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Trustees and Leadership Information

 

 John Cliff - Chair of Trustees and Member

My working life/career was in the Lloyd’s of London Insurance Market where I specialised as a broker in marine and catastrophe reinsurance, holding various directorships over a 30 year period. I retired in 2002. I have been involved with Leesons Primary School since 2004, as a governor and vice chair up to September 2016. Between 2004 and 2012, with ViCP (Volunteers in Child Protection), I worked as a volunteer supporting various families in Bromley through Children’s Social Services. I was also involved to some small extent with fund raising for the project. Between 2012 and 2014 I sat on the board of trustees of Health Watch Bromley. 2014/15 I sat on the interim board of governors at Mead Road Infants School. I am in my 5th year as Chairman of a members' golf club responsible for strategic direction and financial planning. I enjoy golf, skiing, travel, cooking, food and wine.

Type of Appointment Member Appointed (Chair of Trustees)
Date of Appointment (Term of Office)  2 December 2020 (4 years)

Attendance Record

TB1 - annual 2022/23: 6/6; 2023/24: 5/5; 2024/25 (YTD): 1/1

FARCO3 - annual 2022/23: 6/6; 2023/24 (YTD): 5/5; 2024/25 (YTD): 1/2

Business or Pecuniary  None declared
Date Interest Acquired (Ceased) n/a
Relevant Business Interests of Close Family Members None declared
Gifts or Hospitality Received (2023/24) None

 Ralph Barlow - Trustee

I was brought up in Orpington and began my career as a Maths teacher in a large comprehensive in Bristol.  Both of the following two schools were all-age – I was a Head of Department at King’s Gloucester and Deputy Head at Birkenhead School, followed by Sherborne School in Dorset as Interim Head and Senior Deputy.  Recent work in leadership consultancy has covered both maintained and independent schools, and schools with wide age-ranges, so I am interested in learning more about the challenges and opportunities facing a primary MAT.  Aside from my interests in education and mathematics, I spend a lot of time enjoying making music, increasingly with our three young children.

Type of Appointment Co-opted Trustee
Date of Appointment (Term of Office)  1 April 2023 (4 years)

Attendance Record 

TB1  - annual 2022/23: 5/6;  2023/24: 2/5; 2024/25 (YTD): 1/1

HR Committee3   annual 2022/23; 3/3; 2023/24: 2/3; 2024/25 (YTD): 1/1

ACC4 -  annual 2022/23: 2/4; 2023/24: 2/2; 2024/25 (YTD): 0/1

Business or Pecuniary  Teacher,  Trinity School (The Whitgift Foundation) (07393519); South Orpington Learning Alliance (07943613), Local Governor and Member 
Date Interest Acquired (Ceased) 01/2018; 01/2020
Relevant Business Interests of Close Family Members None
Gifts or Hospitality Received (2023/24)  None

 Alan Blount - Trustee

I was brought up in Croydon and after graduating from the University of Exeter, I began my teaching career as a Science Teacher at a large comprehensive school in Surrey. I have always taught in SE London/Surrey and am now the Headteacher at Newstead Wood School in Orpington.  

I am passionate about STEM and especially increasing the entry of women in STEM careers. As a school leader, I believe strongly in the importance of an outstanding education for all. My particular areas of interest are Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, developing effective teams and great leaders and safeguarding. 

Type of Appointment Member-Appointed
Date of Appointment (Term of Office)  13 January 2024 (4 years)

Attendance Record 

TB1  - annual 2022/23: 5/6; 2023/24: 4/5; 2024/25 (YTD): 1/1

ACC4 - annual 2022/23: 4/4; 2022/23 (YTD): 4/6, 2023/24: 1/1 2/2; 2024/25 (YTD): 0/0

Business or Pecuniary  Headteacher,  Newstead Wood School (United Learning Trust, 04439859); Management Board, Bromley Tennis Centre (owned by Newstead Wood School)
Date Interest Acquired (Ceased) Sep 2018; Sep 2018
Relevant Business Interests of Close Family Members Spouse: CEO, NHS Confederation
Gifts or Hospitality Received (2023/24)  None

 Olubunmi Ewusi-Brookman - Trustee

I am an HR and OD Business Partner and a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD).  My professional experience has mainly been in the National Health Service working within different health settings.  I have also worked as the country HR Business Partner in the media industry with one of the largest media agencies in the world; Dentsu Aegis Network.  My expertise covers change management, organisational development, employee engagement and workplace mediation.

I am interested and passionate about using my skills and experience to assist children to access an optimum education experience.   I have previously led a youth club and volunteer for the Inspiring Young People a mentoring programme.  In my spare time I enjoy the outdoors: tending my garden, walking and cycling

Type of Appointment Member-Appointed
Date of Appointment (Term of Office)  8 December 2020 (4 years)

Attendance Record 

TB1  - annual 2022/23: 1/6; 2022/23: 3/5, 2023/24: 2/5; 2024/25 (YTD): 0/1

HR3- annual 2022/23: 2/3; 2022/23: 2/3; 2024/25 (YTD): 1/1

Business or Pecuniary Boomfields Ltd (04491535)
Date Interest Acquired (Ceased) 14 Sep 2012
Relevant Business Interests of Close Family Members Spouse: Boomfields Ltd (04491535) appointed 1 Aug 2002
Gifts or Hospitality Received (2023/24)  None

 Daniel Terry - Trustee

I have worked in education for over 20 years in a range of positions across Croydon, Bromley, Lewisham and Dartford, my present position is as a Deputy CEO of a Multi Academy Trust. I passionately believe that all children, including SEND pupils should be supported to achieve their goals and that this is achieved when we invest in high-quality staff professional development. I have always lived in the local area and feel it is important to give back to our local communities.

I have previously had the opportunity of being a parent governor, when my children were at Primary School.

Type of Appointment Member-Appointed
Date of Appointment (Term of Office)  23 November 2021 (4 years)

Attendance Record 

TB1  - annual 2022/23: 3/6; 2022/23: (YTD) 4/5, 2023/24: 4/5; 2024/25 (YTD): 0/1

ACC4 - annual 2022/23: 3/3; 2022/23: (YTD) 2/2, 2023/24: 2/2; 2024/25 (YTD): 1/1

Business or Pecuniary  Deputy CEO, Cygnus Academies Trust
Date Interest Acquired (Ceased) April 2016
Relevant Business Interests of Close Family Members
Gifts or Hospitality Received 2023-24: None

 Michael Ellis - Trustee

I hold a postgraduate degree in accounting and finance. I am a qualified accountant having completed my training contract in audit with BDO in London. Since then, I have gone on to work across technical accounting, consolidation and reporting at ASOS. I currently work in the retail sector where my role encompasses group budgets, forecasts, long-term planning and other ad-hoc financial modelling and analysis. I look forward to using my financial skills in my role as a trustee to ultimately improve the experience of the students.

Type of Appointment Member-Appointed
Date of Appointment (Term of Office)  23 March 2023 (4 years)

Attendance Record 

TB1  - annual 2022/23: 3/3; 2023/24: 5/5; 2024/25 (YTD): 1/1

FARCO2 - annual 2022/23: 2/2; 2023/24: 5/5; 2024/25: 0/0; 2024/25 (YTD): 1/1

Business or Pecuniary  Finance Manager, Marks & Spencer PLC (consumer retail)
Date Interest Acquired (Ceased) May 2023
Relevant Business Interests of Close Family Members None
Gifts or Hospitality Received 2023-24  none

 Brian James - Trustee

Bio to follow

Type of Appointment Member-Appointed
Date of Appointment (Term of Office)  20 July 2023 (4 years)

Attendance Record 

TB1  - annual 2022/23: 0/1; 2023/24: 5/5; 2024/25 (YTD): 1/1

HR Committee3 - annual 2022/23 n/a; 2023/24: 3/3; 2024/25 (YTD): 1/1

Business or Pecuniary Chief Executive, Cedamore Housing Association; Chairman, Advocacy for All; Chairman, Bromley Family Link, Treasurer, Coppice Community Church
Date Interest Acquired (Ceased) Apr 2023, Apr 2006, Oct 2011, Jan 2013
Relevant Business Interests of Close Family Members None
Gifts or Hospitality Received 2023/24  none

Evangeline Dolega-Ossowski - Trustee 

I grew up in Lewisham, and attended local schools in Sydenham and Bromley before I started my career as a Chartered Accountant. 

Training and working in a financial services firm for almost 7 years, I have audited organisations across different sectors, public and private, as well as gained  experience working in forensic accounting and economic crime consulting. I currently work as an Internal Auditor at Marks and Spencer, delivering complex internal audit work across the business, working with different stakeholders to provide assurance over key risk areas. 

Passionate about my lifelong local community, I look forward to using my experience promoting effective governance and risk management to support The Spring Partnership, ultimately to improve the outcomes for children through education. 

Type of Appointment Member-Appointed
Date of Appointment (Term of Office)  26 June 2024 (4 years)

Attendance Record 

TB1  - annual 2023/24: 1/1; 2024/25 (YTD): 1/1

FARCO3 - annual 2023/4: 1/1; 2024/25 (YTD): 1/2

HR Committee- 2024/25 (YTD): 0/1

Business or Pecuniary Director, 125 RTM Company Ltd
Date Interest Acquired (Ceased) 19 December 2023
Relevant Business Interests of Close Family Members None
Gifts or Hospitality Received 2023/24 none

Douglas Steevens - Trustee
 

I grew up in Blackheath and attended local schools before studying Maths at Leeds University.

I started my career as an investment consultant, and qualified as an Actuary. I now work in portfolio management, helping pension schemes to manage risk and achieve good returns. I sit on several oversight committees.

I believe that education opens doors to many opportunities in life, and I’m passionate about delivering that for all.

Type of Appointment Member-Appointed
Date of Appointment (Term of Office)  26 June 2024 (4 years)

Attendance Record 

TB1  - annual 2023/24: 1/1; 2024/25 (YTD): 1/1

FARCO3 - annual 2023/4: 1/1; 2024/25 (YTD): 2/2

Business or Pecuniary None
Date Interest Acquired (Ceased) n/a
Relevant Business Interests of Close Family Members None
Gifts or Hospitality Received 2023/24  none

 Corinne Sheehan - Co-CEO and Accounting Officer

Type of Appointment  ex-officio Trustee
Date of Appointment 19 May 2022

Attendance Record 

TB1  - annual 2022/23: 6/6;  2023/24: 5/5; 2024/25 (YTD): 1/1

FARCO2 - annual 2022/23: 5/5; 2023/24: 5/5; 2024/25 (YTD): 1/1

HR Committee3   annual 2022/23: 3/3; 2023/24: 3/3; 2024/25 (YTD): 1/1 

ACC4 -  annual 2022/23: 4/4; 2023/24: 2/2; 2024/25 (YTD): 2/2

Business or Pecuniary None declared
Date Interest Acquired (Ceased) n/a
Relevant Business Interests of Close Family Members None declared
Gifts or Hospitality Received (2023/24) None

 Gulcin Sesli - Co-CEO and Safeguarding Lead

Type of Appointment n/a
Date of Appointment n/a
Attendance Record n/a
Business or Pecuniary Trustee, Challenge Partners; PolyMat
Date Interest Acquired (Ceased)  ceased: Nov 2023; acquired: May 2023
Relevant Business Interests of Close Family Members None declared
Gifts or Hospitality Received (2023-24) None

 Verity Bolton - Chief Operations Officer and Company Secretary 

Type of Appointment n/a
Date of Appointment  n/a
Attendance Record n/a
Business or Pecuniary None declared
Date Interest Acquired (Ceased) n/a
Relevant Business Interests of Close Family Members None declared
Gifts or Hospitality Received (2023-24) None

 Cat Lewis - Headteacher

Type of Appointment Trustee-Appointed
Date of Appointment  1 September 2024
Attendance Record  n/a
Business or Pecuniary None declared
Date Interest Acquired (Ceased) n/a
Relevant Business Interests of Close Family Members None declared
Gifts or Hospitality Received (2023/24) n/a

 Samantha Howell - Headteacher 

Type of Appointment Trustee-Appointed
Date of Appointment  1 September 2022
Attendance Record 2023/24 n/a
Business or Pecuniary None declared
Date Interest Acquired (Ceased) n/a
Relevant Business Interests of Close Family Members None declared
Gifts or Hospitality Received (2023-24) none

 Phill Collins - Headteacher

Type of Appointment Trustee-Appointed
Date of Appointment  3 June 2019
Attendance Record 2023/24 n/a
Business or Pecuniary Trustee, Bexley Moorings
Date Interest Acquired (Ceased) 24 September 2019
Relevant Business Interests of Close Family Members None declared

Gifts or Hospitality Received (2023-24) None

 Dan Osborn - Headteacher

Type of Appointment Trustee-Appointed
Date of Appointment  1 September 2022
Attendance Record 2023/24 n/a
Business or Pecuniary None declared
Date Interest Acquired (Ceased) n/a
Relevant Business Interests of Close Family Members Spouse: Zap Kids Ltd (14313800), Zap Kids Club Ltd (14260835)
Gifts or Hospitality Received (2023-24) none

 Gordon Jamieson - Headteacher

Type of Appointment Trustee-Appointed
Date of Appointment  1 September 2022
Attendance Record 2023/24 n/a
Business or Pecuniary None declared
Date Interest Acquired (Ceased) n/a
Relevant Business Interests of Close Family Members None declared
Gifts or Hospitality Received (2023-24) none

 Trust Board, 2Finance, Audit and Resources Committee, 3Human Resources Committee, 4Achievement and Curriculum Committee, 5See file copy, 6Stepped down from Committee

Pecuniary Interests of Former Trustees  

Rachel Haig - Headteacher
 

Type of Appointment Trustee-Appointed (resigned 31 August 2024)
Date of Appointment  1 September 1991
Attendance Record 2023/24 n/a
Business or Pecuniary None declared
Date Interest Acquired (Ceased) n/a
Relevant Business Interests of Close Family Members None declared
Gifts or Hospitality Received (2023-24) none

 Natalia Sandigurskaia - Trustee

Date of Appointment (Term of Office)  23 January 2023 (4 years) (resigned 20 March 2024)

Attendance Record 

TB1  - annual 2022/23: 2/6; 2023/24: 0/4

HR3 - 2022/23: 6/6; 2023/24: 0/2

Business or Pecuniary Interests None
Date Interest Acquired (Ceased) n/a
Relevant Business Interests of Close Family Members None
Gifts or Hospitality Received (2022/23) None  

 Carolyn Barenbrug - Trustee

Date of Appointment (Term of Office)  27 February 2023 (4 years) (resigned 14 September 2023)

Attendance Record 

TB1  - annual 2022/23: 2/6; 2023/24: n/a

FARCO2 - 2022/23: 6/6; 2023/24: n/a

Business or Pecuniary Partner, Gardiner and Theobald LLP (OC307124)
Date Interest Acquired (Ceased) April 2013
Relevant Business Interests of Close Family Members None
Gifts or Hospitality Received (2022/23) None  

 

 Wendy Cartwright - Trustee

Type of Appointment Member-Appointed
Date of Appointment (Term of Office)  8 November 2021 (4 years) (Resigned 31 October 2023)

Attendance Record 

TB1  - annual 2022/23: 6/6; 2022/23 (YTD): 0/1

HR3 - annual 2022/23: 3/3; 2022/23 (YTD): 1/1

Business or Pecuniary  Director, Curzon Court Ltd (05714424); Member and Chair, Advisory Board, Global Diversity Practice; Parasol Ltd/Q5 Strategic People Provide, New Hospital Programme (DHSC); Advisor, National Flagship Programme; Trustees, Independent Armed Forces Covenant Fund Ltd (1177627)
Date Interest Acquired (Ceased) Aug 2008; Apr 2010 (member), Jan 14 (chair); Nov 2021 to June 2023; Mar 2021; Apr 2018
Relevant Business Interests of Close Family Members None
Gifts or Hospitality Received (2022/23)  None