Kate Welch OBE

Kate is the chief executive of the Acumen Development Trust, which works to achieve social and economic regeneration in the East Durham area through learning, employment and enterprise.

She was responsible for setting up the Easington Action Team for Jobs and developing the Aim High partnership, which involves agencies and communities working together to increase skills, support people into work and develop a culture of entrepreneurship.

Kate’s previous roles were Operations Manager for JobCentre Plus, Adult Training Manager at the County Durham Training and Enterprise Council, Centre Manager for Community Industry on Tyneside, and Deputy Managing Director of Lambton Park Garden Centre.

She leads the Testbed Learning Community work in Easington, which has a strong emphasis on community engagement.  She is also a board member of Groundwork East Durham, Street NE, the Keyfund Federation and Complementary Care.

Kate, who also has an MA in social policy from the University of York, sits on the Education Board of Sunderland AFC Foundation.

In her spare time, Kate is an active member of the Methodist Church and of Girl Guiding UK.

Kate was awarded an OBE in the 2008 New Year Honours list for services to Social Enterprise in the North East.

Email Kate at onesecretariat@onenortheast.co.uk