Meet Our Team
The Bible says, “When they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realised that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13) - We've no idea what this means but it's something about first impressions.
Jamie-Lee Johnstone (JLJ)
Head of Education - Fylde Coast
I've been told I'm a Maverick. Not because I look like Tom Cruise. Well I don't think it is. I should probably check. I don't think there's anything wrong with that though, as long as nobody get's hurt. It's like that time I impulse bought a garden furniture set from B&Q and had to figure out a way to get it home without paying the delivery fee. It was only 2 miles but apparently there's a big difference between, 'A to B' and, 'as the crow flies'. Nevertheless, I got it home and most of my family are still speaking to me.
I have two gorgeous children- both boys. It costs me a fortune to keep them though. Not because they eat loads, just the amount of Bleach I have to buy. I have savings though, so I'll probably be able to keep them until they are teenagers.
I have a semi serious Amazon Prime addiction which is legit the worst/best thing that has ever happened to me. I spend around £100 a week on multiple items under £10 but then I can get next day delivery on birthday cards that I've forgot. And more bleach - so, sound.
I also have a cat called George that I pretend to like for family photos. He's deaf and definitely got dementia now so I can't sell him.
In the winter, I'd rather throw myself over the bannister than go outside, which is strange because I have an A-level in PE. I force myself to go to the gym occasionally though, because I hate paying for the membership I bought on the back of another, 'New Year's Resolution'. Painful.
Prior to my TrueNorth venture, I spent 14 years teaching across a variety of Blackpool Primary Schools. I did love this job but obviously, to do it well, I had to go outside in Winter.
Despite leaving teaching to pursue my warm dreams, as both an educator and leader, I am now enjoying my new role, finding the good staff that are out there. They are there I promise, they are just hiding. I also really like helping people. I decided to create a company that had strong morals because I definitely think there is a gap in the Supply market for this.
If you would like to hear more about our Education Sector, please give me a call. I know I can save you money and I have some great staff. If you don't actually need staff but fancy a chat to get you out of Yard duty- I am here for you. We can talk about the weather and If you need to start talking business because the Head has walked into the room, I'm your wing woman.
Cheryl Semple
Head of Education - Preston and Blackburn
For nearly 20 years, I have had the privilege of working as a Teacher and Department Head, with the last eight years dedicated to my role as a Leading Practitioner. Now I work with Jamie and Dannii and sometimes I need a hug.
For many years, I have been deeply committed to fostering a culture where staff feel empowered to develop and refine their teaching skills in a safe, collaborative, and supportive environment. Thankfully, my Role at TrueNorth allows me to continue this, whilst receiving wildly inappropriate memes from the girls when I'm trying to work.
I am aware of the recruitment challenges facing schools and the difficulties in trying to balance that with the importance of having quality staff, which is why I make it my mission to pay staff a fair wage in order to stop them from ringing in sick with Smallpox, Diptheria, Leprocy and/or Phossy Jaw.
As Head of Education Lancashire at True North, I will always place students and staff at the core of every placement. Schools can trust that my primary focus is building positive relationships.
I ensure that every action and decision is centred around providing the best possible educational experience for students, while supporting staff in their professional journey.
I look forward to building close, mutual working relationships with both schools and staff.
Danielle Hobson
Head of Festivals and Events
Head of Casting
Hi I'm Dannii!
My favourite film is Dirty Dancing and I love musicals but despite what Jamie says, I'm not sad. I've done a Facebook quiz and I'm actually a left brainer, so don't be tight. In my spare time I love going for long walks in the Lake District with my dog and my son. Apparently this is also sad but I spent a fortune on an Apple Watch so now I need to track my heart rate at all times.
I have worked in hospitality, casting and events for the majority of my career and I was even on the Jeremy Kyle Show. Jamie told everyone it's because my uncle's girlfriend got pregnant by her dog but actually I was just in charge of casting. I am also a Kambo practitioner and a very spiritual person. This has taught me lots of things like patience, manifestation, healing and even how to talk to vegans.
Throughout my life, I have learnt how to communicate well and develop long lasting working relationships - mostly with wine- but it tastes nice and doesn't ring in sick so...
The best part of my job is meeting new people and helping to make your event run smoothly. I pride myself on the work we do here at TrueNorth and the honest representation we maintain.
Please get in touch for a chat to see how I can help you today :-)
Once upon a time in the sunny (okay, not that sunny) seaside town of Blackpool, a small but mighty crew of recruiters banded together with one bold mission: to connect top talent with outstanding opportunities and save the world.
TrueNorth Staffing wasn’t founded in some fancy high-rise, but in the land of donkeys, arcades, and fish & chips, where we honed our skills navigating both talent pools and rainy days.
Armed with an unwavering passion, a couple of spreadsheets, and probably too many glasses of wine, we set out to do what we do best—match people with careers that make them say, “This is the job where I will actually do my best!”
With our local knowledge, impeccable instincts (legit - ifykyk), and questionable karaoke skills, we’ve built a reputation for being the reliable, down-to-earth matchmakers of the working world.
We care deeply (we actually do- we might care too much), and that’s why our approach is 100% personalised. Whether you’re a job seeker or an employer, we’ll give you the VIP treatment—minus the confetti (unless you really want it). For us, it’s not just about filling roles or finding paychecks; it’s about changing the dynamic, building futures, and maybe making Monday mornings a little less painful.
Welcome to TrueNorth Staffing: where talent meets opportunity and also a little bit of banter. Life is serious enough.