TRUSTEES

The Trustees are the people responsible under the Trust’s Articles of Association for overall strategic direction, and overseeing the schools’ management and administration.  They have responsibility for directing its affairs, and for ensuring that it is solvent, well-run, and delivering the Trust’s charitable outcomes for the benefit of the public.

• Iain Birtwell
  Trustee (& link Trustee for Equalities)
  Iain Birtwell

  I have worked in education in Essex and Suffolk for over 40 years. Following headship of a number of schools, I was employed as a Local Authority advisory headteacher. Recently I have been CEO of a consultancy company.

• Alan Davies
  Trustee & Chair of Finance, Audit & Risk Committee (& link Trustee for Finance & Operations)
  Alan Davies

  I have been a Governor for more than 12 years. I continue to combine my experience in industry, which includes risk management and financial matters, with the knowledge and understanding that comes from the experience of sitting on Local Governing Bodies and now the Trustee Board.

• Nicky Everett
  Trustee
  Nicky Everett

  I have worked in education for 25 years in the primary sector, including as a Headteacher and I now work for the Local Authority within the School Effectiveness Team. My specialism is Special Educational Needs.

• Sarah Foster
  Trustee (& link Trustee for H&S)
  Sarah Foster

  I have lived in the local area for the last 35 years and my background is in financial services. I currently work for the financial regulator

• Rob James
  Trustee & Chair of Standards Committee (& link Trustee for Curriculum)
  Rob James

  I started teaching Physical Education in 1988 and have held various roles in schools in Worcestershire and Essex. I have been a Headteacher since 2013, and my present role is Deputy CEO & Director of Secondary Education for Bridge Academy Trust. I am a former Chief Examiner for A level, and currently an Ofsted Lead Inspector, as well as a Local Leader in Education (LLE). I chair the Headteacher Committee for Mid Essex ITT and facilitate the NPQH course.

• John Marchant
  Vice Chair & Trustee (& link Trustee for School Improvement)
  John Marchant

  I have worked within education settings for the past forty years. Having qualified as a teacher of Geography, I held a variety of senior posts within the secondary sector including being a Headteacher. I was previously trained and qualified as a Registered Ofsted Inspector. I have a Masters Degree in Education Management and the National Professional Qualification for Headship.

• Rowena Simmons
  Trustee (& link Trustee for Safeguarding & Inclusion)
  Rowena Simmons

  I have worked within education for my entire career, with experience in teaching and learning, across a number of settings including primary, secondary and special. I currently work within a large Trust leading on safeguarding. Being heavily involved in school improvement and accountability work, I am passionate about ensuring that every child has access to the highest quality provision.

• Ben Steel
  Trustee (& link Trustee for Workforce)
  Ben Steel

  Improving life chances and life-long learning are passions of mine. Although I am not an education specialist, I bring extensive experience from the Commercial sector as a Global Fellow Management Accountant and a Global Human Resources specialist working across international companies. I have experience of school governance and, as well as my love of sport, I love creating opportunities!

• Stewart Taylor
  Chair (& link Trustee for Behaviour, Attendance & PPG/SEND)
  Stewart Taylor

  I have lived in the local area for 40 years and have been a school governor for 14 years at both primary and secondary levels, being Chair of Governors before becoming Chair of Trustees. My children have gone through the Trust Schools and are now in Further Education.

  I own and run a local business, and in my spare time I'm involved in a Local Coastal rowing club.