Trust Governance

I have a long history of association with Orchard Multi Academy trust from its inception and am currently Chair of the Trust Board of Directors. Previously I was a governor at Stretton Sugwas Academy for over twenty years. I attended Stretton Sugwas Academy as a pupil as did my father before me and all three of my children more recently.

I bring a wealth of experience from over 30 years working in the civil service and for the last 7 years I have worked for two local charities that support individuals and families. I am particularly interested in supporting the trust to do the very best for children who may face difficulty due disability, who may be neurodiverse or are struggling for whatever reason. I am also keen to ensure our forces children thrive during their time with the Orchard Trust as my wife is from a forces family and know a little about the impact of having serving parents can have on family life. I am very much looking forward to supporting Orchard Trust to grow and benefit from closer collaboration across its schools.

My career began as a teacher, specialising in Early Years and Key Stage One, with extensive experience in small rural schools and mixed-age classes. I trained in Special Educational Needs and served as SENCo, ensuring inclusive education. After ordination, I continued working in education in New Zealand as a teacher and Chaplain, leading worship, providing pastoral care, and teaching from preschool to Year 8. As part of the Senior Management Team, I focused on maintaining the school’s special character. I also served as a Foundation Governor for a federation of rural schools in Kent.

I am committed to building strong links between schools and their communities, guided by accountability, openness, and honesty. I bring experience in planning, reporting, and long-term development, alongside sound judgment and decision-making. I value teamwork, listen well, and support staff wholeheartedly, while remaining flexible, tactful, and willing to learn.

I grew up in East Sussex, where early experiences taught me that joy and sorrow transcend social class. My formal education was limited, but I developed resilience and adaptability through varied roles, from working as a groom to building a successful career in the travel industry. Managing operations and resolving challenges honed my skills in leadership, planning, and communication.

After moving to Lancashire, I focused on customer care and accessibility in travel, ensuring inclusive experiences for all. Later, in Herefordshire, I served as a school governor, committed to supporting education and community links. In 2008, I was ordained and introduced creative programs for children, including Messy Church, while continuing pastoral care and teaching.

I believe education transforms lives. I bring experience in governance, innovation, and community engagement, with a strong commitment to children’s well-being and lifelong learning.

As a mum of three children currently in primary school, I’m closely connected to the everyday experiences of families and understand how important strong, supportive schools are for children’s development and wellbeing.

I’ve worked in finance all my life and currently serve as an accountant within the NHS, where I’ve managed budgets across Local Community Hospitals, Integrated Care Services, and the Acute Womens & Childrens division. My career has given me extensive experience in budgeting, financial planning, and making informed decisions in complex environments.

I’ve also been a school governor at two local primary schools over the years, which has deepened my understanding of the education sector and the vital role governance plays in supporting schools. Becoming a trustee felt like a natural next step, allowing me to contribute more widely across the Trust.

As both a parent and finance professional, I care deeply about ensuring our schools are well-supported, well-run, and focused on what matters most—giving every child the best possible start in life. I hope to bring a practical, thoughtful perspective to the board, combining financial expertise with a strong commitment to our schools and the children they serve.

have worked in the arts industry for over 20 years, with 15 years in The Courtyard’s Education Department. As Associate Director and Head of Participation and Programming, I lead on artistic strategy, working with schools, young people, and community groups across Herefordshire and beyond. My experience includes producing and directing theatre projects that develop talent and deliver high-quality arts experiences. I manage a skilled team and collaborate with teachers, funders, and arts professionals to enrich education through creativity.

My qualifications include a BA (Hons) in Acting, an MBA, and senior leadership training. I’ve served as a Foundation Governor at St James C of E Primary, supporting strategic governance, prior to joining Orchard’s board of directors. I am passionate about the role of the arts in education and committed to helping schools thrive. I bring strategic thinking, leadership experience, and strong community links to every role.

I serve as Rector for the Stretton Sugwas & Burghill Parish and have been a governor at Stretton Sugwas C of E Primary for over five years. My academic background includes degrees in Theology, Systematic Theology, and Historical Theology from the University of Lampeter and the University of Nottingham, giving me a strong foundation for both pastoral and educational leadership.

I am deeply committed to education and have served as a governor at several Herefordshire schools, supporting strategic decision-making and fostering positive learning environments. My experience includes shaping policies, ensuring student well-being, and strengthening links between schools and their communities.

I believe education is transformative and strive to bring integrity, openness, and collaboration to every role. With governance experience, leadership skills, and a passion for learning, I aim to support schools in achieving excellence for all children.

I have spent the past eight years working with schools and churches in Hereford, building strong partnerships and encouraging collaboration. During this time, I have served as Chair of Governors at St James School, where I have gained extensive safeguarding experience and acted as Safeguarding Lead. As Vicar of St Peter’s, the civic church of Hereford, I have developed strong networks with local organisations and leaders, which I see as a key strength.

My academic background includes a Master’s in Transformational Change and Theology, and I am passionate about shaping positive organisational culture and finding creative solutions to complex challenges. I have also served on the Diocese of Hereford Bishop’s Council and worked closely with schools across the county, including primary, secondary, and specialist settings. I am committed to ensuring every child and member of staff flourishes and will bring energy, vision, and collaboration to this role.

I am a Chartered Legal Executive Lawyer specializing in Private Client work, which involves interpreting complex legal documents and explaining them clearly to clients. Alongside my professional role, I am a mother of two and married to a recently retired soldier, giving me a strong understanding of the challenges families—particularly military families—face in our community.

Previously, I have served as a Local Authority Governor at a successful Hereford primary school, supporting the school through SIAMS and OFSTED inspections, achieving Excellent and Outstanding outcomes. I take a particular interest in Early Years, Pupil Premium, and EAL policies, as well as supporting the Maths curriculum lead.

I am passionate about ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive and that families feel supported throughout their school journey. I bring commitment, clarity, and a collaborative approach to all aspects of governance.

I become a (Grand) Parent Governor at Canon Pyon Academy over 10 years ago, becoming Chair when my Grandson moved on to High School – and I am proud to have been involved in the successful establishment of the Orchard Multi Academy Trust of which I am a Director.

I worked for over 40 years in differing roles in the Automotive Industry and I believe I have been able to use my commercial experience to help ensure that the schools’ resources are effectively managed, always prioritising the childrens’ best interest.

It has also been highly rewarding to work with other like-minded school Governors, Orchard Directors and the whole Senior Leadership Team, delivering the best possible education for all our children whilst ‘making learning fun’

I am currently the Estates and Facilities Manager at the Royal National College for the Blind, previously serving as the Technical Operations Manager at the County Hospital. I specialize in engineering and compliance, particularly in electrical systems, fire safety, petroleum management, and confined spaces.

In addition to my role at RNC, I have taken on a director position to support the newly established Orchard MAT, focusing on audit and risk compliance across all schools within the trust. I am available to assist with any compliance-related needs within our schools. My wife, who works at St. James School, encouraged me to explore this opportunity, leading to my involvement in the MAT.

I have worked in the education sector for over 20 years, with more than 12 years as an Executive Headteacher leading multiple academies. I feel privileged to have taken on the role of CEO at Orchard Multi Academy Trust, a trust I created from the ground up and have grown into the well-established and popular organisation it is today.

In my current role, I focus on the strategic leadership of the Trust, ensuring that the quality of education and school improvement remain our highest priorities. Compliance is a critical part of my work, as I am committed to making sure all children are kept safe at all times.

A key passion of mine has always been Special Educational Needs (SEN). I am dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment across the Trust where every child can thrive. Equally important is ensuring that both our fantastic pupils and our wonderful staff are central to all decision-making processes.

Through collaborative leadership and a clear vision, I strive to support and inspire our schools to deliver the best outcomes for every child in our care.