The Auckland Project welcomes five new trustees to its board
- kelseygarbutt
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Strengthening its board and advancing its mission to drive long-term regeneration in Bishop Auckland through art, faith, and heritage, The Auckland Project has appointed five new trustees with extensive experience from the arts, education, finance, land management, and global retail sectors.
The new trustees - Jennifer Scott, Judith Layfield, Nick Downshire, Bob Neville, and Victoria Bell - join Chair Bishop Nicholas Holtam, Company Secretary Nicholas Eldred, and trustees Jane Dean, Robert Yorke, and Brendan Finucane KC on the board.
These appointments underscore and advance the charity’s mission, integrating broad expertise to use art, faith and heritage as catalysts for Bishop Auckland’s long-term regeneration.
One of the new trustees, Jennifer Scott, is the Director of Dulwich Picture Gallery, the world’s first purpose-built public art gallery. Her experience includes senior roles at the Holburne Museum and Royal Collection Trust as well as work at the National Gallery, London, and National Museums Liverpool. Jennifer, a graduate of the Courtauld Institute of Art, also chairs the AFC Wimbledon Foundation and is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries.
Another new trustee, Judith Layfield, is Vice Principal at Bishop Auckland College. Beginning her career in NHS accountancy before transitioning to teaching and senior leadership, she is a lifelong resident of Bishop Auckland. Judith chairs The Auckland Project’s Safeguarding Committee and supports widening educational opportunities. Her appointment further strengthens the partnership between the Project and Bishop Auckland College to enhance skills, training and employment.
Nick Downshire adds strategic insight to the board, with broad experience in land, investment and risk management. He chairs key committees at the Country Land and Business Association, serves on the Duchy of Lancaster Council, and advises Wildlife Farms & Estates. Nick also manages a varied estate in Wensleydale, covering farming, renewables, hospitality, property and forestry.
Bob Neville brings an international perspective, with over 30 years of brand and marketing leadership experience across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Specialising in human-centred, story-driven brand experiences, he has held senior positions with major global retailers. Now based in County Durham, Bob has a personal connection to Auckland Palace - his ancestor, Bishop Robert Neville, resided there from 1438 to 1457.
Victoria Bell completes the group of new appointments. She lives locally and is an experienced finance professional who has held positions in both the public and private sectors, including Finance Director at Railpen and Nest. Currently, she holds several non-executive roles, including serving as a Governor at Darlington College and a Trustee of the Remploy Pension Scheme. As Chair of The Auckland Project’s Finance Committee, Victoria brings deep expertise in finance, audit and risk.
Jane Ruffer, CEO of The Auckland Project, said: “We welcome Jennifer, Judith, Nick, Bob and Victoria to the board. Their expertise will strengthen our mission to transform Bishop Auckland into a leading destination for art, culture and heritage.
"The Auckland Project is a long-term regeneration initiative rooted in the belief that culture can inspire pride, opportunity and economic growth. With the support of our new trustees, we will continue to focus on creating jobs, boosting education and skills, attracting visitors, and ensuring the town and its communities share in these benefits."
Nick Holtam, Chair of the Board, added: “This is an exciting moment for The Auckland Project as we welcome such talented new trustees to join the Board. Their expertise, leadership and commitment will help guide us through the next phase of our journey, ensuring that Bishop Auckland continues to grow as a place of cultural significance and community pride. Working together, we will build on the progress already made and secure a sustainable future for the Project and the town it serves.”
