Katherine Forbes

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT KATHERINE FORBES

I am a senior executive, with two decades’ experience in strategic and corporate planning, across regional and local government bodies. I have a broad leadership skill set, with unique insight into the health, life sciences, HE and public sectors.My career began as a Graduate Trainee with Boots Group PLC, followed by executive level recruitment. I relocated back to the North East and took up the role of Employer Engagement Manager at Newcastle University. I joined Newcastle CIty Council in 2001, progressing steadily. Notably, I delivered the Council’s 15-year Regeneration Strategy, receiving a public commendation. This was followed by a secondment to the Association of North East Councils as Policy Manager, where I developed a collaborative approach to tackle climate change, delivered a manifesto commended as a best practice model and invited to submit evidence at a Parliamentary Select Committee. I was promoted to Principal Corporate Policy and Partnership Officer, where I diversified the Council’s Corporate Plan and led the business case to secure £3M funding for Newcastle Science City. This led to a secondment to Universities for the North East, leading the Higher-Level Skills & Brokerage project for an innovative web portal.In 2011, I established Yellow Brick Road Ltd, to address a gap in policy-driven regional project management, strategic communications, and stakeholder consultancy services. I delivered high profile corporate events, negotiated sponsorships, and facilitated new partnership programmes.In 2017, I joined Clarity Informatics as Product Manager, integrating GPTeamNet, directing its product development, and increasing sales by £50K.After a planned career break, I took up the role of Innovation Manager in 2019 to deliver the legacy business innovation project of the Great Exhibition of the North. I then joined the North East LEP, as Health and Life Sciences Programme Lead, producing an ambitious ten-year Growth Strategy. In 2020, I joined the Academic Health Science Network as Associate Director, actioning a Corporate Plan and securing £1.2M in project funding.I am a board member and vice-chair for Meadow Well Connected Ltd.I have built a reputation as a trusted leader and trailblazer who identifies opportunities to drive growth and bring positive change. I excel at building relationships, promoting dialogue, executing complex projects, transforming operations, shaping policy, and informing corporate strategies.I am passionate about creating empowering and inclusive cultures.I am interested in extending my professional network.