MAT Regional Network: Central Midlands - Speakers

Matt Crawford, CEO, Embark Federation (Chair)

Matthew is Trust Leader of Embark Federation which is a trust of 19 schools educating over 7000 children across Derbyshire. He was designated a National Leader of Education in 2017 for the work he has done as a system leader. Matthew has supported over twenty schools across Derbyshire who are now all judged to be good or better by Ofsted. He believes that schools are ‘stronger together’ and enjoys sharing practice whilst also learning from others and helping to improve the federation. He also believes that schools should be at the heart of their communities whilst providing their children with the best possible education. All schools in the federation have an exciting curriculum which is accompanied by a rich diet of wider opportunities in Music, Sport, Science and the Arts. The trust has used sponsorship opportunities and grants to fund aspirational events for the children. A keen sportsman, Matthew now enjoys a game of golf at weekends and supporting the Welsh rugby team! Family is very important to Matthew. He is father to Sophie and Daniel who are the most precious things in his life.

Dan Thomas, Chief Executive Officer, The Learning Partnership

Formed of two local trusts, The Learning Alliance and The Learning for Life Partnership, Dan oversees a diverse new multi-academy trust containing 15 schools. They deliver excellent educational provision for pupils in primary and secondary schools across the North West. Dan works across the trust to help make sure they meet their ambitious goals. As well as setting forward-looking direction, and assisting The Learning Partnership's experienced and knowledgeable trustees, his role includes ensuring that schools are supported very well, including in relation to their leadership.

Karen Rose, Director of Partnerships and Organisational Development, E-ACT

Karen’s role focuses on building strategic partnerships for the trust, leading the trust's work on culture, staff development, communications and project management. Karen joined E-ACT with a wide range of experience from across the education, charity and public sector, including Oldham Council and Ambition Institute.

Mark Davis, Director, Blue Apple Education

Mark Davis is a renowned school brand and marketing expert. Mark has worked with and helped hundreds of schools, school groups and academy Trusts to develop effective brands and marketing. Mark sits on the Multi Academy Trust Association (MATA) advisory board as their Marketing & Communications expert and has hosted over 40 episodes of the school marketing video podcast “Out of the Blue”. Mark has provided workshops and online masterclasses on a whole host of topics around school marketing and has provided Keynote sessions at events across the country and in Europe.