Mike Davey - Managing Director

Mike was appointed Managing Director for Witherslack Care & Education Initiatives in September 2007 having spent three years as Director of Education and Care for the Witherslack Group of Schools with responsibility for the oversight of Schools and Children’s Homes.

Prior to this Mike was Head Teacher at a highly regarded residential/day special school in County Durham Local Authority. During this time Mike provided consultancy advice and support to several schools experiencing difficulties and in establishing a new special school. As Managing Director, Mike is responsible for leading the growth and development of the company.

Howard Tennant - Operations Director

Howard was appointed Operations Director for Witherslack Care & Education Initiatives in September 2007, having spent four years as Head of Residential Services.

Howard has over twenty five years experience of working in residential special schools in County Durham, Cumbria, Humberside and Kent. Howard is a qualified social worker and has an Advanced Diploma in Education from Newcastle University.

As Operations Director, Howard is responsible for developing and overseeing the 52 week provision within the Witherslack Group, as well as the appointment, training and deployment of staff.

Debbie Norman - Personal Assistant

Debbie was appointed as the Personal Assistant to the WCEI Management Team in June 2008 and is based at the Head Office on the Mandale Business Park, Durham.

From 2003 she worked as a secretary for the Nutrition & Dietetics Service of County Durham Primary Care Trust and in 2005 was promoted to the position of Office Manager within that Service.   Having also worked within the Education Department of Durham County Council and as a Personal Assistant to the Chief Executive of Northumbria Tourist Board, Debbie has over 15 years secretarial and administration experience as well as bringing a wide variety of life experiences having also been a serving Police Constable for 9 years with Durham Constabulary.