Ian Brown, Chair
Ian Brown has had a long association with business, firstly in his role as director in the family business of Graham and Brown and latterly as Chair of the Blackburn with Darwen Hive Business Network. His involvement at Graham and Brown gave him responsibilities in the operational and logistical aspects of the company, before leading on matters of Corporate and Social Responsibility. In 2002 he led the development of the company`s first CSR report, which was recognised by the Global Reporting Initiative of the United Nations for its fresh approach to CSR reporting. In 2012 he was awarded North West Director of the Year by the Institute of Directors.
In his role at the Hive Business Network he facilitated the creation of partnerships between local businesses and the education providers in Blackburn with Darwen to improve knowledge of current and future skills. He is also a director of Growth Lancashire and a trustee of the Gawthorpe Textile Collection.
Jonathan Holden, Vice Chair
Jonathan is a Partner and National Head of Education at Forbes Solicitors and is recognised nationally as an expert in advising Schools and Educational establishments on Employment law issues including being one of few experts on the Local Government Pension Scheme. He is the author of the leading textbook “A Practical Guide to Advising Schools on Employment Law” and is an experienced Tribunal advocate, and regularly appears in Employment Tribunals throughout the country. He commonly deals with complicated discrimination and whistle-blowing cases. In addition, he is experienced in dealing with both the non-contentious and contentious implications of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations and advises clients on these issues both internally, and at Tribunal if necessary. He regularly provides internal advice to clients on issues of various complexities, including large-scale restructures, job evaluation and equal pay issues. Jonathan was named in the Legal 500 directory for being “entrepreneurial and commercially aware”. He also sits as a Trustee on the Board of St Catherine’s Hospice.
Mark Cocker
Mark is a qualified teacher and holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship and National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership. Mark was Headteacher for seven years at a Trust secondary school, successfully leading the school from Requires Improvement to Outstanding in all areas. Prior to becoming the CEO, Mark was the Trust Director of Education and Deputy CEO. Mark gained extensive senior management experience as an Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher and Headteacher in a range of comprehensive schools across four local authorities in the North West. Mark has significant experience of leading on quality assurance, learning and assessment, curriculum design, safeguarding, behaviour and attendance and leadership. He is also an experienced Ofsted inspector across multiple phases.
Eileen Mulgrew
Eileen Mulgrew is a former Senior Her Majesty’s Inspector (SHMI) with extensive experience of leading maintained schools and academies, initial teacher education and independent school inspections. Eileen led training for Her Majesty’s Inspectors and contracted Ofsted inspectors. She assured the quality of inspections via on-site visits and conducted the quality assurance of reports prior to publication. She was the lead SHMI for independent school inspections and the summary evaluations of multi academy trusts in the North West. Eileen is a qualified teacher with considerable experience as a headteacher and in supporting schools causing concern. She holds NPQH and completed postgraduate studies in language across the curriculum and advanced study in education. She has assessed schools for Basic Skills Quality Mark and assessed candidates for the NPQH. Her particular areas of expertise include leadership and management (particularly governance), personal development, behaviour and bullying.
Lukman Patel
Lukman is the Chief Executive and former Chief Operating Officer of Burnley Borough Council. A solicitor by profession, Lukman was formerly the Head of Governance, Property, Law, and Regulation at Burnley Borough Council and the Head of Legal (Environment) at Trafford Borough Council. Lukman is also a member of the advisory Board for the Canals & Rivers Trust and was formerly a trustee for Burnley FC in the Community between 2017-2022. Born and raised in East Lancashire, Lukman has a strong affinity with the region. He has a particular passion to support the education and skills opportunities for young people. Lukman lives in East Lancashire with his young family and enjoys cycling and swimming when he can find the time.
Kate Wallace
Kate is the Deputy Principal of Burnley College, bringing with her a wealth of experience having taught in a range of educational settings. Kate has held senior management positions in general further education colleges and a university, which have included Assistant Principal for curriculum, employer and learner services and Group Director of Apprenticeships. Kate is also an Ofsted Inspector in the FE and Skills sector.
Martin Scholey
Martin has nearly 20 years’ experience in Facilities and Estates management across the public sector, spanning local government and the Further Education sector. He currently holds an estates leadership role within a large FE college, with experience in statutory premises compliance, sustainability, people management and the delivery of capital projects. His work is supported by relevant professional qualifications and a strong understanding of governance, risk management and value for money. Martin has served on the EPT Audit, Risk & Finance Committee since 2024 and will bring a practical, delivery‑focused perspective to Board discussions, rooted in operational assurance and public‑sector accountability.
Glynnis Carthy
Glynnis CA (SA) is a financial reporting specialist who provides consulting and training services related to the interpretation and application of IFRS Accounting Standards. Glynnis has extensive practical experience and knowledge of IFRS Accounting Standards and advises on the application of IFRS Accounting Standards to specific transactions. She also consults on the extent to which financial statements comply with IFRS Accounting Standards. Glynnis has previously been involved in the education of qualified chartered accountants and auditors, as well as preparing students for their professional exams. Glynnis also served as an independent non-executive director of a listed company, where she chaired the Audit and Risk Committee.
Members
- Mufti Hamid Patel CBE
- Julie Hughes
- Ian Brown
