Meet the Trustees
Trustees
Joan Dean, Chair Trustees
Appointed: 11th January 2018
Key Responsibility: Strategic Plan and Pupil Premium
Joan Dean has a long career in education. After attending Manchester University Joan started her career as a teacher in Oldham. Joan then became a deputy headteacher in Moss Side Manchester followed by her next role as the headteacher of a large primary school in central Manchester. Joan was appointed to Her Majesty's Inspector of Schools (HMI). In addition to inspecting schools in England - both primary and secondary - Joan led many inspections of British Forces schools in Cyprus and Germany. From Ofsted Joan was seconded to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister where she pursued her interest in schools in disadvantaged areas. As a result of this work Joan was appointed as a Director at the National College for School Leadership. More recently, Joan established a consultancy supporting local authorities and schools with school improvement strategies and leadership development. She has worked extensively in Manchester schools and has successfully run Manchester's Aspiring Leaders’ programme. Joan is married with one daughter and one granddaughter.
Mike Snelson, Vice Chair
Appointed: 16th August 2018
Key Responsibilities: Chair Standards Committee, Behaviour and Attendance
Mike Snelson recently retired following more than 40 years as a professional working in education. His career included spells as a primary headteacher of two schools in the north-west; a School Improvement Adviser in Redcar and Cleveland; Ofsted team inspector; and Principal Adviser for Lancashire School Effectiveness Service. Most recently he has worked as an independent education consultant. Mike is married and lives in Lancashire. He has two sons (both teachers!) and four grandchildren.
Jon Nowell
Appointed: 15th June 2018
Key Responsibilities: Trustee, Chair of Resources and Audit Committee
Jon is an experienced leader with an extensive background in finance, operations, and strategic growth, previously serving as Operations Director at TalkTalk Business, with over two decades of experience in senior leadership roles, Jon has been instrumental in delivering successful growth within the UK telecoms and managed services markets. His career has seen him lead large-scale projects across various sectors, with a particular focus on education, technology, and infrastructure.
A passionate advocate for education, Jon has been actively involved in initiatives designed to improve educational outcomes. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the leadership of an Education Internet Service Provider (ISP), where his vision and strategic oversight contributed to the company's growth and expansion. Jon also participated in the national Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme, aimed at transforming educational environments across the UK through significant investment in infrastructure.
Jon's governance experience includes five years of service as a governor at a primary school in Cheshire, where he gained valuable insights into the workings of educational institutions. His strong financial acumen, combined with his passion for education, positions him as a key asset to the Dunstone Education Trust. As Chair of the Resources and Audit Committee, Jon provides strategic leadership, ensuring robust financial oversight, resource allocation, and risk management across the Trust. His expertise in financial leadership helps to drive sound decision-making, ensuring that the Trust operates efficiently and sustainably to meet its goals.
Residing in Cheshire, Jon is a dedicated family man, living with his wife and two children. Outside of his professional and trustee commitments, Jon enjoys giving back to the community.
Jon’s commitment to education, finance, and community involvement makes him a valuable member of the Trust, contributing to its ongoing mission to provide outstanding educational opportunities for all students.
Tudor Griffiths
Appointed: 29th September 2020
Member of Standards Committee
Key Responsibilities: Quality of Education
Tudor Griffiths was a secondary headteacher for 23 years. His first headship was in an inner-city 11-18 high school in Leeds. His second headship was at Kettlethorpe High School in Wakefield, an 11-16 comprehensive school with over 1700 pupils from 2006 until 2024. Since 2012 Tudor has been involved in school inspection work both as a lead and team inspector. He has also undertaken school improvement and educational consultancy work in both primary and secondary schools/academies and for a number of local authorities and multi-academy trusts nationally. This has been centred on developing leadership capacity and raising standards. In his spare time Tudor is a national panel official for the Rugby Football Union and a volunteer Blood Bike rider.
Becki Smith
Appointed: 19th April 2021
Member of Resources Committee
Key Responsibilities: Girls in Technology Project
Becki Smith is an experienced business leader in the technology sector specialising in telecommunications and digital. Becki joined TalkTalk in January 2020 from N Brown Group Plc where she was Marketing and eCommerce Director, and previously led eCommerce and digital marketing for Boohoo Group.
Currently, Becki is a director for Three UK, a leading mobile services provider, she has over 20 years experience in marketing, digital and commercial roles.
Becki is also an industry spokesperson with experience in mentoring and leading other female leaders and young people.
Dr Philip Smith, Hon DBA, FCMA, FCT, FInstMgt, FCPFA
Appointed: 8th April 2021
Member of Resources and Audit.
Key Responsibilities: Audit and Compliance
Dr Smith, a qualified accountant, now retired from executive work, is a former senior executive of multi-national businesses, including major food retailer Asda Group Plc and National Power Plc, the UK electricity generating company.
Dr Smith is a Higher Education specialist with over twenty years experience at governing board level. He is also chair of governors of the Milton Keynes Academy.
He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration by De Montfort University in 2010 for his outstanding contribution to the development of the university and an MBE in 2016 for his services to business and the community of Milton Keynes.
A former chairman of Leicester City Football Club Plc, Dr Smith has held various positions in the sporting arena including chairmanship of youth and senior men's and ladies football clubs. He is a former member of LEAP, the Bucks County Sports Partnership and former chair of SEMLEP's Sport and Leisure Group.
In Milton Keynes he was chair of MK Business Leaders Partnership and the MK Business Council.
He was a non-executive director of Destination MK and MK City Orchestra, a former trustee of The Stables music theatre and is currently President Elect of the Rotary Club of Lytham.
Chelsea Slater
Appointed: 2nd September 2022
Member of Resources and Audit.
Key Responsibilities: Careers Education and Website Compliance
Chelsea has dedicated her work to achieve gender equality within the tech sector. Her direct experiences of inequality within her previous roles inspired her to start InnovateHer, a social enterprise who are on a mission to educate and inspire women to have careers in tech, whilst helping companies to be more inclusive. With her team, Chelsea plans for InnovateHer to become a pioneering industry-led STEAM education provider, globally inspiring teens to reach their potential and create a more inclusive future in tech, with a community of 1 million globally.
In other work, Chelsea has supported many organisations and government bodies on their digital strategies, as well as Inclusion, Social Enterprise, Digital Marketing, Brand and Business operations.
Abdul Yosuf
Abdul Yosuf is a practising solicitor and is the Head of Legal at TalkTalk. His main areas of legal practice include commercial, corporate, advertising, employment, litigation and dispute resolution.
Abdul is an active member of his local community and was nominated by them to lead on local issues such as HS2 consultation and refugee housing. Aside from being a passionate football fan, Abdul enjoys taking on challenging DIY projects in his spare time
Trustees are the accountable body for Fulwood Academy
In order to contact the trust board, please direct enquiries to the Clerk to the Trustee Board, Jacqueline Currey.
By Telephone: 01253 476513
By E-mail jacqueline.currey@blackpool.gov.uk
By Post: Please address correspondence to Mrs J Dean, Chair of Trustees at the Academy Address