Director of Melrose Learning Trust and Chair of Finance and General Purposes Committee
Governance: Director since May 2022, previously Chair of Dove Academy Trust prior to Dove joining Melrose from May 2022. One of the founding directors of Dove in 2016, previously Local Authority appointed governor at one of the two Dove academies, High Coniscliffe CE Primary since 2005.
Employment: Current (since 2016), Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) leading on the Academy Trust Handbook, previously carrying out financial statements reviews, financial and governance reviews, and funding audits in academy trusts. Previous employment, Local Authority Auditor which included carrying out audits across the whole of the Council including maintained school audits for 20+ years.
Skills: All aspects of financial and governance responsibilities for academy trusts and in particular the requirements of the academy trust handbook, including writing supporting guidance and procedural documentation. Good experience and knowledge of project and change management, financial and management information systems, and procurement.
Education: qualifications in accountancy and financial reporting for academies, various management and governance qualifications. Background: married with two teenagers and a Labrador, enjoy keeping fit, walking, cycling and parkruns. Rugby coach and treasurer for the mini and junior sections at Mowden RFC.
What drives me as a director of an academy trust: Passionate about ensuring that all children have the best chance in life and are provided with the best education we can provide. Initially got involved in 2005 to find out more about school governance and to give something back!