Stockton Riverside College Group appoints three new governors

Stockton Riverside College Group has appointed three of the North-east’s financial leaders to its governing boards, bringing with them a wealth of experience.

With a passion for the region, the trio will help drive the College forward with a shared desire to raise aspirations through education and give something back to the community.

Financial directors Stuart Blackett and Kirk Siderman-Wolter now join Stockton Riverside College Group’s corporation board, while Phil Heathcock has been appointed to the NETA Board.

All respected members of the Tees Valley business community, the new board members will assist in ensuring the continued financial sustainability of the College Group, “a critical role for any college governor,” said the Group’s Chairman of the Board Mark White OBE DL.

“Stockton Riverside College has robust finances and to ensure this continues into the future and to bring to bear enhanced strategic financial acumen, I am delighted to announce these new appointments,” he said.

“Whilst all are highly respected financial leaders, they will also offer much more. They are each very interested in different aspects of our business, and all being based locally, have a passion for our respective communities and therefore the services that we deliver.”

Director of Finance and Strategy at Darlington-based RPMI, Stuart Blackett is looking forward to the new challenges the role will bring. He said: “There was something about this opportunity that resonated with me on many different levels. I value the benefits that education brings and the fact it makes a difference to people’s lives.”

Also Vice Chair of the Railway Housing Association, he added: “I am very proud of the North-east but sometimes it puts itself down. If I can help people to have better opportunities through education then that is a great thing.”

Finance consultant Kirk Siderman-Wolter said, for him, giving his time and expertise to help the College deliver great education opportunities was an easy choice.

Interim Chief Operating Officer at Agri-Epi Centre Ltd, an agricultural innovation house, he said: “For my brothers and myself having the opportunity to continue our studies was transformative, so this is part of giving back to a system that has served us well.

“The College provides a network that supports students of any age and any walk of life, it makes sense to support that.”

Adding his weight to the NETA board, Phil Heathcock, Chief Financial Officer at Cleveland Bridge UK, explained: “With four children at different stages of education I do have an interest in the sector and wanted to take a closer look. I am aware the sector faces challenges, particularly around funding and finance. I want to be able to provide expertise to help NETA continue to grow and develop.”

Welcoming the new appointments, Chair of the Board Mark added: “These are great appointments, and the Corporation Board, our Senior Management Team and our staff are very much looking forward to working with our new colleagues as we continue to meet the challenges and opportunities associated with ensuring high quality local colleges for our local communities.”

Stockton Riverside College Group incorporates Stockton Riverside College, Redcar & Cleveland College, Bede Sixth Form College, NETA Training and The Skills Academy.