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The Governors

TEC Partnership Corporation was established under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 for the purpose of conducting its business.

TEC Partnership is an exempt charity under Part 3 of the Charities Act 2011

In the delivery of its mission TEC Partnership uses brand names and trading styles in the public domain and includes, but not limited to the TEC Partnership, these include The Grimsby Institute, University Centre Grimsby, The Academy Grimsby, Skegness College, Scarborough TEC, East Riding College (ERC),  and National Employer Training (NET).

  • Vacancy - Independent Governor x 3 (up to 3)
  • Malcolm Cowgill (Chair of Corporation)
  • Robin Atkinson
  • Andrew Bennett
  • James Brooks
  • Richard Gravestock
  • Tracey Gyte (Staff)
  • Ann Hardy (CEO)
  • Steve King
  • George Lee (Co-Vice Chair)
  • Heather Pepper (Co-Vice Chair)
  • Guy Lonsdale
  • Audra Oldridge (Staff)
  • Mark Riley (On sabbatical)
  • James Tabor
  • Carly Sidebottom
  • Evina Turner
  • Ethan Turner
  • Guy Lonsdale (Chair)
  • Robin Atkinson
  • George Lee
  • Mark Riley
  • Andrew Bennett (Chair)
  • Malcolm Cowgill
  • Richard Gravestock
  • Ann Hardy (CEO)
  • Steve King
  • James Tabor
  • Tracey Gyte
  • James Brooks
  • Malcolm Cowgill
  • Ann Hardy (CEO)
  • Audra Oldridge
  • Heather Pepper
  • Carly Sidebottom (Chair)
  • Evina Turner
  • Ethan Turner
  • James Brooks (Chair)
  • Andrew Bennett
  • Malcolm Cowgill
  • Guy Lonsdale
  • Heather Pepper
  • George Lee
  • George Lee (Chair)
  • Andrew Bennett
  • Malcolm Cowgill
  • Heather Pepper
  • Ann Hardy (CEO)
  • James Tabor

The current Governor list is correct as of December 2025.

The Governors Bio's

Ann Hardy

Audra Oldridge

Guy Lonsdale

Heather Pepper

George Lee

Mal Cowgill

Steve King

James Brooks

James Tabor

Richard Gravestock

Carly Sidebottom

Andrew Bennett

Tracey Gyte

Ethan Turner

Robin Atkinson

Evina Turner
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Contacting the Governors/Corporation

Agendas, reports and minutes considered at meetings of the Corporation and its committees, the register of member’ interests and the TEC partnerships financial regulations and procedures are also held by the Director of Governance and maybe inspected by mutual agreement.

If you are interested in becoming a governor, please contact Antonia Praud, Director of Governance:

Director of Governance,
The TEC Partnership, Nuns Corner, Grimsby, NE Lincolnshire, DN34 5BQ.
Antonia Praud
[email protected]

For additional information, click here to download the Governor recruitment leaflet.

Governance Structure
Key Documents
The Governors

Ann Hardy

Chief Executive Officer (TEC Partnership)
My name is Ann Hardy and as the Chief Executive Officer of TEC Partnership I am a member of the Corporation. I have spent over thirty years working in Further Education in a range of institutions and I firmly believe that the further education sector is transformational. I know this to be the case as I am a product of the sector and through it I have completed a wide range of qualifications that have gotten me to my current position. Over the course of my career, I have championed provision for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and I continue to do this in my current role. The TEC Partnership covers a wide area, serving a number of coastal and rural communities, and it is my aim to provide to those communities the same educational opportunities that I had.
The Governors

Audra Oldridge

Staff
I attended Grimsby College when I left school before going working in an account’s office and having my family. Outside of work I spend time with my grandchildren and enjoy walking, reading, and exercising. I have worked at TEC Partnership for 22 years and seen a lot of changes within the education sector and have gained an in-depth knowledge and understanding of how the sector works along with the challenges that it brings. As a governor I want to bring my knowledge and understanding and help ensure the continued success of the TEC Partnership.
The Governors

Guy Lonsdale

Assistant Director
Guy is the Assistant Director - Finance at North East Lincolnshire Council. He is a qualified accountant and member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Prior to joining the Council, he held managerial positions with KPMG and the Audit Commission providing assurance and audit services to a wide range of organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors. As a result he brings a wide range of financial, technical and managerial knowledge and experience to the Board. Guy lives in Cleethorpes and is passionate about the role that education can play in growing and supporting economic growth and prosperity in the area.
The Governors

Heather Pepper

Governor
As a Registered Nurse with the prestigious title of Queens Nurse. I Live in Doncaster, work in Hull and everywhere in between, I am committed to supporting the local community and enhancing education for all. Working across all health care settings primarily in acute care and undertaking roles such as Lead Practice Nurse for a successful medical centre in Scunthorpe. In 2017 I transitioned to higher education to assist in leading the first wave of Nursing Associates as well as enhancing professional standards and opportunities for nurses. Being a governor and safeguarding lead provides students and the community with reassurance that strategic processes and decisions are questioned and challenged at every level and that students, partners and the community are at the heart of every decision.
The Governors

George Lee

Governor

George Lee brings a wide background in business representation, management and development to his role as Governor. Beginning his career as a Joiner while studying at college, he went on to complete a degree in Public Policy before moving into campaign management and policy development within the political sector. He later transitioned into senior roles in the private sector, serving as Chief Executive of two major trade associations and working extensively with Chambers of Commerce. He subsequently ran his own management consultancy for twelve years, supporting SMEs and specialist trade bodies with market development, lobbying, patent drafting and management services, before retiring in 2023. Throughout his career, George has maintained a strong commitment to training development and apprenticeships, firmly believing in the power of education and skills training to transform life opportunities. His focus is on ensuring learners benefit from meaningful, consistent engagement between the TEC Partnership and employers.

The Governors

Mal Cowgill

Chair

Mal Cowgill joined the TEC Partnership as Chair on 1st September 2025, bringing over thirty‑four years of experience and a strong reputation within the Further Education sector. Having spent more than two decades as a Principal and Chief Executive, he has extensive leadership expertise and a long‑standing commitment to the social and economic value of education. Since retiring from full‑time roles, Mal has continued to support colleges in interim positions, guiding institutions through complex challenges with notable success. He also contributes to wider sector development through voluntary leadership roles, serving as Chair of the Wolverhampton Education Skills and Employment Board and Chair of the WMCA Mayor’s ‘Jobs for Everyone’ taskforce. At the TEC Partnership, his focus is on driving ambitious future plans and maintaining a clear, unwavering commitment to student outcomes.

The Governors

Steve King

Governor

Steve King serves as a Governor, bringing over fifteen years of experience in strategic marketing and data analytics for education institutions and other mission‑driven organisations. His work centres on supporting leadership teams to make evidence‑based decisions that balance long‑term vision with financial sustainability. His background also includes advising the Home Office on digital strategy, public engagement and cyber security, strengthening his understanding of risk, reputation and digital transformation. In addition to his consultancy work, Steve has held leadership roles within education, including responsibility for the welfare of boys aged 13–18 as a boarding housemaster. He also continues to serve as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Cadet Forces, drawing on his earlier career in the Royal Marines. These roles have shaped a calm, mission‑focused approach and deep insight into safeguarding, student welfare and institutional culture. Passionate about innovation and the role of education in developing confident young people, he also advocates for the responsible use of AI to improve learning and reduce workload.

The Governors

James Brooks

Group Chief Executive of Lincoln Students' Union
James is the Group Chief Executive of Lincoln Students' Union and has worked in the SU sector for over twenty years. James’ has been in this role since 2012 and is responsible for the strategic leadership of the multi-award winning Charity that fosters a vibrant and engaged student community through a diverse range of opportunities. James champions the continuous development of staff, opportunities, and processes to best support students’ varying interests and needs. James has extensive experience in governance, managing multiple large budgets, staff development and building effective professional relationships. James is an avid fan of Formula 1 and musicals and resides in North Lincolnshire with his wife and (slightly spoiled) cat.
The Governors

James Tabor

Governor

James Tabor is a senior public sector leader with extensive experience across education, policing and healthcare, specialising in strategy, planning, performance, improvement and governance. He has held senior roles within Hull College Group, Humberside Police and Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, with responsibilities spanning curriculum and business planning, audit, risk, compliance, assurance and organisational improvement. James also brings direct educational governance experience, having served as a Governor at Hull Studio School and as Staff Governor for the Corporation of Hull College Group, giving him a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing further education and skills providers.

The Governors

Richard Gravestock

Governor

Richard is no stranger to being part of a board, having previously served as a governor at DN Colleges, and a Non-Executive Director with Ongo. Richard is a qualified accountant and a fellow of the ACCA, as well as holding an Executive MBA from the University of Hull. He has held many positions of directorial and managerial responsibility across a broad range of sectors, which has given him extensive understanding and awareness in financial, commercial and operational concerns. He lives with his wife and two children in Lincolnshire.

The Governors

Carly Sidebottom

Governor

Carly Sidebottom is Assistant Principal for Partnerships & Adult Provision at Leeds College of Building, where she leads strategic growth across employer partnerships and adult skills. With a strong background in further education and workforce development, she brings extensive senior leadership experience spanning business strategy, training, and adult skills. Carly is a committed advocate for the further education sector, holding a number of governance and leadership roles including trustee at SAMEE and board director at the Institute of Employability Professionals. She joins the TEC Partnership board with a clear focus on employer collaboration, adult learning, and building the skilled workforce needed to meet regional and national priorities.

The Governors

Andrew Bennett

Governor

Andrew has worked within the NHS in estates management and construction project management in Scarborough for nearly 25 years, delivering capital projects and managing public sector assets in a complex and highly regulated environment. This has given him extensive experience in governance, risk management, commercial management, collaboration, and ensuring value for money. Andrew has a strong enthusiasm for education and lifelong learning and believes that high-quality further education is essential to supporting economic growth and social mobility across North-East Yorkshire. He is particularly motivated by the role TEC Partnership plays in linking education with employers and helping learners develop the skills needed for local industries and future careers. Outside of work, he enjoys a range of interests that support a healthy work–life balance. Andrew is keen to use his professional experience and commitment to learning to support TEC Partnership’s mission and strategic objectives

The Governors

Ethan Turner

Governor

I am a mature student that chose a career change in my late 20’s. I moved from construction to mental health and psychology. My time working on acute mental health wards, alongside completing a psychology degree, has changed my life in incredible ways. I have been a student representative for UCG Grimsby and I now proudly serve as the student voice for the governing board of TEC Partnership as the group's HE Student Governor.

The Governors

Robin Atkinson

Governor
Robin is an experienced company director. He is presently Group Operations Director at Paneltex Ltd, based in Hull, operating over the UK and with a strong export business. For almost all of his working life he has lived and worked in both Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. He has expertise in automotive manufacturing, aerospace and in packaging businesses and has led the design and set-up of factories, the introduction of new products and the adoption of improvement systems. Inspired by his own experiences and that of his family and friends, he is passionate about education and of life-long-learning, seeing this as pivotal in the success of people. He is dedicated to the region and its people through the organisations that he has worked with. Robin joined the Board of Governors in March 2024. He offers his experience, expertise and contacts to assist TEC Partnership‘s ongoing development.
The Governors

Evina Turner

Student Governor

Hi! My name is Evina Turner, and I am a Student Governor from Scarborough. I am currently attending Scarborough TEC, participating in their Uniformed and Policing Services course on Level 2. My plan for the future is to enter the Army and become a member of the Royal Military Police Force as I am looking to enter their Counter-Terrorism Firearms Unit. My main hobbies as of currently are Art, such as Painting and Photography, Music, Animals and Gaming, these being a strong interest of mine for a very long time. I spend a lot of time with animals, having quite a few of my own and I also spend a lot of time painting, whether it be landscapes or locations I have visited in the past. I originally come from Scotland; however, I moved down to England coming up 5 years ago so my family could pursue an education, as well as myself further into the future.