HEATH FAMILY TRUST - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Senior Estates & Compliance Officer
Andrew joined the trust in October 2022, taking on the role of Senior Estates and Compliance Officer. He had previously worked for Kier construction, who were involved in construction works on The Heath and the combining of Litherland High School and Litherland Moss on to one campus. His experience of working in the construction industry fit well with his role of caring for the Trusts buildings and ensuring that Health & safety guidelines are followed. Outside of work, Andrew enjoys travelling, F1, walking and spending time with his family.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Education Team
- Trust Leader of Education: Maths
Chris has been with the Trust since 2020 working as the mathematics trust leader in education. Within that time, he has been working with the heads of department in the other secondary schools looking at improving day to day practice. This has included implementing effective modelling within lessons, supporting resources to stretch and challenge our students as well as leading on how we best support our SEND students. In addition, a great deal of work has gone into the development of all curriculum documentation which steers and supports the day to day teaching within each secondary school.
He has worked at The Heath since qualifying as a teacher and progressed to Head of Department. He is currently working towards his NPQSL.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Education Team
- Assistant Director of Teaching & Learning ( Pupil Premium )
Claire joined the central team in September 2020 after five years as Deputy Headteacher in the secondary phase. Her degree is a BA Hons in International Business and her subject discipline is Business and Economics, with extensive experience teaching both subjects to A Level.
In her role, Claire works closely with the Education Team on school improvement strategies to improve academic outcomes, with a particular focus on disadvantaged children. Her time in the education sector spans 21 years, with 15 years as a senior leader after successfully completing the Fast Track programme in her early career and a Post Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership & Management.
She has held a number of SLT roles in challenging schools, including as Acting Head of School, gaining experience in the leadership of curriculum and assessment, teaching and learning, professional learning & development and quality assurance. As a long-term associate of Best Practice Network, which includes leadership coaching, face-to-face facilitation and assessment of national professional qualifications, Claire has a particular interest in professional learning & leadership development linked particularly to developing evidence-informed approaches to improving teaching and learning.
Job Titles:
- Finance Manager
- Member of the Finance Team
- the Heath Family Trust As Finance Manager
Daniela joined The Heath Family Trust as Finance Manager in January 2023 and looks after our Halton Primary Schools. Currently working towards obtaining Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) qualification, Daniela brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the finance team.
Daniela's passion for finance was ignited during her Business Studies degree. She began her career journey within NHS Financial Management, where she gained a sound knowledge of financial budgets and forecasting over a 7 year period. Daniela went on to work in the private sector as a Finance Analyst, to enhance her knowledge of the wider finance function. This experience identified a deep commitment and desire to contribute further within the public sector.
David has been with the Trust since 2017. As CEO he is responsible for the strategic direction and performance of the Trust and has oversight of all activities. He is accountable to the Trust Board.
David has over thirty-five years' experience in education, including roles as a primary Headteacher, Local Authority Officer, Ofsted Inspector, and education adviser to a large national trust. He has also served as a member and a trustee in two different trusts. Prior to his current role he worked as an educational consultant, helping establish large numbers of academies and trusts as well as supporting existing trusts, with a particular expertise on governance. David holds a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, a PGCE and a Masters Degree in Strategic Leadership.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Education Team
- Principal - Litherland High School
David has been teaching for over 27 years with 17 of those as a head, executive head and director of Education across 8 schools and 4 MATs. With a proven track-record of school improvement, David has a ‘hands on' approach to leadership and loves to drive schools forward with his contagious passion and enthusiasm for providing the very best education to all students. During his first headship, his school became the 5 th most improved school in the country.
The vast majority of the schools David has worked in have been located in deprived areas with high numbers of Pupil Premium students. He is passionate about ensuring that every child has access to the very best education and pastoral support possible.
David has a wealth of experience of leading schools through Ofsted and DFE monitoring visits and supporting schools in preparing for inspections including SEF and action plan development. He has a love for data and is extremely skilled at supporting staff in using concise data to improve outcomes and inform change.
David loves teaching and always ensures he has a teaching commitment. He lives and works with his own work ethic that ‘Enthusiasm is the key to Success'.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Education Team
- Assistant Director of Teaching & Learning ( SEND )
Helen joined The Heath Family in September 2020 as Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning (SEND). As Trust SEND Lead, Helen is responsible for the development and implementation of the long term strategic plan for SEND provision across the Trust ensuring improved outcomes for children with SEND.
Helen began her teaching career in primary education and has been a senior leader in four primary schools, including Deputy Headteacher and Head of School roles, before transitioning to a senior leadership role in secondary education. In addition to leading Inclusion and SEND across a high school, Helen achieved distinctions in the Masters level qualifications: NASENCO and Specialist Teacher (SpLD). Helen has had extensive experience of successfully driving school improvement in both the primary and secondary sectors and has received national awards for 'Student Teacher of the Year' and 'SENCO of the Year'.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Education Team
- Trust Leader of Education
Helen has 30 years' experience as a teacher of English and former head of department and 12 years' experience as a member of the Senior Leadership Team. She has obtained her NPQH and she is an SLE in English with comprehensive experience of school to school support. Previously she has worked closely with The National College supporting the training of NLEs and lead governors and was part of the ‘Closing the Gap' national project. As the MAT TLE in English, Helen works with English departments across the MAT on improving the Quality of Education. In her home school she is Designated Safeguarding Lead, line manager of SEND, leads on the whole school reading strategy and is the Pupil Premium lead. Supporting the needs of disadvantaged students is a key concern of Helen's and currently she is working with the charity ‘Right to Succeed' on the ‘Cradle to Career' Halton Lea Project, improving the outcomes for disadvantaged students in the local area.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Education Team
- Executive Principal - the Heath School & the Prescot School
As an Executive Principal, Jamie is currently responsible for two trust secondary schools: The Heath School and The Prescot School.
Jamie has over twenty years' experience in education with roles including Principal, National Leader of Education and currently Executive Principal. Jamie also inspects for Ofsted and holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship and the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Finance Team
- Senior Finance Manager
Karen is our Senior Finance Manager at The Heath Family Trust, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of rich experience across various functions within finance. Karen is currently working towards AAT qualification, showcasing her commitment to continuous professional development.
Having joined The Heath Family Trust in May 2014, Karen's dedication and expertise have recently propelled her into the role of Senior Finance Manager. Her extensive background in finance equips her with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in managing the finance functions of our Trust
What sets Karen apart is her hands on approach to her work. She finds joy in spending time in our schools, witnessing first-hand the direct impact of her work on the daily operations of the school. Karen is passionate about providing effective financial solutions that contribute to the overall success of our educational institutions.
Beyond her financial ability, Karen's enthusiasm extends to her personal interests. A dedicated follower of her local non-league footballing side, she can be found cheering on Runcorn Linnets at both home and away matches
Job Titles:
- Director of Infrastructure
Lisa has worked in education for 6 years and joined the central team in January 2024. Through the implementation of effective strategy, policy, and practice, she is responsible for the development of the infrastructure of our schools including ICT and estates management. She has over 15 years' experience in operations and estate Management successfully managing and improving buildings and their function as well as completing multiple new builds.
With a diploma in leadership and management as well as project management, Lisa is currently studying for her NEBOSH diploma and has numerous certificates in the field of operations and facilities management. In education, she has previously been a Chief Operating Officer for a North West multi academy trust and has provided consultancy services for various organisations to gather further insight into the education sector.
Lisa has strong contract management skills as well as demonstratable experience in reducing infrastructure expenditure without compromising quality. She regularly designs plans and procedures to help schools function in an efficient and effective way that benefits all. With strong business strategy, process redesign and change management skills, Lisa comes to us really excited for how she can help us continue our journey and be a vital part of The Heath Family Trust.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Education Team
- Safeguarding Lead
Liz joined the Heath School in 1997 and was appointed as the Trust Safeguarding Lead in 2015 working a day per week alongside the Central Team. Since her retirement from her Assistant Principal role at the Heath School she has continued with the Trust safeguarding role and is responsible for safeguarding policy development and implementation. She works closely with Trust Senior Leaders and school Safeguarding Leads ensuring all schools fulfil their statutory responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Liz joined the teaching profession in 1986 and has developed considerable experience in senior leadership roles, most recently as Assistant Principal and holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship. Her responsibilities have included Pastoral Care, Attendance, Behaviour, PSHE, Health & Safety, GDPR and Safeguarding. Prior to Senior Leadership, Liz worked in the pastoral sector of schools, predominantly as a Head of Year.
Job Titles:
- HR Assistant
- Member of the HR Team
Luke is CIPD qualified to Level 5 and is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) and keen to develop his HR career in an Education setting. An experienced HR Administrator in the private sector, logistics and the Cheshire Constabulary Police. Also qualified BSc Sport and Exercise Psychology, Luke has an avid interest in sports and exercise.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Education Team
- Trust Leader of Education: Science
Michaila has been with the Trust since 2020. As Science Trust Leader in Education she has been laying foundations to promote better progress across the three secondary schools in the trust. Evaluating the latest research in science education and sharing this through network meeting and in school support to promote collaboration between schools.
Michaila has twenty years' experience in teaching science, having leadership roles across Key stage 3 and 4. She has recently become the Head of science at The Heath School and is working towards her NPQLT qualification.
Job Titles:
- Finance Manager
- Member of the Finance Team
Nadia initially joined the Trust in March 2023 as a temporary Finance Officer, but has since moved to her permanent role of Finance Manager in September 2023.
Originally from Ukraine, Nadia brings extensive business and finance experience to The Trust from running her own online retail business.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Member of the Chartered Institute of Public Financial Accountants
Natalie is a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Financial Accountants (CIPFA) and has extensive experience within public funded and non-for-profit organisations.
Natalie joined The Heath Family in May 2023 and is responsible for all aspects of strategic financial management within the Trust. This includes ensuring a first-class finance function that provides business support to schools along with timely and accurate financial information to a range of stakeholders. Ensuring internal control systems are effective and compliant with the Academy Trust Handbook and Academies Accounts Direction which sets out the requirements for the preparation and audit of annual reports and financial statements.
Before working at The Heath Family, Natalie was Director of Finance and Operations at the Liverpool and Merseyside Theatres Trust, the charity responsible for running the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Theatres. In addition to being the organisation lead for Finance, she was also responsible for key business functions such as commercial trading and events, front of house operations, IT and estates, payroll, and box office.
Natalie has worked over 17 years in NHS finance, working within the Strategic Health Authority and within Mental Health Services, Community Services and most recently at St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals. Here as business partner for the busy Medical Division, Natalie was responsible for supporting clinical directors and divisional managers deliver on their key operational, financial and efficiency targets.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Education Team
- Executive Principal - Daresbury Primary & Palace Fields Primary
Paul has worked in education for over 20 years; starting his career as a secondary maths teacher before moving to the primary sector.
Paul has worked as part of The Heath Family Trust since Bridgewater Park Primary School joined in April 2014. Since then he has held a number of roles including Principal before moving to his current role of Executive Principal, overseeing Daresbury Primary School and Palace Fields Primary School, in September 2022.
Paula joined the central team in October 2022 and is responsible for the provision of HR services, offering guidance to school leaders, development of effective strategy, policy, and practice. She started her career in the National Probation Service and worked as the Divisional Admin Manager, and after 13 years joined Education in 2003 in a large Liverpool secondary school as the Office Manager responsible for all operational support functions. Paula has a broad experience across Local Authority maintained schools, SEMH schools and the academy sector and has significant experience across a full range of HR functions including employee relations, workforce planning, change management, recruitment and retention, reward and benefit, training and development.
Paula is a qualified School Business Manager and successfully gained her Certificate of School Business Management (CSBM). During these studies, she particularly enjoyed the HR modules and developed a passion for employee relations and went on to study Human Resource Management and gained her post-graduate Level 7 CIPD qualification in 2014. Paula is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD), has worked as a HR Manager and HR Generalist in the education sector for over 20 years and has been a member of senior leadership teams for over 12 years. Paula works with dedication and is passionate about heading up our HR function that will support staff and the Trust to achieve the absolute best for the students in our schools.
Job Titles:
- Director of Quality & Standards
Paula joined the Trust in September 2023 and is responsible for ensuring we deliver the very best quality and standards across our schools. Paula's work involves working closely with leaders in schools to provide both challenge and support, so that our children get the very best educational offer.
Paula has extensive leadership experience, having previously worked as Director of Secondary for a large successful Multi Academy Trust, leading a team of Education Directors responsible for the quality of provision in thirty two secondary academies. She has many years of experience supporting school improvement and development, having previously worked as a Regional Director and Ofsted Inspector, as well as having had specific responsibilities for both Safeguarding and Governance. As a new Principal in 2014, Paula had experience of leading rapid improvement, leading her own school from special measures to good in under sixteen months.
Job Titles:
- HR Officer
- Member of the HR Team
- Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development
Rachel works with the Director of HR to advise school leaders in employee relation issues including all aspects of discipline, grievance, absence management and case work.
Qualified as CIPD level 5 and currently studying to Level 7, Rachel is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD). Prior to joining the Trust in April 2022, she worked in the logistics sector as a HR Advisor providing HR advice and led on HR projects across the organisation. She is passionate about working with people and enjoys the broad role of a HR Generalist.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Education Team
- Executive Principal - Bridgewater Park, Halsnead & Litherland Moss
Sarah has worked in trust schools since 2018. As an Executive Principal she is currently responsible for three trust primary schools: Litherland Moss, Halsnead and Bridgewater Park.
Sarah has over thirty years' experience in education, most of that as a school leader. Roles include headteacher, Local Leader of Education and Trust Leader for Primary Education. Sarah has a Master's Degree in Business Administration and an ILM Level 7 Master's Degree in Leadership. Sarah also holds an ILM Level 5 qualification in Coaching and Mentoring.
Job Titles:
- Director of Teaching & Learning
Sharon has over four years' experience in a trust executive role with demonstrable impact. She has devised and implemented a school improvement model including the establishment of a vast array of leadership networks and professional learning opportunities for staff at all levels, and the leadership of assistant directors and Trust Leaders of Education to provide thematic and subject-specific expertise. She is passionate about teaching and learning and the use of instructional coaching to enable all teachers to improve and has gained external recognition for high quality support provided for schools on curriculum development.
Sharon has considerable experience in senior leadership roles in the secondary sector. She holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship and is a Governor in the primary sector. Sharon has a keen interest in cognitive science and evidence-based research and supports teachers at all stages of their career, delivering the ECT framework and National Professional Qualifications on behalf of Best Practice including National Professional Qualification Leading Teacher Development, NPQ: Leading Teaching, NPQ: Behaviour and Culture, NPQ: Leading Teacher Development and NPQ: Senior Leadership.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Finance Team
- Marketing and Events Officer
Tabitha is an experienced marketing professional who recently joined the Trust in 2021. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Television and Radio from Salford University in 2017 and has since gained more than five years of experience in Marketing and Social Media.
Over the course of her career, Tabitha has gained experience in executing successful marketing campaigns, maintaining websites, and organising and marketing events. Additionally, she has experience in the field of radio and podcasting, including freelance work for the BBC.
Job Titles:
- Member of the HR Team
- Governance Manager & Company Secretary
Trish joined The Heath School in November 1998 and moved across to work for The Heath Family (NW) in September 2011. Trish has more than 30 years' experience working in the education sector and during that time has developed a diverse range of skills and knowledge appertaining to most aspects of administration within the school office environment; including office management, HR & Payroll, Finance and Governance.
In recent years Trish has taken on the role of Trust Governance Manager which has involved improving and developing Governance practices across the Trust and supporting both the Trust Board and its committees (incl. Local Governing Bodies) in carrying out their duties. Trish's role also includes working closely with central and school-based colleagues to ensure compliance in relation to all statutory filings for Company House, and other statutory bodies such as the DfE. Trish is also responsible for ensuring the consistent and appropriate use of centrally provisioned policies and documentation across the Trust and its schools.