Our Steering Group, Partners & Collaborators

Emma Betley

ESG Manager, Atom Bank

Emma Betley is the ESG Manager at Atom bank – the UK’s first digital bank, headquarted in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. She is responsible for delivering on Atom’s strategic commitment to “doing the right thing” through its environment and social investment initiatives.

Prior to joining Atom, Emma spent six years at EY (a big 4 consulting firm) in EY’s Financial Services practice, including a two year stint in their Data and Analytics team.

Alongside her day job, Emma is also the founder and chair of the Atom Women’s Network, an employee led community seeking to empower and equip the women of Atom to grow their careers. Following the success of the internal network, Emma is also now a driving force behind the launch of a new North East Women in Business Network. She is passionate about improving gender equality in the region and supporting women to develop their careers in Fintech and broader STEM industries.

Most importantly, Emma is a proud North Easterner and Durham Mathematics alumnus. She studied Maths and Further Maths at St John’s School in Bishop Auckland (the only girl in her year to do so), before going on to obtain a first class Mathematics degree at Durham in 2018.

Ellen Beveridge

Chief Executive, PLP

Ellen Beveridge is the Chief Executive of Providence Learning Partnership, taking on the post in 2023 having been Headteacher at Durham Sixth Form Centre since 2013 and in the teaching profession for over 25 years. Ellen led the Centre through its first Ofsted as a 16-19 school where it achieved Outstanding status. Ellen received commendations early on in her career as a teacher from Ofsted and an award from Durham County Council for her work in the Arts. Ellen has significant experience of leadership at a senior level, and believes in maximising opportunities for young people. She has strategic oversight of student outcomes, finance, human resources, change management, vision and values and governance in her role. She has experience of school restructures and re-designation in the secondary and post-16 sectors. Ellen has been instrumental in securing funding for expansion and enhancement at Durham Sixth Form Centre. Ellen is also a Trustee of a large Multi Academy Trust of seventeen schools.

Peter Bowcock

Associate Professor, Durham University

Dr Peter Bowcock is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Durham University. A theoretical physicist specialising in mathematical physics, integrable systems and string theory, his research focuses on complex topics such as quantum field theory, defect boundaries, Toda field theories and extended conformal algebras. Beyond his research and teaching, Dr Bowcock is an active member of the EPSRC College and contributes to international research networks, including the UK Meetings on Integrable Boundary QFT and the Northern British Mathematical Physics Seminars.

Tony Fawcett

Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Education, Durham University

Tony is the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Education at Durham University, and Professor in Biosciences. He studied for a B.Sc. in Applied Biology at Trent Polytechnic and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry at Leicester University before completing two Postdoctoral Research posts at Durham University and being appointed to a lectureship in Durham in 1995. His drive to improve the educational experience of university students led him to take up the position of Deputy Head of the Science Faculty (Undergraduate) and in 2015 he was appointed to the role of Deputy PVC (Education). In these roles, he has worked to improve both postgraduate and undergraduate education. He serves on Senate, Chair Education Committee and is a member of the University Executive Committee. His disciplinary research interest is plant lipid biochemistry with particular emphasis on understanding the ways in which plants make and store oil in their seeds with a view to increasing the amount made without increasing agronomic (water, fertilizer etc.) inputs.

Alan Houston

Chair of Trustees, PLP

Alan was a Professor of History and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) at Durham University. Prior to his recent retirement, Alan was also a member of the Executive Committee and responsible for delivering the University’s education strategy. Before coming to Durham, Alan was a member of the Senior Leadership Team at the University of California, San Diego.

Claire Rye

Chief Operating and Finance Officer, PLP

Claire trained as a teacher, although her current role focuses on the strategic operational and financial leadership of Providence Learning Partnership. In her position, Claire oversees financial management and systems, income generation, commercial activity and funding applications. Her extensive operational remits include estates, premises and ICT infrastructure management, as well as sustainability, health and safety and GDPR compliance. Additionally, Claire manages timetable and staffing allocations, leads due diligence for new joining schools, line manages key support staff managers and attends Trustee meetings to drive organisational efficiency and growth.

Ed Twiddy

Co-founder, Atom Bank

Edward is Chief Customer Officer and one of the founders of Durham-based Atom Bank.

Previously, he was the first Director of the North East LEP, spent 12 years at HM Treasury in various roles and also worked in the Middle East. He has degrees in Geography, Paleo-Botany and International Law.

His passions are his family, education, rivers and cricket. He is a Professor in Practice at Durham University and sits on the Boards of several charities.