Governance
We believe in transparency and accountability within our academies and between each Academy and the Trust. The Board will provide support and challenge as required, with the aim of enabling each Academy to work towards earned autonomy.
We aim to develop a culture of diversity, equality and inclusion in which all those connected to Shaw Education Trust feel proud of their identity and ability to participate fully in school life.
Across our multi-academy trust, our governance roles are composed of approximately 85% white British, 5% minority ethnic background* and 10% wishing not to share their information.
*Similar to pupil data, any individual who is of any origin other than white British, is defined as being of minority ethnic background.
Governance | General Documents
Local governance and accountability is secured through our system of Academy Councils, with the Trust Board retaining overall legal control of its academies in line with Department for Education and Education Funding Agency expectations.
Our three levels of governance
1. Members
Our Trust Members are ‘guardians of the governance of the Trust’ (NGA). They are tasked with assessing if the Board of Trustees is performing well and ensuring that the charitable object is being fulfilled. Whilst they have a limited and distinct role, it is nevertheless an important one.
Our members are as follows:
|
Member |
Date appointed |
Relevant Business or Pecuniary Interests |
|
Chris Luck |
20/5/2019 |
Employee of Shaw Trust |
|
Paul Baldwin |
10/12/2018 |
Trustee Shaw Trust |
|
David Bateson OBE |
10/12/2018 |
Director of D Bateson Education Consultancy Ltd. |
|
Dr Mike Nussbaum |
21/12/2020 |
Trustee Shaw Trust |
| Mike Hawker | 26/01/2022 | None |
2. Trust Board
Accountability is a key part of our values and, as such, our local governance model is vital to this. We have two models operating across our schools as follows:
Board of Trustees
Andrew Meehan
Chair
Andy is a graduate of Oxford University, a Chartered Accountant and for 30 years enjoyed an executive career mainly in the retail sector, having had roles as Finance Director and Chief Executive of several companies including Selfridges, Mothercare and Co-operative Retail Services. Since 2006 he has had a portfolio of chairmanships and non-executive directorships across commercial, public and charity sectors. These include University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry University, Fortnum and Mason and several private equity backed businesses. In addition to SET he is currently chairman of Ramsdens Holdings PLC, New English Teas and Wessex Children’s Hospice Trust.
David Bateson OBE
Vice Chair
David Bateson OBE holds a portfolio of roles as a chair, trustee, consultant and a National Leader in Education across educational phases. He retired from 20 years of headship in two all-age, all-ability and all-disability day and residential schools. His schools were awarded 6 outstanding Ofsted day inspections and 6 outstanding residential ones. His last school gained national and international recognition as an outward-facing centre of expertise, holding multiple statuses including those of Teaching School, Leadership and Innovation, Leading Edge, Beacon and Specialist School. The school supported many pupils in mainstream and worked with universities and hospitals as a training provider. Leadership was described as ‘visionary’ by HMCI. David combined executive headship with a variety of roles in special and mainstream education as an Ofsted inspector, a National Leader in Education commissioned to improve schools and a headteacher appraiser. He chaired regional, local and national special and mainstream education groups and had the opportunity to work with the National College for Teaching and Learning as a Professional Partner and Leadership Consultant as well as with various OECD, DfE, Cabinet and Foreign Office groups. He has spoken at and chaired numerous conferences and at the Royal Society and the Royal College of Nursing. He had opportunities to make educational visits to, and receive visits from, many countries. He currently chairs the National SEND Forum. Recent work includes performance management, training and improvement work in schools; writing a SEND framework for a major MAT; national research across mainstream and special schools partnerships sponsored by the Laurel Trust; and bespoke leadership development and curriculum work in London, Birmingham and Northampton. David remains passionate about serving all children and young people and their families but especially those with special educational needs and disabilities. He is proud of his involvement with Shaw Education Trust since its inception. David writes and records songs, is a member of Sheffield Theatres and enjoys family and travelling.
Annamarie Hassall MBE
Annamarie is Chief Executive of Nasen (National Association for Special Educational Needs) the UKs leading charity for championing those working with and for, children and young people with SEND and learning differences. With a growing International membership, nasen provides information, resources and training, uniting schools and individuals with a professional interest in supporting an inclusive education. Prior to joining nasen, Annamarie worked at the National Children’s Bureau, influencing system change and bringing the voices of children, young people and parents to influence quality children’s services. With a career in public services, Annamarie has held local, national and government advisory roles that span the breadth of children’s social care, early years and SEND. A qualified and registered social worker, Annamarie was awarded an MBE for her work with children and families. Annamarie has Non-Executive Director roles as a Trustee at a Multi-Academy Trust and of a UK based charity with interest in pathways to education, training and employment for young people and adults.
Cathy Stevens
Cathy is an ex-Army officer who has subsequently spent over 20 years working in the Facilities and Property Management Sector. With an MBA in Construction and Real Estate, she has held senior positions in a number of FTSE 100 organisations delivering facilities, health and safety, and property projects across a wide range of complex and challenging portfolios, in the UK and throughout Europe. She is a keen advocate of robust compliance arrangements, whilst ensuring buildings meet the best needs of their users. Although having never directly worked in education before, Cathy worked in a number of training roles in the forces and has a deep appreciation in the benefit of a great education. Having recently returned to her native North Staffordshire she is well located to support our school portfolio.
Helen Walker
Helen is passionate about education technology - its potential to transform learning and improve social equity. Helen's career spans teaching, advising, senior civil service and the edtech industry.
She started out in schools and moved into policy, strategy, and delivery roles at the UK government’s first edtech agency then at Qualifications and Curriculum Authority leading on pedagogy and ICT.
As CTO at the Department for Education, she led the department’s sector-facing digital services & internal tech, delivering a major cloud modernisation and digital transformation programme.
More recently in commercial edtech, she has led Global Operations for RM plc and is now Vice President for UK and International Qualifications at Pearson plc.
Jo Heard-Jones
Chief Executive Officer | Shaw Education Trust
Jo joined the Trust from Ofsted where she worked as the Regional Director for the North West and National Director for Initial Teacher Education and held the status of Her Majesty’s Inspector. Jo held three secondary headships: leading out of special measures, accelerating performance to outstanding; gaining Teaching School status and delivery of academisation. Jo worked extensively in a strategic role in the Greater Manchester Challenge. A proven systems leader, Jo has supported a large number of schools to accelerate improvement. Jo has delivered programmes for the National College, worked with local authorities and provided advice to the Department of Education. Her portfolio of experience spans all phases, all sectors and all contexts. Jo continues as National Leader of Education and a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching; working to generate capacity and talent within the profession. Jo regularly contributes to conferences, training programmes and networks, in order to support leadership development.
Stephen Pegge
Stephen Pegge has a distinguished career in finance including leading residential training for a major bank and has served on several boards of commercial, charity and government organisations including the national centre for work experience. He is currently Managing Director of UK Finance, a director of UK Business Angels Association, a director and trustee of Shaw Trust and director of the Business Banking Resolution Service. Stephen chaired PRIME Cymru for nine years, a charity to provide for employment, education and support in Wales, established by HM the King who was president.
Neil Tinegate
Neil has over 25 years’ executive experience predominantly in retail and consumer goods sectors. He held senior and board level digital and commercial roles in a range of corporate structures from global PLCs to private equity backed and AIM listed growth companies. With digital transformation as a specialism, he played lead roles in the teams that transformed Argos in the UK and Heineken across Europe. Alongside his role at Shaw Education Trust, Neil is an advisor to a range of corporate clients and a Non-Executive Director at Shepherds Friendly Society.
Philip Hamilton OBE
Philip leads Community Academies Trust (CAT) – a successful cross phase multi academy trust comprising 3 secondary schools and 13 primary schools. His previous experience includes teaching in and leading city and rural secondary schools. He served as an executive Headteacher in a large 11-18 comprehensive school before founding and growing CAT. Philip also inspects with Ofsted. He was awarded an OBE in the 2018 New Year Honours for services to education.
Natasha Hazlewood
Natasha is a highly skilled HR leader with over 12 years of experience in HR, qualified at Level 7 and a chartered member of the CIPD. Known for her expertise in strategic people management, Natasha’s particular strengths lie in transformation and change management, where she has a strong record of driving organisational transformation, cultivating high-performance cultures, and implementing impactful people strategies across sectors such as Higher Education, Social Housing, Childcare, and Sports. In her role as HR Director at UCFB, Natasha’s leadership is instrumental in fostering an inclusive, high-performing workplace that attracts and retains top talent while driving growth at all levels of the institution. A champion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Natasha leads initiatives that embed inclusivity into the culture. She also dedicates time to volunteering with the charity Collaboration for Kids (CFK), supporting workforce planning and cultural initiatives that promote health and wellness for young people. Natasha’s career reflects a deep commitment to people-focused leadership and a talent for fostering environments where both individuals and organisations can thrive.
Andrew Meehan
Chair
Andy is a graduate of Oxford University, a Chartered Accountant and for 30 years enjoyed an executive career mainly in the retail sector, having had roles as Finance Director and Chief Executive of several companies including Selfridges, Mothercare and Co-operative Retail Services. Since 2006 he has had a portfolio of chairmanships and non-executive directorships across commercial, public and charity sectors. These include University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry University, Fortnum and Mason and several private equity backed businesses. In addition to SET he is currently chairman of Ramsdens Holdings PLC, New English Teas and Wessex Children’s Hospice Trust.
David Bateson OBE
Vice Chair
David Bateson OBE holds a portfolio of roles as a chair, trustee, consultant and a National Leader in Education across educational phases. He retired from 20 years of headship in two all-age, all-ability and all-disability day and residential schools. His schools were awarded 6 outstanding Ofsted day inspections and 6 outstanding residential ones. His last school gained national and international recognition as an outward-facing centre of expertise, holding multiple statuses including those of Teaching School, Leadership and Innovation, Leading Edge, Beacon and Specialist School. The school supported many pupils in mainstream and worked with universities and hospitals as a training provider. Leadership was described as ‘visionary’ by HMCI. David combined executive headship with a variety of roles in special and mainstream education as an Ofsted inspector, a National Leader in Education commissioned to improve schools and a headteacher appraiser. He chaired regional, local and national special and mainstream education groups and had the opportunity to work with the National College for Teaching and Learning as a Professional Partner and Leadership Consultant as well as with various OECD, DfE, Cabinet and Foreign Office groups. He has spoken at and chaired numerous conferences and at the Royal Society and the Royal College of Nursing. He had opportunities to make educational visits to, and receive visits from, many countries. He currently chairs the National SEND Forum. Recent work includes performance management, training and improvement work in schools; writing a SEND framework for a major MAT; national research across mainstream and special schools partnerships sponsored by the Laurel Trust; and bespoke leadership development and curriculum work in London, Birmingham and Northampton. David remains passionate about serving all children and young people and their families but especially those with special educational needs and disabilities. He is proud of his involvement with Shaw Education Trust since its inception. David writes and records songs, is a member of Sheffield Theatres and enjoys family and travelling.
Annamarie Hassall MBE
Annamarie is Chief Executive of Nasen (National Association for Special Educational Needs) the UKs leading charity for championing those working with and for, children and young people with SEND and learning differences. With a growing International membership, nasen provides information, resources and training, uniting schools and individuals with a professional interest in supporting an inclusive education. Prior to joining nasen, Annamarie worked at the National Children’s Bureau, influencing system change and bringing the voices of children, young people and parents to influence quality children’s services. With a career in public services, Annamarie has held local, national and government advisory roles that span the breadth of children’s social care, early years and SEND. A qualified and registered social worker, Annamarie was awarded an MBE for her work with children and families. Annamarie has Non-Executive Director roles as a Trustee at a Multi-Academy Trust and of a UK based charity with interest in pathways to education, training and employment for young people and adults.
Cathy Stevens
Cathy is an ex-Army officer who has subsequently spent over 20 years working in the Facilities and Property Management Sector. With an MBA in Construction and Real Estate, she has held senior positions in a number of FTSE 100 organisations delivering facilities, health and safety, and property projects across a wide range of complex and challenging portfolios, in the UK and throughout Europe. She is a keen advocate of robust compliance arrangements, whilst ensuring buildings meet the best needs of their users. Although having never directly worked in education before, Cathy worked in a number of training roles in the forces and has a deep appreciation in the benefit of a great education. Having recently returned to her native North Staffordshire she is well located to support our school portfolio.
Helen Walker
Helen is passionate about education technology - its potential to transform learning and improve social equity. Helen's career spans teaching, advising, senior civil service and the edtech industry. She started out in schools and moved into policy, strategy, and delivery roles at the UK government’s first edtech agency then at Qualifications and Curriculum Authority leading on pedagogy and ICT. As CTO at the Department for Education, she led the department’s sector-facing digital services & internal tech, delivering a major cloud modernisation and digital transformation programme. More recently in commercial edtech, she has led Global Operations for RM plc and is now Vice President for UK and International Qualifications at Pearson plc.
Jo Heard-Jones
Chief Executive Officer | Shaw Education Trust
Jo joined the Trust from Ofsted where she worked as the Regional Director for the North West and National Director for Initial Teacher Education and held the status of Her Majesty’s Inspector. Jo held three secondary headships: leading out of special measures, accelerating performance to outstanding; gaining Teaching School status and delivery of academisation. Jo worked extensively in a strategic role in the Greater Manchester Challenge. A proven systems leader, Jo has supported a large number of schools to accelerate improvement. Jo has delivered programmes for the National College, worked with local authorities and provided advice to the Department of Education. Her portfolio of experience spans all phases, all sectors and all contexts. Jo continues as National Leader of Education and a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching; working to generate capacity and talent within the profession. Jo regularly contributes to conferences, training programmes and networks, in order to support leadership development.
Stephen Pegge
Stephen Pegge has a distinguished career in finance including leading residential training for a major bank and has served on several boards of commercial, charity and government organisations including the national centre for work experience. He is currently Managing Director of UK Finance, a director of UK Business Angels Association, a director and trustee of Shaw Trust and director of the Business Banking Resolution Service. Stephen chaired PRIME Cymru for nine years, a charity to provide for employment, education and support in Wales, established by HM the King who was president.
Neil Tinegate
Neil has over 25 years’ executive experience predominantly in retail and consumer goods sectors. He held senior and board level digital and commercial roles in a range of corporate structures from global PLCs to private equity backed and AIM listed growth companies. With digital transformation as a specialism, he played lead roles in the teams that transformed Argos in the UK and Heineken across Europe. Alongside his role at Shaw Education Trust, Neil is an advisor to a range of corporate clients and a Non-Executive Director at Shepherds Friendly Society.
Philip Hamilton OBE
Philip leads Community Academies Trust (CAT) – a successful cross phase multi academy trust comprising 3 secondary schools and 13 primary schools. His previous experience includes teaching in and leading city and rural secondary schools. He served as an executive Headteacher in a large 11-18 comprehensive school before founding and growing CAT. Philip also inspects with Ofsted. He was awarded an OBE in the 2018 New Year Honours for services to education.
Natasha Hazlewood
Natasha is a highly skilled HR leader with over 12 years of experience in HR, qualified at Level 7 and a chartered member of the CIPD. Known for her expertise in strategic people management, Natasha’s particular strengths lie in transformation and change management, where she has a strong record of driving organisational transformation, cultivating high-performance cultures, and implementing impactful people strategies across sectors such as Higher Education, Social Housing, Childcare, and Sports. In her role as HR Director at UCFB, Natasha’s leadership is instrumental in fostering an inclusive, high-performing workplace that attracts and retains top talent while driving growth at all levels of the institution. A champion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Natasha leads initiatives that embed inclusivity into the culture. She also dedicates time to volunteering with the charity Collaboration for Kids (CFK), supporting workforce planning and cultural initiatives that promote health and wellness for young people. Natasha’s career reflects a deep commitment to people-focused leadership and a talent for fostering environments where both individuals and organisations can thrive.
Governance | Trustee Documents
2.1 Sub-Committees of the Trust Board
Finance and Resources Committee
Chaired by Stephen Pegge - Its purpose is to provide the overview and high‑level scrutiny of the financial performance of Academies and the Trust against agreed priorities and operational plans.
Audit and Risk Committee
Chaired by Helen Walker – Its purpose is to provide internal scrutiny and reporting to the board on the adequacy of the Trust’s financial and other controls and management of risk.
Educational Standards and Performance Committee
Chaired by David Bateson - Its purpose is to provide the overview and high‑level scrutiny of the educational standards and performance of Academies and the Trust against agreed priorities and operational plans.
Nominations and Remunerations Committee
Chaired by TBC - It approves all pay recommendations for Academy staff and the central team.
Due Diligence Committee
Chaired by Cathy Stevens – Its purpose is to provide the overview and high-level scrutiny of prospective schools and the process of due diligence on individual candidate schools.
3. Local Academy Councils
Accountability is a key part of our values and, as such, our local governance model is vital to this. We have two models operating across our schools as follows:
- Academy Councils (ACs)
- Interim Executive Boards (IEB)
Academy Councils offer a more traditional model of local governance, with an appointed membership board working regularly with schools under our scheme of delegation. Academy Councils work to a standardised agenda produced by SET, which covers a wide range of school business to ensure the school is meeting the needs of its pupils and the local community. As such, the Academy Council will have 2 parents as members.
IEBs are an interim measure put in place when SET judges a school to require rapid impact. IEBs are made up of education and support services professionals from within the Trust who have the expertise to challenge and support the school to succeed. Once the school has achieved improvement expectations, the IEB will transition into an Academy Council.
Within Shaw Education Trust our function of governance at local level is:
“To be responsible for supporting and challenging our Academy and Trust leaders, ensuring that decisions made at a local level are for the benefit of pupils, and directly linked to the strategic vision of the Academy and Trust. To ensure these decisions consider the views of our other stakeholders (parents, staff and local community) and effective communication exists between all. These decisions centre mainly around areas of educational standards & provision, and operational functions, as detailed in the Scheme of Delegation.”
BECOMING AN ACADEMY COUNCILLOR
We'd love to hear from interested adults who wish to help make a difference to young people's lives.
Governance | Academy Councillor Documents