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Central Team
Our family of schools is supported by a shared services team led by Chief Executive, Dan Thomas. Whether it is finance, communications or human resources, our specialists work with schools to provide the best service possible. Our team is based in Congleton, Crewe and Knutsford but works across all schools.
Central Team
Emma Hooley
Director of Safeguarding and School Improvement Co-ordinator
As Director of Safeguarding and School Improvement Co-ordinator, my role focusses on ensuring that Safeguarding policy and processes are effective and that Designated Safeguarding Leads feel supported in their school based roles. Additionally, I also lead a central team to deliver improvements in SEND, Behaviour, EYFS and Personal Development. We work closely with the Directors of Secondary and Primary to support schools in meeting their identified school improvement priorities.
Leanne Takaki
Director of People
As Director of People I provide strategic people management, HR advice and support to Trust leaders, Headteachers and school staff. We champion better work and working lives by creating roles, opportunities, and working environments that help get the best out of people. We provide a suite of HR policies, processes and systems to support the development and management of staff in the Trust.
James Routs
Director of Estates and Marketing
My role is split into two key areas; firstly in terms of Estates, I support schools with capital infrastructure and large site development projects, together with the overall site management which also includes health, safety and compliance. Secondly, in terms of marketing I support the trust and our schools with their overall marketing strategy and planning, including events, communications, website and online presence.
Ian Simpson
Director of Finance
The Finance Team partner with all schools in the Trust and support and advise on all financial matters including budgets, procurement, and capital projects. We provide monthly management information to a range of stakeholders and ensure the Trust is compliant with all regulatory reporting requirements.
Dr Allan Howells
Director of Quality
I am the strategic lead for governance across the Trust and its schools. The team supports the recruitment, induction and training of trustees and governors. Schools receive a dedicated clerk to support the organising and administration of their local board meetings. My remit also includes GDPR and data protection, and I act as the Trust’s Data Protection Officer.
Jo Young
Director of Primary Education
My role is to support primary school leaders in a cycle of continuous improvement, with a focus on knowing, supporting and challenging schools. I work with each primary head teacher to ensure pupils are receiving the best possible education. I also work closely with the Director of Secondary and the Director of School Improvement to ensure each school has the capacity to improve the support they need and access to evidence based professional development.
Jim Barlow
Director of Secondary Education
Through a process of knowing, supporting and challenging our schools, I work closely with the secondary headteachers across the trust to improve outcomes for all students. I ensure that school leaders have access to evidence based professional development and support schools to deliver their School Improvement Plans. I also work with external consultants to carry out quality assurance activities within our schools as part of our schools’ self-evaluation processes.
