Effective Operations of Multi-Academy Trusts - Speakers

Nick MacKenzie, Partner, Browne Jacobson LLP

Nick is independently ranked as a leading lawyer for education nationally. He has significant experience advising on the creation and development of academy groups, joint ventures and collaborations in the education sector, establishment of trading vehicles and providing governance and strategic advice. 

Russell Dalton FISBL, Chief Operating Officer, Diocese of Worcester Multi-Academy Trust 

Russell became a school business manager 13 years ago, after a full career in the Army.  After leaving the Army he worked at a large high school in Worcestershire and, along with his business team, supported a number of primary schools.  He is now the chief operating officer for a 12 school MAT which is growing.

Lorraine Ashover, Director, Minerva Procurement Consultancy Services Limited

Lorraine is Director of Minerva Procurement Consultancy Services Limited. Minerva helps schools reduce costs, streamline procurement practices, be compliant, get ‘best value’ and save time.

Jesse Johnson, Head of Multi-Academy Trusts, RM Education

Working with education leaders for over 15 years to develop and deliver technology solutions that enhance teaching and learning. The last four years solely focused on the development of IT strategies and solutions in MATs, helping trusts' senior leaders to achieve consistency, efficiency and cost saving.

Mark Knapton, Chief Executive Officer, Healing Multi-Academy Trust 

Mark Knapton is the CEO of Healing Multi-Academy Trust in North East Lincolnshire. Previous to this he was the principal of Healing School – A Science Academy, a highly successful ‘outstanding’ secondary school. Healing MAT is a small trust of seven schools.  A strong board of trustees is now in place – but there were challenges as it developed from one local governing body.

Emma Hughes, Head of HR Services, Browne Jacobson LLP 

Emma manages the team responsible for providing HR consultancy services to a range of clients. Emma has extensive experience of the education sector, having previously been HR director for a large academy trust.

Justin Smith, Managing Director, Chameleon Training and Consultancy

Following a career spent in private sector business development and marketing, Justin moved into the education sector over 15 years ago. Justin is a vastly experienced bid writer with a strong track record in raising funds for schools via conventional trust funds, grants and sponsorships. To date Justin has raised over £4 million in additional income for schools.

Stephen Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer, Spencer Academies Trust

Stephen is the Chief Operating Officer of Spencer Academies Trust, with 16 schools, across both primary and secondary with a budget of £90m. His MBA focused on improving the quality of management in schools, identifying 5 key traits which lead to success. He has delivered training programmes for the UN, EU and World Bank in 17 countries.

Androulla Nicou, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Enfield Learning Trust

Androulla has been the Deputy CEO of the Enfield Learning Trust (ELT) since it was first established in September 2016 and also oversees operations across the trust as well as being CFO. In the past 29 years Androulla has gained extensive experience in school and system leadership through Senior leadership roles. At the heart of Androulla's work is ensuring that she continues to support the opportunity to improve the life chances for all pupils across the trust.

Sarah Perry, Business Director, Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham MAT

Sarah holds qualificaions in education management and accountancy and has 20 years experience of supporting and delivering schools' business operations and strategy. Since 2011 Sarah has worked in the academy sector and is currently the Business Director of Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham MAT. Sarah is a fellow of the institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL) and has been accredited as a Schools Resource Management Adviser (SRMA) for the DfE.

Mike Giddings, Managing Director, MLG Education Services Ltd.

Mike is managing director of MLG Education Services Ltd. He works with schools that are looking to convert to academy status, Multi-Academy Trusts that are looking to expand and advising both clients and ESFA on dealing with re-brokerage of academies from one trust to another.

Brian Lightman, Education Consultant and former General Secretary of ASCL

Brian Lightman was general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders from September 2010 - January 2016. Now a self-employed leadership specialist, he has a wide-ranging portfolio. This includes working with individual and groups of schools, providing coaching for middle and senior leaders, professional development and support for school improvement.