The Board
The Bishop Auckland Town Deal Board is made up of community representatives, local businesses and other organisations with an interest in the future development of Bishop Auckland. They meet quarterly, or as required, to discuss funding initiatives and ideas to be included in the final bid.
The Board have agreed Terms of Reference, a Code of Conduct and align with our equality and diversity.
Decision making process
The Bishop Auckland Town Board is chaired by an independent Chair. It is based on working together in the spirit of partnership working and follows Nolan principles. All decisions will be made in accordance with the following principles:
- Consultation will be carried out where appropriate (including taking relevant professional advice from officers).
- There will be a presumption in favour of open and transparent decision making.
- There will be a clarity of aims and desired outcomes.
- All decisions will be taken as members of the Bishop Auckland Town Board and not on behalf of specific organisations or areas.
Members of Bishop Auckland Town Board are required to declare any interests, gifts or hospitality which they may receive which could influence any decisions they may make as board members.
Information about the Board Members
Shaun Hope (Chair) – Shaun joined the board in February 2024 after becoming Bishop Auckland College group’s Principal and Chief Executive. Shaun has worked in the further education sector for over 16 years as teacher, head of school, head of student recruitment and most recently as Vice Principal of Curriculum and Standards. Shaun has held numerous board positions in the community, charity and education sectors and is currently the chairman of The PFC trust, a local charity. Shaun is a member of the Executive Council for South West Durham Training.
Jonathan Ruffer – Jonathan grew up in North Yorkshire, read English at Cambridge, qualified as a stockbroker and barrister, and then moved into the investment world, setting up Ruffer LLP in 1994.
In 2012, he purchased Jacob and His Twelve Sons, a series of paintings by Spanish master Francisco de Zurbarán, as well as the 900 year-old Auckland Castle in Bishop Auckland where they had been housed for more than 250 years. He saw in their acquisition a way to help reinvigorate the region and bring about real change, and established the charity The Auckland Project. The charity is actively working to transform Auckland Castle into an arts, faith and heritage destination of international significance, boosting visitor numbers, creating opportunities for employment and skills development, and serving as a catalyst for the revitalisation of Bishop Auckland.
Jonathan’s hope is to be an encouragement to those who work hard for the good of others, and those who seek to work but have not had the opportunity.
Nik Welsh – Nik joined the social housing sector in 2009, having previously worked in project management, under-taking large scale developments across Newcastle city centre. She is passionate about the north east, taking an active role on the Constructing Excellence in the North East board, driving the change agenda in construction, housing and regeneration.
Robert Yorke – Robert is the Managing Director of Teescraft Engineering Ltd and Chair of South Durham Enterprise Agency. Robert is also a County Councillor for the West Auckland ward.
Cllr Karen Allison – Cllr Allison was elected in May 2025 as a County Councillor for Annfield Plain and Tanfield.
Karen Allison is the portfolio holder for Leisure, Tourism & High Streets at Durham County Council. With a background rooted in retail and the Post Office since 1997, she brings decades of valuable business experience to her public service role. Having previously managed her family shop and Post Office, she possesses extensive hands-on expertise which provides her with a unique insight into the challenges and opportunities facing local high streets and small businesses.
Other board members:
Additional Board members include:
- Tony Hanson
- Jane Ruffer
- Sam Rushworth MP
- Cllr Sam Zair
- Rev Chris Knights
- Brian Sutton
- Jack Short
- Phil Harnby