Tim Dobson – Head of Access and Participation at University of Northampton

Tim currently works within the University of Northampton’s Equality and Access Team as Head of Access and Participation, working to ensure equality of opportunity for students who apply and study at the university. Previously he led the university’s Schools Engagement team for 5 years, working to improve access to higher education for primary and secondary school aged children in the county. Prior to this Tim was a secondary teacher for 23 years with roles including Head of PE, Director of Sport and Assistant Headteacher in 4 schools in Northamptonshire, Warwickshire and Oxfordshire. Tim’s professional career has centred in education; working with primary and secondary aged children as well as within teacher training to help improve education outcomes across the county.

Morcea Walker MBE – Retired Vice Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire

A former teacher, education co-ordinator and Equalities Advisor, Morcea holds positions as Pro Chancellor of the University of Northampton and as a school governor and is a former Vice Lord Lieutenant for the county.

She has been involved in co-ordinating language and cultural classes in schools and various communities. She is a trustee of, among other projects, Northamptonshire Black History Association, Street Pastors and Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust.

Adrian Pryce – Associate Professor, Strategy & Society at the Centre for Sustainable Business Practices at the University of Northampton

With a career spanning banking, travel & tourism, the food industry, academia and not-for-profit sectors, Adrian brings a breadth of strategic leadership and international business development experience across many countries and organisations.

He is a researcher on corporate citizenship and cross-sector partnerships, and, as Deputy Director of the China & Emerging Economies Centre, he helps to provide active support for business and regional development through sector-based project activities between Northamptonshire stakeholders, SEMLEP and key Chinese provinces.

As Chair of the Institute of Directors Sustainability Group, he works with businesses to create better directors, to help them embrace sustainability practices to ensure responsible, resilient and successful businesses.

In 2017, Adrian was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Northamptonshire for services to the county, and in that role serves on the Lord-Lieutenant’s Community and Commerce Groups.

He is also chair of two children’s charities and cycles for charity, helping to raise over £120,000. He also hosts a monthly local radio show called Open4Business about business in the community.

Jess Fellowes – Headteacher Abbeys Primary School – Milton Keynes 

Jess is a dedicated Headteacher with over 22 years’ experience in education, having taught in a wide range of schools. She has driven inclusive growth, wellbeing and opportunity. She’s introduced innovative programmes like Forest School and a bespoke mental health curriculum, earning a national Wellbeing Award. With a strong community ethos, she remains committed to expanding inclusion and early support in education.

Jess is passionate about changing the lives of disadvantaged children and believes that every child deserves the chance to thrive, no matter their background. Her work is driven by a strong belief in inclusion, equity and the power of education to transform futures. She is committed to levelling-up opportunities, breaking down barriers, and creating school communities where every learner feels valued, supported and inspired to succeed.