance. Velda is a member of the Senior Management Team.
Gillian Winfield-Gill – Administrator
Gillian is a front-line customer service staff member dealing with enquiries and staff development. Gillian also provides administrative support for HR.
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.
Janet Martin – Senior Administrator (Membership & Centre Approval)
Janet is responsible for the administration of Membership and Centre Approval.
Qualifications and Development
Clare Wigzell - Qualifications and Development Manager
Clare is responsible for the Qualifications and Development
Team and Qualifications and Development Strategy for the OCN and is a member of the Senior Management Team.
Laura Sheasby - Qualifications and Development Advisor
Laura is the Qualifications and Development Advisor for Barnsley, Hull, Bridlington & leads OCNYHR's work with the Workforce Development / Work based learning.
Caro Blount-Shah - Qualifications and Development Advisor
Caro is the Qualifications and Development Advisor for Bradford and Doncaster Districts & leads OCNYHR's work with the Health Sector.
Laiqa Sheikh - Qualifications and Development Advisor
Laiqa is the Qualifications and Development Advisor for North Yorkshire & leads OCNYHR's work with the BME Sector.
Guy Farrar - Qualifications and Development Advisor
Guy is the Qualifications and Development Advisor for Leeds & leads OCNYHR's work with the Community and Voluntary Sector.
Linda Moore - Qualifications and Development Advisor
Linda is the Qualifications and Development Advisor for Rotherham, North Nottinghamshire and Chesterfield areas & leads OCNYHR's 14-19 work, Information Advice and Guidance (IAG).
Gill Roberts - Senior Administrator (Qualifications and Development)
Gill is a Senior Administrator dealing with the administration for the Qualifications and Development Team.
Debbie Gill - Senior Administrator (Qualifications and Development)
Debbie is a Senior Administrator dealing with the administration for the Qualifications and Development Team.
Susanne Dyer – Administrator (Qualifications and Development)
Susanne is the Administrator supporting the Qualifications and Development Team.
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.
John Trout - Quality Officer
John is responsible for the administration of Quality Assurance and Verification.
Louise Perry - Administrator (Quality)
Louise 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.
Theresa Shaw - Network CPD Administrator
Theresa is a front-line customer service staff member dealing with enquiries and bookings regarding Staff Development training.
Access to HE
Julie Knowles - Access to HE Manager
Julie leads on all the Access to HE work across the Yorkshire and Humber Region and is responsible for developing provision and supporting providers to meet the QAA license as an Access Validating Agency (AVA).
Jayne Belkadi - Access to HE Development Adviser
Jayne is the Development Adviser for Access to HE provision.
Angie Hall - Senior Administrator (Access to HE)
Angie is responsible for the administration of the AVA and the Access to HE provision.
Finance, IT, Awards and Registrations
Melisa Vujatovic - Finance/IT/Awards 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 and the registrations and awards. 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.
Christine Ibbotson - Awards Team Leader
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.
Chris Houlton - Administrator (Learner Registration)
Chris is a member of the Awards Team dealing with accreditation enquiries and the registration and certification of learners.
Rose Jardine - Administrator (Learner Registration)
Rose is a member of the Awards Team dealing with accreditation enquiries and the registration and certification of learners.
To contact any member of staff please send your emails to Enquiries.