Richard Atkinson

Richard Atkinson is a highly experienced senior business management and governance professional with 35 years of leadership experience spanning Higher Education, Further Education, the NHS and the private sector. Currently serving as School Business Manager and a member of the Senior Executive Team at Teesside University International Business School, Richard is seeking new opportunities following a recent organisational restructure where he can apply his extensive skills, experience and knowledge to support Board Effectiveness reviews. A recognised governance specialist, he served as Clerk to the Corporation at Middlesbrough College from 2002 to 2018 and has held a number of influential governance roles, including Chair of the National Clerks Network and advisor to the Association of Colleges (AoC). Richard is an accomplished adviser to governing bodies and their committees, with a collaborative and relationship-focused approach that drives improvement through effective analysis, constructive challenge and evidence-based decision-making. As a values-driven professional, he is committed to continuous improvement, strengthening organisational effectiveness through good governance and enhancing the student experience. He currently serves as an Independent Governor at Darlington College, where he is Vice Chair of the Finance, Employment & Estates Committee. He has also previously been a member of the Search & Governance Committee and the Selection (Senior Posts) Committee, contributing to the appointment of both the Director of Governance and the Principal/Chief Executive.