Bev Matthews – Chief Executive Officer
I have over 18 years of experience working within the education sector across a variety of settings; to include Further Education, Local Authorities, a range of secondary school roles and, most recently, as a Trust Leader in the primary sector.
Over 16 years of this has been spent as a senior leader within a secondary school setting which includes significant experience as a Headteacher of a very challenging school in West Yorkshire and CEO of Minerva Learning Trust for the last four years.I am a Specialist Leader of Education and have successfully completed the NPQEL, NPQH, Future Leaders and Talented Leaders leadership development programmes.
I have provided support to numerous schools across the UK to help develop effective school improvement strategies in order to improve outcomes and close the achievement gap.
I have also delivered at conferences and workshops nationally and internationally. My key areas of strength and expertise include strategic planning and evaluation, curriculum design, leadership development and succession planning, pastoral care and turning around schools in challenging circumstance.
Simon Barber – Deputy Chief Executive Officer
I have been a headteacher for 17 years and have had experience of working in primary, middle and secondary schools throughout my career. I began by teaching children throughout the primary age range and specialised in music, eventually becoming headteacher of a primary school in Barnsley which was judged outstanding. I became a National Leader of Education supporting a range of local schools in difficulty alongside leading my own school. I moved on to become the headteacher of a new through school in Barnsley and in my most recent role I was headteacher of a secondary school in York.
I passionately believe that every child’s life chances should be maximised by receiving a good education, and that excellent teaching and learning lies at the heart of great schools and great Trusts. My job is to be responsible for leading the strategy and support that enables our schools to succeed and improve so that our Trust can collectively deliver the best possible educational experience for all our pupils.
Nicola Gregory – Chief Operations Officer
I have over 30 years’ experience working in Human Resources within the public sector and schools. I am a Chartered Member of the Institute of Personnel and Development and Level 7 qualified in employment law.
My past experience includes leading the Schools HR service within Sheffield City Council and establishing the HR provision for the Birley Family of Schools before their academy conversion and transfer to L.E.A.D. Academy Trust.
I have a wide range of skills, knowledge and expertise in providing HR support and have led the development of HR policies and procedures, pay and grading structures and relationships with the trade unions.
I am an experienced local governor and currently Chair of a governing body in another Multi-Academy Trust.
What I do: Strategic leadership of the Trust’s Human Resources, Governance, Compliance and Operations.
I can help with: Strategic and operational HR issues, governance guidance and support, compliance advice and guidance, CPD delivery, coaching and mentoring.
