Our Team
dean cranstoun
Chair of the Board of Trustees (Designated)
Dean Cranstoun brings over 20 years of leadership experience in the care sector, combined with a diverse entrepreneurial background, to his role as Chairperson of The Douglas Skills Trust. Read More
Dean Cranstoun brings over 20 years of leadership in the care sector, alongside a diverse and dynamic entrepreneurial background, to his role as Chairperson of The Douglas Skills Trust. As the former Operations Director of Msaada Group—a family-run care organisation in Northamptonshire—Dean oversaw a wide range of services, including mental health supported accommodation, domiciliary care, nursing homes, and learning disability facilities. Dean Cranstoun brings over 20 years of leadership experience in the care sector, combined with a diverse entrepreneurial background, to his role as Chairperson of The Douglas Skills Trust. As former Operations Director of Msaada Group—a family-run care organisation in Northamptonshire—Dean oversaw services including mental health supported accommodation, domiciliary care, nursing homes, and learning disability facilities, managing over 350 staff across 70 sites. Following his career in care, Dean expanded into the construction sector, delivering residential extensions and small-scale developments, and founded a facilities management company providing maintenance, compliance, and support services across multiple sectors. He also consults for a national subsidence company and has successfully managed a substantial buy-to-let property portfolio for over 25 years. Dean’s entrepreneurial experience extends to running nightclubs and managing a transport and courier business with contracts for City Link, Yodel, and TNT across the Home Counties. Through his leadership at The Douglas Skills Trust, Dean focuses on creating practical career pathways, fostering skills development, and supporting inclusive, sustainable growth in the communities the Academy serves.
sylvia typhis
Trustee - Secretary
With over 25 years of experience in the legal and property sector, including 14 years specialising in post-completion conveyancing, Sylvia brings extensive expertise in legal compliance, process governance, and quality assurance. Read More
With over 25 years of experience in the legal and property sector, including 14 years specialising in post-completion conveyancing, Sylvia brings extensive expertise in legal compliance, process governance, and quality assurance. Her career has been built on accuracy, diligence, and regulatory understanding — skills she now applies to her role as a trustee at The Douglas Skills Trust. Sylvia’s knowledge of risk management, document control, and statutory obligations helps ensure the Academy operates with strong governance, accountability, and professional standards. She plays an active role in overseeing policy, safeguarding protocols, and internal procedures, supporting transparent and effective management across the organisation. In addition to her legal career, Sylvia has a deep interest in mental health advocacy, particularly for children and young people. In 2023, she completed a Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health, which has informed her approach to supporting the Academy’s programmes for disadvantaged adults, NEETs, and ex-offenders. Outside of work, Sylvia enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking, reading, listening to music, and socialising — reflecting her belief in the importance of emotional wellbeing and meaningful connection. In her trustee role, she combines legal expertise, governance oversight, and mental health insight to ensure The Douglas Skills Trust remains a professional, transparent, and effective organisation that empowers learners to build sustainable skills and opportunities. Read Less
sanjay patel
trustee
With more than a decade of leadership experience, Sanjay Patel brings exceptional expertise in strategic forecasting, operational planning, and governance to Douglas Academy’s Board of Trustees. Read More
Sanjay Patel – Trustee & Strategic Planning Advisor With over a decade of leadership experience, Sanjay Patel brings expertise in strategic forecasting, operational planning, and governance to The Douglas Skills Trust Board of Trustees. He has led end-to-end planning functions supporting large, multi-site teams across areas including collections, recoveries, specialist customer support, fraud prevention, financial crime, and complaints. His work demands analytical insight, risk awareness, and strict regulatory compliance, ensuring operational efficiency and service excellence in complex environments. Earlier roles in workforce optimisation, financial crime analysis, and customer resolution management have given Sanjay a broad perspective on organisational performance and stakeholder engagement, as well as the discipline to deliver robust, evidence-based solutions. At The Douglas Academy, Sanjay plays a key role in quality assurance, governance, and strategic oversight, helping ensure the organisation operates to the highest professional standards while providing pathways into education, apprenticeships, and employment for adults and young people. His commitment to sustainable, well-planned operations aligns with the Trust’s mission to equip learners with practical skills, confidence, and opportunity.. Read Less
alexa powell
FINANCIAL OFFICER
With 16 years of experience in the construction industry as an architectural technologist, Alexa brings extensive knowledge and expertise to The Douglas Skills Trust, focusing on equipping young people with practical skills in construction and architecture. Read More
With 16 years of experience in the construction industry as an architectural technologist, Alexa brings extensive knowledge and expertise to The Douglas Skills Trust, focusing on equipping young people with practical skills in construction and architecture. As a business owner with a deep understanding of the sector, she is passionate about providing opportunities for those not currently in education or employment to gain hands-on experience that supports meaningful career development. In addition to her work in construction, Alexa is a dedicated speed coach for a local athletic club, helping young athletes enhance their sprinting skills. This coaching role reflects her commitment to nurturing potential in young people and empowering them to achieve their goals both on and off the track. As Finance Officer at The Douglas Skills Trust, Alexa combines financial acumen with a focus on operational efficiency, ensuring resources are effectively managed to support the Academy’s programs and initiatives. Her dual expertise in construction and finance enables her to contribute both to the strategic and practical development of learners, helping them build the skills and confidence needed to succeed. Read Less
adetutu alaka
Education Strategy Lead
Tutu Alaka is a visionary leader with over 30 years of experience in the education sector, committed to transforming lives through innovative, inclusive learning. Her distinguished career has spanned roles as a science teacher, curriculum lead, head of faculty, and senior leadership team member — each marked by measurable improvements in student achievement, curriculum design, and teacher development. Read More
Tutu Alaka is a visionary leader with over 30 years of experience in the education sector, committed to transforming lives through innovative, inclusive learning. Her distinguished career has spanned roles as a science teacher, curriculum lead, head of faculty, and senior leadership team member — each marked by measurable improvements in student achievement, curriculum design, and teacher development. Renowned for her results-driven approach and unwavering commitment to excellence, Tutu has been a trusted mentor to Early Career Teachers, guiding the next generation of educators with a blend of clarity, strategic insight, and innovation. Her leadership empowers schools to deliver exceptional learning experiences and cultivate resilient, confident learners. A passionate advocate for equitable education, Tutu shares Douglas Skills Trust’s belief that every student — regardless of background — should have access to the tools, opportunities, and support needed to succeed. She plays a pivotal role in shaping the Academic Studies and Vocational Programmes, ensuring that our pathways are high-quality, relevant, and life-changing. Through her wider work with Bauhaus Education, she collaborates with Local Authorities, schools, and partner organisations to design tailored solutions for learners facing challenges in mainstream education. At Douglas Skills Trust, she applies this expertise to create inclusive, real-world learning experiences that open doors to apprenticeships, employment, and self-employment. Tutu’s academic credentials underscore her professional excellence: she holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL), and is a Member of the Chartered College of Teaching (MCCT) — upholding the highest professional and ethical standards. Outside of her professional life, Tutu is a creative spirit, finding joy in playing the guitar, painting, sewing, and crafting handmade soaps — pursuits that reflect her curiosity, artistry, and versatility. In her role as Trustee and Education Strategy Lead at Douglas Skills Trust, Tutu combines visionary leadership, deep sector expertise, and creative thinking to help us deliver on our mission: empowering disadvantaged adults and young people to build brighter, more secure futures Read Less
gaetan soyingbe
Senior Mental Health Practitioner & Consultant
BSc (Hons), PGDip, Registered Mental Health Professional With over 21 years of clinical experience, Gaetan is a highly skilled and compassionate mental health practitioner dedicated to delivering holistic, person-centred care. Read More
BSc (Hons), PGDip, Registered Mental Health Professional With over 21 years of clinical experience, Gaetan is a highly skilled and compassionate mental health practitioner dedicated to delivering holistic, person-centred care. His approach is grounded in the biopsychosocial model, addressing the full complexity of mental health by considering biological, psychological, and social factors. Throughout his career, Gaetan has worked across a wide range of clinical and community settings, supporting individuals with diverse and often complex needs. He has a strong passion for working with underserved and marginalised groups, including those affected by long-term trauma, poverty, and social exclusion. His professional background includes roles in acute care, rehabilitation, community mental health, and voluntary sector partnerships. As a core member of the Douglas Skills Trust team, Gaetan leads on the design and delivery of our mental health and wellbeing strategy. He provides: • One-to-one therapeutic support for learners • Crisis intervention and relapse planning • Mental health assessments and personalised wellbeing plans • Workshops on resilience, confidence, and emotional wellbeing • Clinical input into safeguarding, trauma-informed care, and staff training Gaetan’s work is central to our mission of supporting disadvantaged adults, NEETs, ethnic minorities, and ex-offenders through inclusive, accessible, and compassionate mental health care. His commitment ensures that learners receive the emotional support they need to succeed in their training, employment, and personal growth. Outside of his professional role, Gaetan is a dedicated husband and father. He values balance, discipline, and reflection, which he nurtures through regular exercise, reading, and the strategic mental focus of chess — a game that mirrors his thoughtful and measured approach to care. Gaetan brings both professional expertise and deep empathy to Douglas Academy, helping to build a safe, supportive environment where people can heal, grow, and thrive. Read Less
holly travil
Career & Employment Consultant
Hollie Travill is a dedicated and experienced Careers Coach and Trainer with a strong background in supporting adults, particularly those who are long-term unemployed or facing barriers to employment. Read More
Hollie Travill is a dedicated and experienced Careers Coach and Trainer with a strong background in supporting adults, particularly those who are long-term unemployed or facing barriers to employment. Based in Northampton, she has worked across a wide range of settings, including the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), universities, and in freelance roles, helping individuals find clarity, build confidence, and move forward with purpose in their careers. Her approach is person-centred, practical, and empowering. Hollie works closely with clients to explore their goals, identify strengths, and overcome challenges—whether that’s building a standout CV, preparing for interviews, understanding workplace rights, or navigating complex benefit systems. She is particularly skilled at supporting those who may feel excluded from traditional routes into work, offering the tools and encouragement needed to take the next step. As a Trainer, Hollie has delivered engaging and accessible workshops on everything from job searching and goal setting to wellbeing and confidence building. She has a natural ability to put people at ease, making her training sessions supportive, inclusive, and genuinely transformative. While much of her work focuses on employability, Hollie also brings valuable insight as an ADHD Strategy Coach. She understands the additional challenges that neurodivergent individuals can face in the workplace and helps them find strategies that work for their unique needs, ensuring no one is left behind. Whether working one-to-one or in group settings, Hollie’s passion lies in helping adults rediscover their potential, feel empowered in their career decisions, and create sustainable change in their lives. Read Less
mohammed janneh
Lead Mentor
With over 20 years of cross-sector experience spanning care, hospitality, and construction, Mohammed Janneh brings exceptional versatility, leadership, and lived expertise to his role as Lead Mentor at Douglas Academy. His career reflects a consistent commitment to developing people, building resilience, and creating opportunities for those who need them most. Read More
With over 20 years of cross-sector experience spanning care, hospitality, and construction, Mohammed Janneh brings exceptional versatility, leadership, and lived expertise to his role as Lead Mentor at Douglas Academy. His career reflects a consistent commitment to developing people, building resilience, and creating opportunities for those who need them most. Mohammed began his career in domiciliary care management, delivering high-quality community support for a decade. As a team leader for a residential care provider, he oversaw services for younger adults with mental health needs and learning difficulties, where his compassionate leadership and dedication to staff development consistently improved service standards and outcomes. Transitioning into construction, Mohammed qualified as a multi-skilled plant operator, contributing to major national projects including HS2 and Sizewell. These roles sharpened his operational discipline, teamwork, and ability to perform in high-pressure environments — skills he now passes on to Douglas Skills Trust learners entering vocational pathways. Earlier in his career, Mohammed spent five years successfully managing a Northampton town centre nightclub, developing strong skills in people management, operations, and conflict resolution. At Douglas Skills Trust, Mohammed plays a pivotal role in mentoring learners, guiding apprentices, and preparing disadvantaged adults and young people for employment or self-employment in construction and related industries. He works closely with our employer partners to help learners transition seamlessly into real-world opportunities. Outside of work, Mohammed is energetic and curious, enjoying badminton, football, travelling, and sightseeing — pursuits that reflect the same drive and positive outlook he brings to mentoring. Read Less
derick darien
Lead Construction Consultant
With over 40 years of hands-on experience in the construction industry, Derick Darien leads with expertise, integrity, and a passion for transforming spaces and careers. Read More
With over 40 years of hands-on experience in the construction industry, Derick Darien leads with expertise, integrity, and a passion for transforming spaces and careers. As the founder of Darien Property Service, he has built a trusted reputation for delivering high-quality projects — from loft and garage conversions to full-scale new builds and property renovations — across Northamptonshire and beyond.
Derick’s career spans decades of working with small developers, overseeing the construction of blocks of flats, new homes, and extensions, as well as leading property maintenance teams for major supported accommodation providers. His depth of knowledge and practical leadership has also supported national housing providers, making him a respected figure in the field.
Beyond project delivery, Derick is committed to developing the next generation of tradespeople. Through mentoring, training, and hands-on guidance, he helps learners gain the skills, confidence, and experience needed to build sustainable careers in construction.
“The complete process of transforming a property is a buzz and gives me great satisfaction,” says Derick. “Bringing a homeowner’s dream to life — or helping someone start a career in the trade — brings real pride and joy.” His approach combines expert planning, meticulous coordination, and a commitment to quality, inspiring excellence in every project and every learner he supports.
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