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Dr Laura Woods
College Governor - Chair of the Governing Body
Subcommittees: Curriculum & Standards; Higher Education
Dr Laura Woods was appointed by the Governing Body on 24 October 2023, and was appointed Chair of the Governing Body in August 2025.
Laura recently retired from her post as Director of Academic Enterprise at Teesside University, where she led a large team with responsibility for business engagement and regional regeneration initiatives. This included supporting companies with R&D and business growth; business start-up; development of tech and creative businesses in Tees Valley; internships and employability; Higher and Degree Apprenticeships; bringing in external grant; and development of major projects such as the National Horizons Centre. During this time, she developed extensive regional and national networks.
Laura is also a governor at Belmont Community School in Durham. A graduate of Durham University, she has recently completed a professional doctorate with Northumbria University. Long committed to supporting growth in the Tees Valley economy, she is a strong believer in the power of education and training to transform life chances.