Meet the board

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Mike has spent a lifetime in Telecommunications and IT, is retired Vice President International IT Company (SITA SC) based in Geneva.

Past President Barrow Rotary Club.

Treasurer Askam Village Hall Charity, 

Member Cumbria Association of Local Councils Executive, 

Parish Councillor Askam & Ireleth.

Some 10 years with Drop Zone as Trustee, Secretary and then Chair since 2015.

Rob was born and bred in the Barrow area and his initial working life was as an electrician in the shipyard before he joined the Police in 1991.

Rob worked in various roles in the Barrow area as a uniform PC and Detective before being promoted through the ranks and working as a Senior Detective at Police HQ in Penrith.

Rob was particularly proud and privileged to return to Barrow in 2015 as the Superintendent in charge of policing across South Cumbria, before retiring as Chief Superintendent in 2021.

Rob has been a trustee with the Drop Zone for six years, and is the treasurer. He became involved in Drop Zone to give something back to the local community having seen the benefits of education and diversionary activities for young people in his policing career.

Rob is also a trustee for BEEP Doctors (BASICs) Cumbria, and a keen golfer.

Born and still resident in Barrow, I retired from Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service after 30+ years of service in 2012. Having occupied a number of roles within the Service I ended my career at Locality Manager level where I had overall responsibility for Service Delivery across the south of the County in command of the Locality HQ function and eleven Fire Stations. With the Fire and Rescue Service in Cumbria being part of the County Council, I had many opportunities to develop an understanding of the wider political aspects relating to the Service and was able engage with politicians at both County and District levels. Having been actively involved within a Service that was modernising, whilst not forgetting the expected requirements of a fully responsive Emergency Service, I fully embraced the emerging opportunities for a more proactive approach to engaging with the Community at all levels. I quickly realised that working in partnership paid dividends for many and welcomed the chance to represent the Service on a number of local Community-based committee's and Boards. I was proud to be asked to Chair the local multi-agency partnership responsible for Crime Reduction and Community Safety (formerly known as the CDRP), a position never previously occupied by a Firefighter. I retained this role for a total of three years before my retirement. This opportunity enabled me to increase my knowledge and understanding of practical partnership working with other agencies across the Third sector and Statutory Public service arena, particularly with the Police. This involvement resulted in me being asked to author an Independent Serious Case review towards the end of my career. I feel fortunate that during my career I was able to experience and develop a wide variety of knowledge and skills enabling me to advise others, enforce legislation, recruit, assess & manage personnel and interact with many partner agencies.

Worked as a professional photographer until my daughter was 4yrs old then qualified as a teacher and worked at North Walney Primary
Became Headteacher of Victoria Academy and loved that role for 18yrs.
Set up Northstar Education Consultancy and now support primary and secondary education in a consultancy role.
Initiated Furness Education & Skills Partnership (FESP) in 2011 a charity that provides opportunities for children to work with businesses from age 7yrs - to increase aspiration and build skills and confidence.
Love live music, dancing travel and adventures, my family and friends and working with young people to help them achieve their dreams.

Retired Firefighter.

Borough councillor 23 years.

Newley elected Councillor to the Westmorland and Furness Authority.

Trustee: North West Music Academy. 

Presenter at CandoFM.

Proud Rotarian.