Ron Dearing UTC’s Governing Board has welcomed four new members to help shape the future of the employer-led school.
Tim Shaw, Jason Speedy, Laura Botham and John Hutchinson have joined the board as governors and each bring a wealth of experience to the team at the Ofsted ‘Outstanding’-rated UTC.
Tim has recently been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of leading Hull-based digital technology, communications and IT services provider KCOM, one of Ron Dearing UTC’s Founding Partners.
He previously held the position of Managing Director of KCOM Wholesale and Networks for almost three years and fulfilled various technology and engineering roles at major telecommunications company BT over a 14-year period.
Tim said: “I’m pleased and proud to join the board and give something back. We want to help the next generation.
“The UTC’s link to business and industry is really important. Its approach and model of education is empowering for its students and you can see how passionate the staff are.”
Jason is Chief Operating Officer at global heating solutions company Groupe Atlantic, the parent company of market leading brands including Hull-based Ideal Heating, one of Ron Dearing UTC’s Major Partners. He is re-joining the board as a governor after stepping down from his role as Deputy Chair in 2019.
Jason was previously Digital Programs Director and Plant Director for Wind Power at Siemens Gamesa, one of Ron Dearing UTC’s Founding Partners, and was part of the team which was instrumental in establishing the employer-led school before it opened its doors in 2017.
Jason, whose son Lewis, now 20, was the first student to register to join Ron Dearing UTC’s sixth form to pursue a career in engineering, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to re-join the board and am looking forward to offering support in shaping the curriculum and setting industry-standard projects for the students.
“Ron Dearing UTC is second to none and has set the benchmark for this model of education, and I say this as a parent, an employer partner and a governor.
“I don’t think there is another school in the country, particularly from an engineering perspective, which teaches and encourages employer engagement in this way. It ticks all the boxes and sets new standards.”
Laura is Human Resources (HR) Partner at Siemens Gamesa, one of Ron Dearing UTC’s Founding Partners, which has world-class wind turbine manufacturing, assembly and logistics operations at Alexandra Dock in Hull.
She sits on the UTC’s Employability Skills Sub-Committee and supports workshops with the school’s Year 12 students, encouraging them to consider personal branding ahead of preparing CVs and applications. She is an advocate of employer partnerships and encourages likeminded organisations to get involved.
Laura said: “I’m really excited to join the board as it reinforces my passion for boosting opportunities for young people in Hull and creating future talent.
“It’s inspiring that Ron Dearing UTC has broken the mould of a conventional school and the pace it moves forward at is something to be envied. Having employer-led projects and opportunities for the students to learn more about what businesses want gives them the best foot in the door.
“Ron Dearing UTC is providing their young people with great insight while building a better future in the Humber Estuary.”
John is a Senior Partner at leading UK law firm BDB Pitmans, which operates in Reading, London, Southampton and Cambridge.
He is also a non-executive director and investor in several technology companies and was previously chairman of a medical devices company, as well as managing partner of a private equity investment business.
John said: “The country’s focus on providing engineering and technology skills will be crucial going forward and I’m delighted to be part of that by joining the Governing Board at Ron Dearing UTC.
“I’ve known and respected the work of the school’s Principal, Sarah Pashley, for many years and been aware of Ron Dearing UTC since its inception. The school is providing a great pathway for students and offering industry level training for young people who will be the future of the country.”
Ron Dearing UTC caters for students aged from 14 to 19 and offers a unique model of employer-led education with a specialist focus on digital technology, creative digital and digital engineering.
Ron Dearing UTC Chair of Governors Richard Martin, Customer Experience Director at Arco, one of the school’s Major Partners, welcomed the appointments.
He said: “Were delighted that Tim, Jason, Laura and John have joined our Governing Board and bring such a vast amount of experience and knowledge.
“Having a strong team to support and guide the school is essential and these welcome additions will certainly bolster the existing dedicated team as Ron Dearing UTC continues to go from strength to strength.”