Governance

Liz is an experienced Head of Law School with a demonstrated history of working at institutional level in the higher education industry and legal professional education. 

Liz is a TEF Business and Law Panel Member and Institutional Lead for Sheffield Hallam University, a National Teaching Fellow and Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. 

Liz is skilled in public speaking, leadership, team leadership and quality assurance. She is a strong legal professional with an Executive MBA focussed in Law; National Police Consultant and Assessor.

Caroline was a founder member of the Tapton School Academy Trust when it converted in 2012. 

Caroline is a retired secondary school teacher who is passionate about changing the life chances and dreams of young people. 

In her spare time, Caroline is a keen supporter of Guide Dogs and has puppy walked 12 guide dog puppies, each one from 6 weeks old until they are a year old.

Much of Caroline's time is now spent looking after her two young granddaughters.   

Richard is a globally experienced senior executive with an accomplished career spanning the financial services, retail, commercial and utility sectors. He has a proven track record in leading large-scale banking operations, as well as delivering results in technology and risk management. 

Richard's leadership expertise is underpinned by a strong ability to navigate complex environments and drive strategic initiatives that enhance efficiency and business growth. 

In addition to his corporate career, Richard is the founder of Bronze Giant, a company dedicated to providing professional and advisory services to Boards and Senior Executives. Outside of his professional endeavours Richard enjoys spending quality time with his family.

Tom has over 20 years' experience working in the Financial Services sector, occupying both technical and leadership positions within IT departments. Tom holds numerous professional IT qualifications and certifications, and is a graduate in Computer Science from the University of Sheffield. 

Tom lives locally and has two children who attend schools in the area. He has held various voluntary and governance roles for a number of years, working to improve outcomes for young people across Sheffield.

Chasca joined the Trust Board in 2023. She works as a consultant for the National Governance Association and was a National Leader of Governance (2021-23) under the reformed programme. She is also Chair of Governors at a large rural secondary school in the Peak District.

As a former University academic, Chasca's professional experience in higher education means she has excellent strategic and analytical skills that transfer well into Trust and school governance. Her work as a Trustee in the charity sector further broadens and deepens her relevant governance expertise. 

Chasca holds a PhD in the Social Sciences.

Duncan has over 15 years of experience as a finance professional across a range of sectors but with particular focus on those driven by technology, data, analytics and direct to consumer business models. He has experience of refinancing large PLCs, restructuring businesses and working closely with regulators to achieve improved outcomes for consumers, both as a CFO and as a consultant. He currently works as a Finance Director for a Telecommunications business. 

He is married with two young boys and outside of work is passionate about music and sport.

Derren is a qualified accountant (FCA) and has over 30 years’ experience working in the financial services sector.  He has occupied operational, strategic and senior leadership positions both as an adviser in mergers and acquisitions and private equity transactions, latterly in Executive roles in international banks, where he has been Head of Transformation, COO, CFO and CEO.   He previously worked for 10 years in Abu Dhabi for both HSBC and a local UAE bank. 

Derren is currently CEO of the UK subsidiary of a major African bank and an approved CEO under the Prudential Regulatory Authority’s remit.   

He regularly undertakes projects through Cranfield Trust advising local charities on their operational, fund raising and strategic needs, and has also been a Governor of a local secondary school.  Derren coaches and referees' rugby union, having previously refereed football at a senior semi-professional level. 

Derren has 2 children who are about to enter university.  

Jane has over 30 years' experience in the state education sector, spending 8 years as a secondary Headteacher and Executive leader, followed by 10 years as a founding CEO of a regional multi academy trust. In this role she also successfully opened two free schools, and established a SCITT, as well as preschool education across the trust. 

She has held a range of system leader roles for the National College and DfE, including being Head of a Teaching School and a National Leader of Education. 

Jane retired from her full-time role in 2022, and now enjoys working as an executive coach, as well as holding multiple non-executive roles, and supporting with family businesses.  

Jane was awarded an OBE for Service to Education in the 2019, New Year Honours.

Elizabeth joined the Trust Board in 2021. She worked in universities in London, Oxford and Sheffield, managing and leading professional services, before retiring as Secretary and Registrar at Sheffield Hallam University. She then worked as a freelance consultant in higher education, specialising in governance and regulation, working with national funding and regulatory bodies and individual institutions. 

Elizabeth has experience of non-executive roles on trust boards and governance bodies for a university, local public services and policing. 

Elizabeth has always been passionate about realising potential, challenging disadvantage and expanding opportunities through education.

Elizabeth is married with one grown up child. She enjoys walking, yoga, singing and gardening.

Mark was appointed to the Trust Board in May 2025. Further information to follow.

Mark was appointed to the Trust Board in May 2025. Further information to follow.

Andrew took on the role of parent governor at Meynell in early 2015 and has been on the governing body ever since, transitioning to a community governor role in 2022 when his third child completed their primary school education. With the creation of individual governing boards for the three primary schools in October 2022, Andrew took on the role of Chair for the Meynell Governing Board.

Andrew has worked for 25 years in IT, initially as a technician and for the past 15 years or so as a manager in various roles across multiple organisations, currently working for one of the UK's largest dairies. He lives locally with his wife and children and in what little remaining spare time he has, he plays chess for Sheffield Nomads and reads a lot of books. 

Andy took on the role of Chair of Governors in September 2024 but has been on the LGB since July 2023, with two children currently at Hallam.

He has 25 years teaching experience in secondary education and from September 2024 will be the Director of Science at a local secondary school. He also has 4 years previous experience as a primary school governor. He is passionate about education and the life chances that this affords young people, and is using his experiences to support the Senior Leadership Team. His aim is to ensure that all Hallam students have a wonderful enriching time whilst at the school.

Catherine has been involved in school governance since 2019 and became the chair of governors for Hillsborough Primary School in 2022.

She has worked in education for over 10 years, having started as a primary school teacher and then moving into leadership roles within local authority SEND services. She now works as an educational editor, which involves working with a wide range of different schools and advisors and keeping up to date with changes and developments in education.

Catherine is keen to bring this experience to her role and is passionate about working with the school to support and improve outcomes.

Jim is a retired investment banker. During his career he advised corporate clients, primarily in the banking and insurance sectors, on mergers and acquisitions, stock market flotations and capital raisings. 

Jim has been a governor at Tapton since 2015. His four children have all attended the school. He became a governor because he cares about the education of his children and other children living locally and wanted to do his bit. 

Jim has also been Chair of a local scout group and currently helps run a local junior football club. His passions include travelling and spending time with his family and friends. 

Nicola became chair of the LGB in September 2024 - More information to follow.

Steve became chair of the LGB in September 2024 - More information to follow.

Julie has been involved in school governance for many years and greatly enjoys working with the staff and pupils in the schools and throughout the trust. 

Julie still does regular supply teaching, mainly in the Barnsley area. This means that she keeps up to date with themes and trends in education, which helps her to fulfil her governor role as effectively as possible.

In her spare time, Julie enjoys walking and gardening but her favourite hobby is singing as a member of Barnsley singers, a local community choir for which she also has a volunteer role.

 Julia grew up in the North West and moved to Sheffield in 2008 after completing a degree in Biomedical Science in Manchester. She worked at the University of Sheffield for 10 years in the role of Research Scientist, completing a Doctorate Degree in Blood cancer and publishing several papers. Julia was recognised as an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy for her contribution to teaching and development. 

Due to her passion for education Julia now works as a Civil Servant in the Department for Education. She is looking forward to working with Wisewood to help ensure the school remains a positive and stimulating environment for children to thrive educationally and socially.  

Being originally from the Lake District Laura moved to Sheffield to study Maths at University. She has worked in Finance for over 25 years and currently a Finance Director for a Manufacturing Company in Chesterfield. Laura lives with her Husband and step-daughter in Sheffield and enjoys weekends spent walking in the Peak District.

Laura became a Governor at Chaucer over 10 years ago because she shares the schools values and passion in wanting to see all young people reach their full potential.

Paul has lived in Sheffield with his family since attending University in the City. He is a Managing Director for a global consultancy with more than 20 years experience working within governance frameworks in both public and private sector settings.

Paul has been a governor with Bradfield since the transition to a Local Governing Board in 2021, working closely with the school and supporting the most recent Ofsted inspection.

Paul has 4 children, including two currently attending Bradfield, and is pleased to be supporting the vision of the school to enable "all children to thrive" and fulfil their potential.