Jonathan Blackie CBE

Jonathan was the senior Government civil servant for North East England for about ten years, including the 2004 referendum to create and Elected Regional Assembly for the region, retiring in 2011.

He is currently advisor to the twelve North East local authorities for the Case for Culture, author of Borderlands: Rescaling Economic Development in Northern England in the context of Greater Scottish Autonomy, independent trustee at Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums and chair of Alnwick Garden Trust.

Formerly Regional Director, Government Office North East, Director One North East, Regional Director English Partnerships, and Director Newcastle City Challenge.

Recently chair of New Writing North and St Chads College Durham University.