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.
Sharon Roscoe, Chief Executive
As Chief Executive of the EPT, Sharon project managed the successful opening of The Heights Blackburn, Eden School and The Heights Burnley. She led the academy conversions for Coal Clough Academy and Pleckgate High School and more recently the re-brokerage and transfer of Atherton High School and Burnley High School into the EPT. She is a member of the Department for Education Alternative Provision Stakeholder group which advises government and shapes policy. Sharon was formerly chief executive of the Education Improvement Partnership (EIP), a formal collaboration between all secondary phase schools in Blackburn with Darwen which raised educational outcomes. She has extensive governance experience having served as a governor on governing bodies for primary, secondary, alternative provision and special schools.
Ian Kendrick
Ian has 40 years’ experience in the education and school improvement sector. Based on a successful teaching and senior management career in schools, he subsequently went on to advisory work in school improvement, including Ofsted inspections. Ian led school improvement teams in 4 different Local Authorities and was Deputy Director for Children’s Services in two of these LAs. Having taken “semi-retirement” Ian now works as an independent consultant with a small number of primary and secondary schools. Ian has extensive experience as a school governor having served on various Governing Bodies at primary and secondary level.
Jonathan Holden
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.
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.
Benjamin Posthuma De Boer
Ben is a Chartered Certified Accountant. He has worked in public practice as an auditor and accountant for over twenty years with experience of various industries including the not-for-profit sector and academies.
With the exception of the Chief Executive, all Directors are appointed on a voluntary basis.
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 in East Lancashire.
Lukman lives in East Lancashire with his young family and enjoys cycling and swimming when he can find the time.
Members
- Mufti Hamid Patel CBE
- Julie Hughes
- Andrea Hepplestone
