Trust Members
Mark Hodson
A proud Grimbarian, Mark believes in the power of community (People Make Places), and the importance of heritage and an underpinning narrative. When he's not designing buildings, he can often be found pounding the pavements or in the beautiful Lincolnshire Wolds on a long-distance run.
Mark has four daughters, all of whom are making their own careers and is thoroughly spoilt by his two grandsons, officially the best in the world.
Sabine Holmes
Until her retirement, Sabine worked in the education and training sector for 25 years. She is a qualified teacher and has always enjoyed studying, which culminated in her gaining a master’s degree in Education Leadership and Management. Her years of working first as a teacher and then as a manager helped to provide the guidance and support that Governors are expected to give to the College staff and students. Being a Member and sitting on the Board of Directors is a fantastic way of staying in touch with this ever-changing environment. She particularly enjoys meeting the staff and students at various events throughout the year.
She enjoys travelling, cooking for family and friends, listening to all kinds of music and reading books in her first language, German. In 2018, Sabine became a grandma for the first time, which is undoubtedly the best job in the world!
Professor Karen Stanton
Professor Karen Stanton is Vice-Chancellor of UAL. Prior to this, she held the role of Interim Vice-Chancellor at Bishop Grosseteste University and was Vice-Chancellor of York St John University and Solent University. In addition to holding senior leadership roles at Sheffield Hallam, Birmingham, Nottingham, King’s College London, and Glasgow Caledonian University, she worked as a researcher for the BBC and the Home Office. She served on UAL’s Court of Governors from 2023 – 2024.
Professor Stanton has set up campuses in New York, Oman, and a College of Nursing in Bangladesh (winning the Unilever Global Development Award in 2014). She has led initiatives focused on universities' role in the community, including bringing the micro-lending Grameen Bank to Scotland and establishing the Centre for Digital Humanities and Centre for Climate Justice at King's.
Professor Stanton is a Fellow of the RSA and a Champion of the Chartered Management Institute and actively serves as a Non-Executive Director on several education sector Boards.
Rob Walsh
Rob commenced his local government career with North East Lincolnshire Council ,as a solicitor, in 1996. He subsequently served in a range of Director / Executive Director roles before becoming Chief Executive in January 2014, serving in that role for over 11 years. Rob also led the area’s pioneering integrated health and social care partnership arrangements, serving as Chief Executive of the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group between 2017 - 2021, and thereafter (with the advent of Integrated Care Boards) holding the role of 'Executive Place Lead' for the Borough's local health and care system.
During his tenure the Borough of North East Lincolnshire experienced unprecedented levels of funding and investment to support regeneration and growth. Rob also played a significant regional and national role promoting the area's profile, economic potential and strengths. He also played a leading role in the negotiation and implementation of the Greater Lincolnshire (GL) Devolution Deal with Government, including the establishment of the GL Mayoral Combined County Authority.
Rob is a highly experienced executive and system leader with a strong track record of building credible and effective relationships across the public, private and voluntary sectors - leading transformation and culture change, fostering innovation and investing in people.
Rob was awarded an OBE, for services to local government, in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2026.
Mark Webb
After being brought up in the sunny climes of Zimbabwe, I arrived in London with a rucksack, £50 and a lot of ambition.
Since that time (and no small amount of adventure) I have worked in all aspects of business and have been involved in starting several ventures from playing in a band to running market stalls, from screen printing, to public speaking training, and from local newspaper ownership, to the inspiring E-Factor Group Ltd.
I am a passionate believer in the importance of local business and encouraging enterprise in all parts of the community. I can honestly say, through all the roles I have held, there is nothing more challenging, more scary, and yet more invigorating than running your own business.
I and everyone at E-Factor Group are absolutely certain that successful businesses will always need motivated and ambitious young talent to continue growth and ensure the future of not only the business, but the entire area. That is why I am excited and proud to be involved with Franklin College Trust and the incredible work done by the team that work here.
Jerry Woolner
Chair of Board of Directors
Jerry has been an independent Governor since 2015 and is the Chair of Governors at a Grimsby primary school, having overseen its transition to a standalone primary. He is also Chair of a Multi-Academy Trust which now includes over twenty schools and has previously served on the governing body of a local secondary school. He therefore understands the continuing needs of students throughout their education. In addition, Jerry was appointed as a National Leader of Governance in 2015 and has recently been appointed by the Department for Education as Chair of an Interim Executive Body to manage a three-school Federation classed as “of concern”.
In his working life, Jerry is the founder and Managing Director of a training company, has been a management consultant working for many large blue-chip food companies, and has held senior positions within the food manufacturing industry.
His interest in careers advice and guidance for young people has led him to become lead Governor for the College in this field. He is also the Safeguarding Link Governor, sits on the Search, Remuneration and Resources Committees and is Chair of the Quality, Teaching and Learning Committee.
Board of Directors
Wendy Ellis
Principal and CEO, and Community Governor
A qualified accountant, Wendy began her journey at Franklin Sixth Form College, teaching accounting part-time to adult learners before becoming Finance Director, a position she held for two years before becoming an Assistant Principal. She continued to progress in her career, becoming Vice Principal and then taking on the role of Interim Principal. Wendy is now Franklin's Principal and CEO and has been fundamental in the College’s transformation over the last half-decade.
Sabine Holmes
Vice-Chair and Director
Until her retirement, Sabine worked in the education and training sector for 25 years. She is a qualified teacher and has always enjoyed studying, which culminated in her gaining a master’s degree in Education Leadership and Management. Her years of working first as a teacher and then as a manager helped to provide the guidance and support that Governors are expected to give to the College staff and students. Being a Member and sitting on the Board of Directors is a fantastic way of staying in touch with this ever-changing environment. She particularly enjoys meeting the staff and students at various events throughout the year.
She enjoys travelling, cooking for family and friends, listening to all kinds of music and reading books in her first language, German. In 2018, Sabine became a grandma for the first time, which is undoubtedly the best job in the world!
Kevin Hopper
Director
Jerry Woolner
Chair of Board of Directors
Jerry has been an independent Governor since 2015 and is the Chair of Governors at a Grimsby primary school, having overseen its transition to a standalone primary. He is also Chair of a Multi-Academy Trust which now includes over twenty schools and has previously served on the governing body of a local secondary school. He therefore understands the continuing needs of students throughout their education. In addition, Jerry was appointed as a National Leader of Governance in 2015 and has recently been appointed by the Department for Education as Chair of an Interim Executive Body to manage a three-school Federation classed as “of concern”.
In his working life, Jerry is the founder and Managing Director of a training company, has been a management consultant working for many large blue-chip food companies, and has held senior positions within the food manufacturing industry.
His interest in careers advice and guidance for young people has led him to become lead Governor for the College in this field. He is also the Safeguarding Link Governor, sits on the Search, Remuneration and Resources Committees and is Chair of the Quality, Teaching and Learning Committee.
Local Governing Body
Alan Bird
Community Governor
Alan became a governor of Franklin in 2016 just over a year after retiring as Group Director of Finance at the Grimsby Institute (GIFHE). During his nineteen years at the Institute, he gained extensive experience and knowledge of the F.E. sector.
Whilst at GIFHE, he was the link person organising college funding for the Institute charity, St Andrews Hospice. Having retired, he is now a voluntary driver for a Louth based organisation, transporting and accompanying patients to doctor and hospital appointments throughout the county and beyond.
He is also a trustee of a local charity which runs the leisure centres, swimming pools, libraries and Grimsby Auditorium. In his spare time, he enjoys watching sport, is a Grimsby Town FC season ticket holder and also enjoys live music.
Wendy Ellis
Principal and CEO, and Community Governor
A qualified accountant, Wendy began her journey at Franklin Sixth Form College, teaching accounting part-time to adult learners before becoming Finance Director, a position she held for two years before becoming an Assistant Principal. She continued to progress in her career, becoming Vice Principal and then taking on the role of Interim Principal. Wendy is now Franklin's Principal and CEO and has been fundamental in the College’s transformation over the last half-decade.
Helen Forman
Staff Community Governor
Helen joined Franklin Sixth Form College in 2004 after graduating with a degree in Sport and Exercise Science. She began her career in a support role within the Sport department, focusing on increasing student participation in physical activity. Motivated to expand her impact in education, Helen went on to complete a PGCE, which led to teaching roles in both A Level and BTEC Sport. Her commitment to student development saw her take on the role of Lead Tutor, before progressing to Student Services Manager. In parallel, she became Assistant Head of Department for Sport and Uniformed Protective Services. Helen now serves as the Associate Principal for Pastoral and Progression, where she oversees the Progress Coach team and progression pathways - continuing her long-standing dedication to supporting young people in both their academic and personal journeys.
Sabine Holmes
Community Governor
Until her retirement, Sabine worked in the education and training sector for 25 years. She is a qualified teacher and has always enjoyed studying, which culminated in her gaining a master’s degree in Education Leadership and Management. Her years of working first as a teacher and then as a manager helped to provide the guidance and support that Governors are expected to give to the College staff and students. Being a Member of the Governing Body is a fantastic way of staying in touch with this ever-changing environment. She particularly enjoys meeting the staff and students at various events throughout the year.
She enjoys travelling, cooking for family and friends, listening to all kinds of music and reading books in her first language, German. In 2018, Sabine became a grandma for the first time, which is undoubtedly the best job in the world!
Kevin Hopper
Director
Louise Jones
Community Governor
Louise has worked in education since 1992 and since 2016 has worked at York College as the Director of Data and Information Services. In her role, she oversees a fantastic team, covering admissions, student data, curriculum, timetables, exams, and reporting services.
Starting out at Grimsby College, where she stayed for 22 years, she has also worked at the Newcastle College Group (NCG) and the DN College Group.
Louise is a real geek when it comes to data and has seen a lot of changes since she started her career when everything was on paper. She has seen the introduction of everything which has brought us to the computerised systems of today.
Outside of work, Louise loves walking and has recently joined the Ramblers Association. She lives in Grimsby with her husband and daughter.
Dr Kirsty Miller
Vice-Chair & Community Governor
Kirsty Miller is Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Health and Science at the University of Lincoln. A psychologist by background, she has extensive experience of academic leadership, education and organisational development.
Kirsty has held a range of leadership roles within higher education, including Head of School, and has a particular interest in developing people, inclusive leadership and creating environments in which students and staff can thrive. Her current role encompasses a broad portfolio across education, research, professional practice and the strategic leadership of the College.
As a community governor, Kirsty brings experience of governance, strategic decision-making and leading complex organisations, alongside a strong commitment to education and its role in creating opportunities for individuals and communities.
Katie Milner
Community Governor
Katie was born in Grimsby, where she lived until the age of 11, before emigrating with her family to South Australia.
She completed her secondary education in Australia and had her first taste of employment there, before returning to the UK in 1990. For the past 32 years, she has worked as a dental nurse/manager at a local dental practice. Having gained her dental nursing and dental radiography qualifications she went on to study for a degree in Business Studies from Lincoln University, which she obtained in 2002. In 2013, she took over the ownership of the dental practice and for the past 10 years has worked hard to improve and grow it as a business. Running the practice has been very rewarding and has given her a greater understanding of finance and business management strategies, as well as experience of compliance and inspection processes and procedures. She has four children, two of whom attended Franklin Sixth Form College. When not at work she enjoys cooking, entertaining and crafting.
Jerry Woolner
Chair of Board of Directors and Community Governor
Jerry has been an independent Governor since 2015 and is the Chair of Governors at a Grimsby primary school, having overseen its transition to a standalone primary. He is also Chair of a Multi-Academy Trust which now includes over twenty schools and has previously served on the governing body of a local secondary school. He therefore understands the continuing needs of students throughout their education. In addition, Jerry was appointed as a National Leader of Governance in 2015 and has recently been appointed by the Department for Education as Chair of an Interim Executive Body to manage a three-school Federation classed as “of concern”.
In his working life, Jerry is the founder and Managing Director of a training company, has been a management consultant working for many large blue-chip food companies, and has held senior positions within the food manufacturing industry.
His interest in careers advice and guidance for young people has led him to become lead Governor for the College in this field. He is also the Safeguarding Link Governor, sits on the Search, Remuneration and Resources Committees and is Chair of the Quality, Teaching and Learning Committee.
