Our Governors

Graham Raikes MBE

Chair of the Board and Directly Appointed Independent Governor 

Graham served for over 26 years in the Army, originally commissioning as a Royal Welch Fusilier officer and later qualifying as a management accountant and chartered secretary. In his last Army appointment, he was responsible for the Army’s military management accountants world-wide and supporting major defence-wide reviews and initiatives. 

In 2003, Graham become Director of Corporate Finance at the University of Plymouth and was soon promoted to Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Resources). In 2009, he became Director of Resources at the Arts and Humanities Research Council.  In 2013, he took on the additional role of creating and leading the Professional Support Unit for AHRC, EPSRC and ESRC. 

Graham is Chair of the Board, Chair of Governance & Nominations Committee and Deputy Chair of Finance & Resources Committee. Graham is a member of: Remuneration Committee; People & Organisational Development Sub-Committee; Digital & Physical Infrastructure Group; Healthcare Education Strategic Advisory Group. 

Interests: 

• Tavistock Golf Club Trading Ltd. - Director
• Marjon South West Ltd. - Director

Emma van der Lugt

Joint Deputy Chair of the Board; Directly Appointed Independent Governor

Emma was brought up in Plymouth and has more than 20 years' management experience across the NHS. Emma is currently the Business Partner at Church View Surgery in Plymstock.

Emma is Joint Deputy Chair of the Board. Emma is Chair of Audit Committee. Emma is Deputy Chair of Remuneration Committee and also of Governance & Nominations Committee. Emma is a member of People & Organisational Development Sub-Committee and a member of the Healthcare Education Strategic Advisory Group. 

Interests: 

• Church View Surgery, Plymstock – Business Partner
• Mewstone Primary Care Network - Surgery Partner 

Prof Claire Taylor

Vice-Chancellor (ex officio) 

Professor Claire Taylor  became the University’s Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive in May 2023, and was previously Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Wrexham Glyndŵr University.  Claire studied Music and Education at the University of Cambridge and qualified as a teacher, before becoming a primary school Headteacher.  Professor Taylor studied for her PhD at the University of Nottingham.  She held roles of Dean and Pro Vice-Chancellor at two other values-based universities: Bishop Grosseteste in Lincoln and St Mary’s University, London. 

Professor Taylor was the first in her family to go to university and this continues to inspire her work. She holds a deep commitment to addressing areas of social inequality and to seeing individuals and communities flourish. 

Professor Taylor has advised on a wide range of boards and panels across higher education. She is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and holder of an Advance HE CATE (Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence). She is a Fellow of the Staff and Educational Development Association, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Professional Affiliate Member of the Chartered College of Teaching.  

Interests: 

• Plymouth Marjon University - Employee
• Bible Society - Trustee

Steven Adjei

Bishop Nominated Independent Governor 

Steven N. Adjei is a British-Ghanaian entrepreneur, consultant, #1 best-selling author, and speaker known for his work in healthcare, business ethics and strategy.  With over 20 years of experience across Europe and Africa, Steven has worked with multiple companies on sustainable healthcare solutions, business resilience and leadership.  Steven holds an MBA from Warwick Business School and is a regular contributor to global conferences and publications, where he advocates for resilient, responsible and ethical innovation.  He is also an accomplished British community pharmacist with over 20 years’ experience and a senior judge for some of the UK’s most prestigious business awards.

Interests: 

• Adinkra Health Ltd. - Executive Director
• The Strategy Boutique - Strategy Consultancy
• Henry House International - Non-Executive Advisor/Board Member 
• Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain - Member
• Association of Business Mentors - Member

Guy Bolt

Co-optee

Guy is a co-opted member of the Board of Governors.

• Bailey Partnership (Consultants) LLP - Senior Associate/Chartered Quantity Surveyor
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors - Member
• South West Association of Mediators - Member

Louise Bridgett

Directly Appointed Independent Governor

Louise is a Chartered Accountant and has lived in Plymouth for many years. Having graduated from the University of Exeter, Louise joined PKF Francis Clark in 1997 where she qualified as a Chartered Accountant. She remained there until 2008 when she joined Plymouth City Council as a Group Accountant with the Corporate Team.

She rejoined PKF Francis Clark in 2012 as a Not for Profit specialist. Her portfolio includes many charity, education and housing clients and she has extensive sector expertise and experience. She advises her clients on financial reporting, governance and regulatory matters. Louise is passionate about the sector in which she works and enjoys building relationships with and advising her clients.

Louise is Deputy Chair of the Audit Committee.

Interests: 

• PKF Francis Clark Chartered Accountants - Director, including Audit Engagement Lead for Plymouth City College.

Rt Rev'd Dr Tim Dakin

Co-optee

Tim is a co-opted Board member and a former Marjon student.  He was born in Tanzania and grew up and later worked in Kenya.  His tertiary education took place in the UK (BA, MTh, PhD), focussing on Theology & Sociology and Mission Spirituality.  His interests include World Christianity and international studies. 

As Bishop of Winchester, Tim’s national portfolio was Further & Higher Education.  He oversaw the Church of England’s new thinking on the contribution of FE & HE to the common good within a pluralist and post-secular world. 

Tim was previously on the Board of Winchester University (another Cathedrals Group University).  

Tim is now an active retiree, and lives in Plymouth with his wife Sally.

Interests

• Anglican Missioners of Africa Development and Education Trust (AMADET) - Chair

Kate Doodson

Joint Deputy Chair of the Board; Directly Appointed Independent Governor  

Kate has spent over two decades in the IT industry, many of which were dedicated to running a wholly female owned IT software business.

Kate specialises in Digital Futures and the strategic use of Digital to transform business processes.  Her previous career in Civil Engineering enabled her to work extensively in both the UK and overseas.

Kate has been shortlisted for the Women in IT awards, as IT Advocate of the Year, and received awards from Tech4Good, Social Enterprise UK and Venus awards.

Kate is a member of Finance & Resources Committee and Chair of Digital & Physical Infrastructure Group. 

Interests:

• Brandon Trust - Chief Transformation, Performance and Digital Officer 
• South Devon College - Non Exec Director
• South West Cyber Security Cluster- Steering Group Member
• ICE SW Infrastructure Panel - Steering Group Member
• British Computer Society - Fellow

Rt Rev'd James Grier

Bishop Nominated Independent Governor

• Exeter Diocesan Board of Finance - Director
• Plymouth College - Governor
• Transforming Plymouth Together - Trustee
• South West Ministry Training Course - Trustee

Vicky Hatton

National Society Nominated Independent Governor

Vicky is a Senior Associate at Browne Jacobson LLP, specialising in education law.  She has extensive experience and knowledge of the education sector and advises schools and academy trusts across the South West and nationally on legal and governance matters.  Vicky has been a volunteer in school governance since 2010, holding a range of roles including chair of governors.  She is currently a Member of a special school multi-academy trust and a Trustee of Askel Veur, the Diocese of Truro’s Umbrella Company Ltd. 

Vicky lives in Cornwall with her husband and two young children.

Vicky is a member of the Audit Committee.

Interests:

• Askel Veur (Diocese of Truro Umbrella Company Ltd) - Director
• Browne Jacobson LLP - Solicitor

Prof Mark Llewellyn

Directly Appointed Governor

Mark has been Professor of English Literature at Cardiff University since 2017 and is Head of School,  having worked previously at Swansea, Liverpool and Strathclyde Universities. Before joining Cardiff Mark spent six years as Director of Research at the Arts and Humanities Research Council (now part of UKRI), where he led on research and innovation strategy.  

Alongside his own research and teaching, Mark has undertaken leadership, strategy and advisory roles, both in the UK and internationally. He has served as a governing board member for EU initiatives including HERA (Humanities in the European Research Area) and the Joint Programme on Cultural Heritage, and as an advisor/consultant for projects with Historic England, DCMS, specialist HE providers in the arts sector, and a range of universities REF planning.  

Mark is Chair of Finance & Resources Committee and a member of Remuneration Committee.

• Cardiff University - Professor of English Literature and Head of School 
• Whipton Barton Federation - Chair of Local Governing Board
• English Association - Fellow

Fiona Nicholls

Academic Staff Governor

Fiona is a Senior Lecturer in the Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning Team and believes in creating the best environments for experiential and alternative ways of learning. She is also passionate about making change for the best and sustainability.

Fiona has experience in leadership and management, including budget management within Devon and Plymouth City Council over 20 years in Youth and Community.

Currently a part-time PhD student in the field of education asking; what is the value of 'leaving the comfort zone'? A critical examination of fear induced learning.

When not with our students or being a PhD student herself, Fiona can almost always be found outdoors on the sea or in the mountains with friends.

Fiona is a member of Digital & Physical Infrastructure Group.

Interests:

• Plymouth Youth Sailing - Committee Member
• Plymouth Marjon University - Employee

Prof John Scott CBE

Directly Appointed Governor

John’s career has been in Higher Education, where he has worked at the universities of Strathclyde, Leicester, Essex, and Plymouth.  He is a sociologist who has published more than 40 books on the subject and has served on numerous national committees and bodies concerned with the A-level teaching, curriculum development, and research assessment.  John has undertaken research visits to overseas universities in Europe and Asia, including visiting positions in Japan, Norway, and Hong Kong.  He has Honorary Doctorates from Essex University and Edinburgh University.

An active member of his local community, he has been involved in committees concerned with transport development, heritage buildings, High street rejuvenation, and neighbourhood planning.

John is a member of Audit Committee and of Remuneration Committee.  John is Deputy Chair of People & Organisational Development Sub-Committee.

• British Academy - Fellow; Council Member (Trustee) of Governing Council
• Academy of Social Sciences - Fellow; Council Member (Trustee)
• British Sociological Association - Member
• Lostwithiel Town Team - Member
• Lostwithiel Business Group (incorporating Lostwithiel Town Forum) - Member

Jennie Walker

Co-optee

Jennie is a co-opted member of the Board of Governors.

Jennie retired in 2022 after nearly 40 years in education. Her final role was as the inaugural CEO of a multi-academy trust encompassing 20 primary schools. Born and bred in Cornwall, Jennie went on to study at Homerton College, Cambridge. During her career, she was a headteacher in three areas of England, a governor and Ofsted inspector. Jennie has always been involved in school improvement both in the UK and internationally. 

Jennie is a Branch Caseworker and Headteacher Mentor for the National Association of Headteachers. Jennie is an Executive Member of the Soroptimists and keen to enhance life chances for women and girls. She helps to look after her young grand-daughter, Indiana.

Jennie is a member of Audit Committee and People & Organisational Development Sub-Committee.

• Soroptimist International (Kernow Soroptimists) - President/Executive Member
• Diamond Education Grant - Trustee
• National Association of Headteachers - Branch Caseworker and Headteacher Mentor 

Dr Laura Wallis

Academic Staff Governor (Senate)

Laura is the Marjon Business Lead and Senior Lecturer. She holds responsibility for the postgraduate business provision at Marjon.  Her academic research focusses on lifestyle entrepreneurship within the lifestyle sports industry, flexible working, and work-life balance.  Laura has particular interest in the role that lifestyle choices play in the creation of the entrepreneurial identity. Recent research projects have included evaluating how rural micro enterprises can be supported for business growth and development, and students' conceptualisations of entrepreneurial learning. Laura’s academic background is in business, management, and entrepreneurship and she has teaching responsibilities in this area. 

Laura attends meetings of Finance & Resources Committee. 

Interests: 

• Plymouth Marjon University - Employee
• University of Gloucester - External Examiner 
• CAVA Access to HE - City College Plymouth - External Moderator 
• Chartered Management Institute - Member
• Enterprise Educators UK - Member

Pete Waterfield

Professional Services Staff Governor

'My role at Marjon is Head of IT and Digital Services.  I joined the University in early 2020, just prior to the  Covid lockdown, at a pivotal time for the University.  Together with IT colleagues, I supported the shift to online ways of working and I look forward to exploring further digital transformation opportunities, to underpin the University’s success going forwards.  My approach is to constructively challenge the norm, to really leverage the art of the possible.  I look forward to this opportunity as a Staff Governor to contribute to the wider community and direction of the University.'  

Pete is a member of Digital & Physical Infrastructure Group.

Interests:

• Plymouth Marjon University - Employee

Jackie Westerman

Directly Appointed Independent Governor

An experienced organisational psychologist, senior HR professional and executive coach working with Boards across a range of organisations in the UK and US.  Specialist in culture, change and transformation projects, leadership development and performance management.  Has worked across a range of industries to design workplaces that are high performing, healthy and inclusive.  Currently studying for a professional doctorate in how evidence-based decision making can be used to improve organisational outcomes. 

Jackie chairs the People & Organisational Development Sub-Committee and is a member of Remuneration Committee. 

Interests: 

• BBC Content – Head of Leadership Development 
• YJW Business Consulting - Executive Director
• University of Plymouth – Guest Lecturer

Liam Williams

Student Union Elected Governor 

Marjon Student Union (MSU) President for 2024/25, Liam is also the Chair of the MSU Board of Trustees.

'Prior to election as MSU President, I studied BA (Hons) Sports Coaching and PE. Throughout my time as a student, I enjoyed my time working as Sport’s Officer in the Students’ Union, along with supporting students as a Residential Student Assistant and competing in BUCS as Men’s Football Team Captain.

I am excited to begin working on improving the visibility and accessibility of the SU as well as seeing the new strategy into fruition. I am also excited to be a member of the Board of Governors, I am eager to represent the needs and voices of the greater student body at Marjon; I am not afraid to challenge the Board as well as myself. This feels like a big step in the right direction for my own personal career progression towards my ambition of becoming an academic.

Liam attends meetings of Finance & Resources Committee, People & Organisational Development Sub-Committee and is a member of Digital & Physical Infrastructure Group.

Interests: 

• Plymouth Marjon University - Employee

Rev'd Tatiana Wilson

Bishop Nominated Independent Governor

Tatiana became the vicar of the Parish of Eggbuckland with Estover in November 2023 after a career in education spanning over 30 years.

Prior to taking up this role, Tatiana worked as Education and Chaplaincy Adviser for the Exeter Diocese.  Her work focussed on supporting Church schools develop their Christian foundation, Leadership development and support for vulnerable pupils.

Tatiana contributed to the development of Church of England’s Vision for Education.  She has written resources for schools on supporting good mental health (in partnership with the Children’s Society); spiritual development; children with complex behaviour needs (NPQ for Leading Behaviour and Culture); and resources to support LGBTQI+ inclusion.  She established Learn Teach Lead RE a SW initiative to improve the quality of Religious Education in all schools in the SW through addressing unmet needs.  She has chaired the national network of diocesan advisers supporting collective worship.

Previously, Tatiana was a Lecturer in Education at both Exeter and Plymouth Universities and a Board Member of the National Primary Teacher Education Council.  She has published in academic journals and books and contributed to research conferences in the UK and abroad.

Interests: 

• Vicar of the Parish of Eggbuckland with Estover (Plymouth Marjon University lies within the Parish)