Meet The Trustees

• Emma Culley

  Chair of Trustees

  I became a Trustee at Nurture Education Trust because the work of the centre deeply touched and inspired me. Seeing the difference it makes to young people who have faced significant challenges in their lives and educational journeys motivated me to become involved and support the organisation in any way I could. I am passionate about helping the centre continue to develop and deliver its vision, ensuring that more young people can access the support, understanding, and opportunities they need to rebuild their confidence, rediscover a love of learning, and achieve their full potential. It is a privilege to contribute to an organisation that transforms lives and creates brighter futures for young people and their families. I bring over 20 years of experience in school governance, having worked extensively with schools across Norfolk in a range of governance roles. I currently chair two governing bodies and serve as a board member of another, providing strategic oversight, supporting school improvement, and ensuring strong accountability and effective leadership. Throughout my governance career, I have developed significant expertise in educational standards, safeguarding, strategic planning, finance, risk management, policy development, and organisational change. Safeguarding has been a central theme throughout my governance work, and I have extensive experience in holding leaders to account for safeguarding practice, promoting a culture of vigilance, and ensuring that the welfare of children remains at the heart of organisational decision-making. I firmly believe that every young person deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported to achieve their full potential. As a mother of three adult children who all benefited from positive educational experiences, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact that education can have on a young person's life. I firmly believe that every child deserves access to high-quality education, opportunity, and support, regardless of the challenges they may face. This belief drives my commitment to Nurture Education Trust's mission and my passion for ensuring that all young people are given the chance to succeed. As Chair of Trustees, I am committed to supporting the centre's staff, volunteers, and leadership team, ensuring strong governance and sustainable growth, and helping Nurture Education Trust continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people and their families.
• Ben Aldridge

  Trustee

  ‘I got involved with Red Balloon because I saw the fantastic work the team does first hand as my eldest child started here in June 2022. I like to give back to others when I can and just felt that this was a worthy organisation to support.
  
  Ben uses his professional skills to assist the centre with finances, providing advice and guidance to the board and staff when required. He is responsible for preparing and managing the Centre’s budget and providing support with funding applications and fee negotiations with local authorities.
• Miriam Blyth

  Trustee

  ‘I believe that children are the future of our society, and it all starts with having access to education, that every child is given the support to contribute meaningfully later as participating citizens in our society
  
  Miriam has pledged to continue and improve the good work that our organisation stands for, and as a trustee is keen to implement the mission statement of Red Balloon Norwich and to ensure that we are all aligned with the core values of our organisation.
• Adam Dabin

  Trustee

  Adam has worked in education for many years, working across both mainstream and specialist education.
  
  He has extensive experience of supporting vulnerable students and is passionate about ensuring that all young people have access to the very education and opportunities possible.
• John Clogan

  Trustee
• Ben Crane

  Trustee

  As a father of three, and as someone who was fortunate to have a highly influential teacher at school, I am a huge advocate of ensuring that every child is given the opportunity of realising their full potential. Having learnt more about Red Ballon and its students, I was motivated to offer my support in helping both continue in the fantastic work that they do and the positive outcomes they achieve
• Oliver Denison

  Trustee

  Having experience of working with many trades, I recognise the importance of upskilling the next generation, in particular when many have been hit by boundaries in the regular educational system. Oliver has extensive experience in the energy sector and uses his skills to assist with our facilities and property management.

• Linda Clements

  Trustee