The Board

The Board

Ross Waldie - Chair of Board of Directors, Entrepreneur
 
I have advised, represented and owned businesses in the North East for 15 years. I am currently a business consultant for Tees Valley Combined Authority and am a residential landlord. I am passionate about improving the lives and opportunities of people living across our region and very proud of being involved with the work of JET over the past 9 years.
I strongly believe in the role that JET plays to provide support and independence, through skills, training and opportunities for people in the region. Throughout my career, I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with Changing Lives and Shelter and I am a strong advocate of working in partnership with all sectors to empower people and communities.
I completed my MBA at Newcastle University in 2016 and recently sold my catering business and coffee shop. I am currently planning to undertake a doctorate in business and enjoy investing in new businesses, particularly in the North East.

Hardus Duplessis- Employment and Skills manager, Newcastle City Learning

Hardus is originally from South Africa but has lived in the North East since 2000. He has long been involved with ESOL delivery in the council and the city and is currently still the ESOL manager for Newcastle City Learning. He also oversees all other adult learning provision which includes maths, English, learners with learning difficulties, vocational programmes and modern foreign languages. He has a in depth understanding of the Further Education Sector, funding and what constitutes outstanding teaching and learning. Hardus firmly believes that good partnerships ensure everyone get the best opportunities to learn and fulfil their ambitions – he has worked extensively with JET, the local authority, the third sector and other providers to ensure ESOL and further support are available to everyone who needs it.
Hardus is also a keen surfer.



Justine King - Education Worker, Show Racism the Red Card & Equalities Trainer
 
Originally from the Midlands I moved to the North East as a youngster and have been here for over 30 years. I have had several forays away from the North East. I went to University in Bournemouth and to studied my degree in Media and Communication, I worked in the United States for a year, and then worked in London in the Adult Education department of City University. The North East is where my heart belongs and so I came back up for good in the mid 90s and have remained here since. This marked my first working experience in the Voluntary and Community Sector where I have also remained since.

Sean Nairn - Board of Directors

I’m excited to be joining JET as a trustee, I am from a finance background and have previously worked with JET on the Wise Steps programme. I jumped at the chance to become a trustee when I heard about the opportunity as I’ve seen first-hand the impact JET has, I look forward to assisting the charity and enabling JET to continue to provide an excellent service to those who need it.

Manish Shukla - Board of Directors

I am currently working as Assistant Professor of Operations Management and Co-Director for our Business Analytics Programme at the Durham University Business School (DUBS). I am a trained operations researcher with a doctoral degree in Management from Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode and more than 15 years of experience of Operations Management, Process Optimization, Quality Management and Digital Solutions. I have worked on several research projects where I have provided consultancy and solutions to address operational challenges and to improve the operational efficiency of international organizations, Government bodies, SMEs and other Organizations for key projects. I would be using my experience and expertise to address some of the operational and digital transformational challenges faced by JET.  

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