The Opportunity Area is managed by an independent board, bringing together senior leaders from schools, communities, business and central and local government. These individuals bring experience, insight, and ambition for Norwich and its young people.
Members of the partnership board lead working groups for each of the 4 priorities for Norwich, which are made up of local stakeholders with a range of specialist expertise in each of these key areas.
Our Chair – Tim Coulson
Tim has a strong track record in local education delivery, as Director of Education at Essex County Council and lead education officer at both Reading Borough Council and the London Borough of Camden. Until 2017 Tim was the Regional Schools Commissioner for the East of England and North East London, a key role in tackling educational under-performance.
Partnership board members
Adrian Ball, Director of Schools for the Inspiration Trust. Adrian co-chairs the working group for Priority 2: Raising Attainment
Alan Hopley, Chief Executive of Voluntary Norfolk. Alan co-chairs the working group for Priority 3: Supporting Children at Risk of Exclusion
Binks Neate-Evans, Headteacher at West Earlham Infant School. Binks co-chairs the working group for Priority 2: Improving Early Speech and Language
Brian Conway, Chief Executive of St John the Baptist Academy Trust. Brian co-chairs the working group for Priority 2: Raising Attainment
Chris Snudden, Assistant Director of Children’s Services at Norfolk County Council. Chris co-chairs the working group for Priority 3: Supporting Children at Risk of Exclusion
Chris Starkie, CEO of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership. Chris co-chairs the working group for Priority 4: Supporting Young People’s Future Planning
Corrienne Peasgood, Principal of City College Norwich. Corrienne leads on Norwich Opportunity Area Post-16 strategy.
Jo Philpott, Headteacher at City of Norwich School. Jo chairs the Norwich Opportunity Area Secondary Headteachers’ group.
Natalie Cramp, Chief Operating Officer at the Careers and Enterprise Company. Natalie co-chairs the working group for Priority 4: Supporting Young People’s Future Planning
Professor Richard Andrews, Head of the School of Education at University of East Anglia. Richard co-chairs the working group for Priority 2: Improving Early Speech and Language
Stephanie Beavis, Assurance Director and Head of Public Sector, at KPMG East Anglia. Stephanie co-chairs the working group for Priority 4: Supporting Young People’s Future Planning
The Partnership Board meets monthly and meetings are also attended by the Regional Schools Commissioner, and Department for Education Head of Delivery and Area Lead, who provide advice and support to the partnership board.
Our Team
Jacqueline Bircham is the Programme Director for the Norwich Opportunity Area. Jacqueline manages activity across the four priorities in the Opportunity Area and the Youth Board.
Claire Hopwood is the Project Administrator for the Norwich Opportunity Area. Claire provides administrative support at meetings, coordinates events and manages communication.
