Directors Information

Gary McEwan

Director

Chair of Directors

I am currently employed by Interfloor Limited and have been for over 25 years, initially based in South-West Scotland but relocating to the Rossendale Valley over 20 years ago. Prior to Interfloor I have worked in both the MoD and Nuclear Industry. A Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Personnel & Development, NEBOSH trained in both Health & Safety Management as well as Environmental Management and a qualified DB Pension Scheme Trustee, my focus in the business is risk and compliance. As the HR and Business Improvement Director, I am strategically responsible for the HR, HSE and Procurement functions as well as delivery of our CSR and ESG Objectives. I am also one of the champions of our community engagement initiatives, 'InterActive' which is based on our 3 C's: Commitment, Careers and Community.

Julie Hayton

Director

Vice Chair of Directors

My name is Julie Hayton and I am currently employed as an English teacher at an 11-18 comprehensive school in Oldham. I have a teaching career that spans 28 years and feel that I understand the challenges faced by teaching and support staff. My son is diagnosed with ASD. He attended Broadfield School until he was 16 before moving to Tor View. He currently attends Valley College, where he is making excellent progress. I have been a Governor at Helmshore Primary School since 2001 and Chair of Governors for the past sixteen years. During this time I have witnessed many changes in education both in terms of the curriculum and inspection. I have taken on the roles of Literacy and Safeguarding governor and have met with Ofsted Inspectors on three occasions representing the Governing Body. I deal with any parental complaints that may arise, meet regularly with the Headteacher and other members of staff. I hope that my experience will contribute to the Governing Body team and I look forward to working with you over my term of office.

Stuart Graham

Director

I am currently employed by Balfour Beatty plc as Education, Employment and Skills Manager with responsibility for driving our social value strategy for all our major highways schemes across England. I have worked in the education and skills sector for nearly 40 years, including as a senior manager in Further Education and Social Housing, and most recently as the Deputy Careers Hub Lead across Lancashire. I have also been an Enterprise Adviser for 8 years.

Brad Hacking

Director

My name is Brad Hacking and I am currently part of the senior management team of one of Rossendale's largest employers, WeBuyBooks. My current role covers business development, sales, improvement and new projects. Over the last 15 years working in business, I have held managerial roles in the insurance industry, financial services and also provided business advice for the local authority here in Rossendale. I hold a level 5 from the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM), and my focus in the business is growth and development, through innovation and technology. I am a proud father of two little girls and have lived in the beautiful Rossendale Valley for over 15 years. I am pleased to offer some of my experience to assist in the great work that is being carried out by the board.

Ashley Collinson

Director

I started my teaching career when I completed my PGCE at the Embrace Teaching Hub, Rossendale in 2018. After completing my PGCE I was grateful to be offered a teaching role within the secondary department at Tor View School where I was subject leader for a range of subjects, including Humanities and Mathematics where I honed my leadership and curriculum knowledge. In October 2023, I was appointed as Assistant Head Teacher of the FE Department where I currently teach. Teaching at Tor View is always a pleasure as every day is different and exciting. In my free time, I enjoy reading, Formula One (Verstappen and Albon fan), and playing board games.

Louise Taylor

Director

My name is Louise Taylor, my current role is Careers Advisor at The Sea View Trust, covering provisions across Rossendale and Blackpool. I have been in post since December 2023. I started my career as a Careers Advisor working for Connexions Lancashire and worked there for 12 years, then progressed into Management. More recently I have worked for a children's charity called CANW (Child Action NW), where I managed various teams and contracts, supporting the most vulnerable in society. Now I have returned to my roots working at The Sea View Trust. I have recently started my Careers Leader Level 6, after which I will progress onto my Level 6 in Careers Advice and Guidance. My son is currently in Year 10 at Tor View School, he has a diagnosis of ASD with LD, he is amazing and thriving, and described as a model pupil by his teachers. I am looking forward to working with the Directors at Valley College and hopefully sharing some ideas along the way.

Kelly Swindells

Principal

I am delighted to introduce myself as Principal of Valley College (18-25 years), that provides aspirational education for learners with Special Educational Needs. My first role within the Trust was as an Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for Tor View’s Secondary Department. In 2019, I was successful in being appointed as Deputy Headteacher with responsibility for Curriculum and Quality. I am a Specialist Leader of Education, a SEND Reviewer and a Pupil Premium Reviewer and have provided support to schools across within the Northwest. I thoroughly enjoy working with the amazing team we have here at Valley College. Our mission statement, Preparation for Adulthood, Citizenship & Employment' is the driving force behind every decision we make.