Helen Harrison

Helen has had substantial experience in school leadership, including three successful headships and advisory positions across South Yorkshire. She recently retired from her role as Chief Executive Officer of The Rose Learning Trust, a trust of nine schools across Doncaster and North Lincolnshire. Helen serves on two trust boards and is also a member of Exchange Teacher Training, sitting on their strategic board.

James Kilner - Chair of Trustees

James works as an independent consultant and School Improvement Partner. He has held four primary headships over his career, taking two schools out of special measures. He became an accredited school inspector in 1996 when working as a senior adviser in a large local authority.  He was recruited to His Majesty's Inspectors in 2004 as HMI where he led inspections and survey work across all phases as well as leading inspections of initial teacher education in universities and colleges. He inspected Service Children's Education (SCE) abroad and led HMI training in early years, assessment, SEN and curriculum. He has also worked as director  of education services for a large local authority. James continues to work as a consultant to a number of academy trusts and conducts safeguarding reviews in primary and secondary schools and early years settings.

Melanie Barber

Melanie is an early-retired deputy head with experience of schools in challenging environments. She is a lead practitioner in literacy and a SEAL coordinator. She has provided particularly high-quality support for pupils and families and her work has been described as outstanding in literacy and creative arts.  She is a champion of education, well-being and support for vulnerable children.

Gemma Conway

Gemma has extensive experience as a school governor and brings a wealth of expertise in the field of safeguarding and children in care. She also has excellent community stakeholder relationships as part of the local community group and a neighbouring ward alliance.

Adrian Otley

Adrian worked for almost 20 years within the field of risk management in financial services, in a variety of roles. Most recently heading up the Enterprise Risk Team as the business transitioned out of public into private ownership refocusing the risk agenda onto a new strategy and focus. The bulk of Adrian's wider experience has been obtained within the financial services sector, during a time of notable change and transition within the industry. Adrian is a chartered fellow of the Institute of Risk Management (CFIRM) and an associate member of the Business Continuity Institute (AMBCI). As well as being a trustee for PACT, Adrian supports wider school governance currently serving on a number of school governing bodies. 

Rachel Ayres

Rachel is a CIMA qualified accountant and has a wealth of experience in finance and contract management roles with the NHS and in private healthcare services ensuring an excellent understanding of public sector finance. Outside of work she enjoys watching football as a season ticket holder at Sheffield Wednesday as well as being a fan of musicals and the theatre. Her children are part of the Scouting Association and as a family they spend lots of time taking part in and supporting their activities.