St Chad’s College is very pleased to announce that John Marshall accepted the Governors’ invitation to be their next Chair with effect from 1 April 2025.  He will be officially installed at an upcoming event on 26 June 2025.

John is an alumnus of the College (1985-8) and graduated with a BA Hons in Law.  He practiced as a solicitor with Dickinson Dees LLP (latterly Bond Dickinson LLP) from 1989 to 2016, and latterly as Senior Partner and Vice Chairman of the combined firm.

Since 2016, John’s career took him in a new direction with roles in health, education and housing.  John is Deputy Chair of North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, Vice Chair of Northumberland Church of England Academy Trust and Chair of Believe Housing, the main social housing provider for County Durham.  He also chairs Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, Destination North East England, North East England Chamber of Commerce and Newcastle United Foundation. John has also been a governor and pastoral tutor of St Chad’s College since 2016.

Margaret Masson, Principal, said “We are delighted that John has agreed to be our next Chair of Governors. It has been a pleasure to get to know him as an alumnus, governor and tutor of the College. We have come to deeply admire John’s perceptive judgement, his calm, encouraging leadership, and his deep understanding of and affection for the College. As chair of our excellent team of governors, we know that John will both challenge and encourage us in our work of providing an outstanding collegiate community and our commitment to playing our part in contributing to the community of the North East.

John Marshall said “It is a huge honour to be appointed Chair of a College very dear to my heart.  Working alongside an excellent team, we are committed to widening participation and ensuring every student who joins us, whatever their background, achieves their full potential.   It has been a pleasure to get more involved with the College again.  Working with our amazing students reminds me why we should all be hopeful for our future as they become confident  leaders in their chosen fields.”