Governance

Our Commitment

North East Access to Creative Education CIC (NEACE) is a not-for-profit organisation established to widen access to high-quality creative education and industry pathways for young people aged 14–30 across the North East.

​

We are committed to operating with transparency, integrity, and strong governance, ensuring that all activity is delivered for public benefit and in line with best practice for Community Interest Companies.

Our Structure

NEACE is a Community Interest Company (CIC) limited by guarantee, meaning:

​

• We operate for community benefit, not private profit

• Any surplus is reinvested into our programmes and participants

• We are regulated to ensure our activities deliver clear social impact

The organisation is governed by a Board of Directors, who are responsible for strategic oversight, compliance, and ensuring that NEACE fulfils its mission.

Board of Directors

NEACE is led by a small, focused board bringing together expertise in creative industries, education, and outreach.

​

• Louise Dearden —  Executive Director (Education & Outreach)

• Filipe Ribeiro — Marketing Director

• Craig Wilde — Founder

The Board meets regularly to oversee strategy, partnerships, programme delivery, and financial management.

Independence & Accountability

NEACE operates as an independent organisation, with all Directors acting in the best interests of the CIC and its beneficiaries.

​

We align our governance approach with the expectations of national partners and funders, including Arts Council Englandand The King's Trust.

This includes:

​

• Clear decision-making processes

• Financial transparency

• Ongoing evaluation of impact and outcomes

Working with Industry

A core part of NEACE’s approach is connecting participants directly with the creative industries.

​

To achieve this, we work in partnership with a range of professional providers, including companies within the Niltoni Group, as well as industry partners such as Nikon and Epson.

​

These partnerships enable us to offer:

​

• Access to professional studios and equipment

• Industry-led teaching and mentoring

• Real-world creative environments

Managing Conflicts of Interest

We recognise that collaboration with industry partners requires clear and transparent governance.

​

NEACE operates under a formal Conflict of Interest Policy, which ensures that:

​

• Any Director with a connection to a partner organisation declares that interest

• They do not participate in related decisions

• All partnerships are agreed on an arms-length basis

• Value for money and fairness are demonstrated

All such decisions are documented and reviewed as part of our governance processes.

Public Benefit

Everything we do is designed to deliver meaningful public benefit.

​

Our programmes:

​

• Increase access to creative education

• Support young people into employment and training

• Provide pathways into the creative industries

• Focus particularly on those who may not otherwise have access

Any income generated is reinvested directly into expanding this work.

Looking Ahead

As NEACE grows, we will continue to strengthen our governance through:

​

• Expanding our advisory network

• Building strategic partnerships

• Maintaining the highest standards of transparency and accountability

Further Information

If you would like more information about our governance, partnerships, or policies, please contact:

​

Hello@neace.org