"People used to tell me to look at which young offender's institution my child was going to. Now I'm looking at which university they will go to." - Year 13 parent
"Excellent provision of adapted curriculum to meet the children's individual needs. Everything fun & enjoyable"
"Where do I start?! I am so pleased and grateful for the excellent provision, quality teaching and care that my child has access to in school."
"Fantastic school I personally couldn't have hoped for a better school safe and nurturing environment she always comes home with a smile."
"I think the school overall is great and my son has come on leaps and bounds since being there, he always enjoys school and is always smiling."
"The Trust Olympics 2023 were perfect, awesome and fantastic."
"Brilliant clubs & brilliant staff also."
"My children really enjoy the school clubs both after school and holiday clubs, the staff are amazing."
"We really love the school holiday club and so do the boys."
"I would like to send a message of thanks to everyone who works the clubs and those for organise them too. They are an important resource to our whole family, so thank you."
Board of Directors: In all Academy Trusts, the individuals appointed to challenge and scrutinise the strategic direction and day to day running of the company, led by the Chief Executive Officer, have three functions:
- They are Directors - because the MAT is a company, and;
- They are Trustees - because the MAT is a charity, and;
- They are Governors - because the MAT is responsible for running the schools
This can be very confusing as the documentation used to set up the Academy Trust and the Department for Education guidance for Academies uses these three titles interchangeably, depending on the context. In Nexus, this role is simply called ‘Director’. Directors are made up of a diverse range of individuals. The Members will always appoint Directors, and Directors have the option to appoint associate Directors.
Below are further details of the Nexus MAT Directors.
Rachel Potts (Chair)
Rachel took early retirement following a 36-year career in the NHS, working in a range of operational management and senior leadership roles. Rachel was Chief Operating Officer and more recently Executive Director of Planning & Governance and has a wealth of relevant experience in all aspects of strategic planning, commissioning, performance delivery, corporate governance and leadership. Rachel has a Master’s Degree in Health & Social Care and many of her successes in the NHS have involved taking a collaborative approach to working in a multi-agency way to deliver service improvements.
(From March 22 1a Rachel Potts Interests & Attendance Data (2).pdf)
Sue Shelley
Having taught in schools, sixth form college and alternative education settings Sue then became involved in a range of educational initiatives supporting out of school activities. Before becoming a member of the Kelford Governing Body, she has been a governor in both secondary and primary schools. Throughout her working life she has been committed to promoting both pupil and family voice.
(From Feb 24 1a Susan Shelley Interests & Attendance Data (2).pdf)
Ray Palmer
Ray Palmer joined the Trust Board of Directors in 2018, having had no previous connection with the MAT or our academies. Ray is a professional and competent Health & Safety Consultant with a wide range of experience gained whilst working in a variety of work environments across the public and private sectors. Ray is also a sitting Magistrate, a role he has held since 1998.
(1a Ray Palmer Interests & Attendance Data (2).pdf)
Gillian Askew
Gillian first became a Governor in 2016 in a local primary school and has held Vice Chair of Governing body and Chair of Resources Committee roles. During her career Gillian set up a small urban care farm delivering land and animal based opportunities for children with disabilities or learning difficulties, also offering short breaks through the Aiming High Scheme in Doncaster.
She is also a long standing volunteer for Inspiring the Future regularly attending employability events in in both primary and secondary schools in our region. Gillian has worked within the public sector, with close links to Education since 2013 and has worked closely with Educational bodies in recent years such as DfE and The National Governance Association. Gillian is delighted to be able to support Nexus through her role as Director.
(From Feb 24 1a Gillian Askew Interests & Attendance Data (2).pdf)
Mark Greenwood
Mark Greenwood is a Director of Nexus MAT. Mark is a Procurement professional, and is a highly driven strategic thinker who excels at transformation and change management. Mark particularly enjoys developing staff through training, mentoring and coaching and supporting the adaptability of teams through a constantly changing business landscape. Mark has worked across the public, third and private sectors.
(Mark Greenwood Interests & Attendance Data (2).pdf)
Tina Havenhand
Tina is a Director at MGRW+ and has over 25 years’ experience in the audit and accountancy sector. She has worked with SME’s, Charities and Academy Trusts during her career; advising on statutory compliance work, business growth & development, due diligence and training / mentoring.
#TeamMGRW+’ s ethos is based on an understanding that greater diversity and inclusion creates a healthy workplace culture and as a team, MGRW+ work hard to ensure they support and provide opportunities to all. Coupled with raising a neurodiverse family; Tina works hard to ensure her firm recruits the best people, from a diverse range of backgrounds and works to create an environment that helps everyone to succeed.
Tina is also involved in local authority initiatives to support and mentor young people, working as a Mentor on the national Career Ready Programme. Tina is also a Sheffield Ambassador of the See It Be It in Sheffield campaign and is an Enterprise Advisor at a local SEND school.
(Tina Havenhand Interests & Attendance Data (2).pdf)
Colin Bradley
Colin currently works as a programme manager for Derbyshire County Council Children's Services. Colin was a founding member of Stone Soup Learns Academy Trust, one of the country’s first Alternative Provision Free Schools, and has acted as governor and chair for the trust. Colin has a strong background in business management and development, and has recently completed a Masters in Business Administration.
Colin has also worked as the Head of Programmes for Groundwork Greater Nottingham Charity, and as Director of Education for the Stone Soup Project CIC.
(Colin Bradley Interests & Attendance Data (2).pdf)
Naomi Cooper
Naomi is Associate Head of Sheffield Institute of Education (SIOE) at Sheffield Hallam University. She is part of the leadership team in SIOE and as part of her portfolio oversees courses focussing on Education and Inclusion. Her Masters and Doctoral study focus on inclusive pedagogy.
Prior to her work with Sheffield Hallam University, Naomi worked in Primary schools in various parts of UK including Birmingham, Nottinghamshire, Peterborough and Sheffield. She taught across the whole Primary and Early Years range (Reception to Year 6) and was a Primary Head Teacher in Nottinghamshire, where she also held the role of SENCO. For some years she taught in an Integrated Resource Unit. Naomi’s work is closely aligned with Teacher Education of the Primary and Early Years phases.
(Naomi Cooper Interests & Attendance Data (1).pdf)
Phil Bradley
Phil is the new Safeguarding Director.
He has been a qualified and registered social worker for many years. Worked in a number of local authority Children’s Services, employed as Head of Service, Service Manager, Team Manager and Social Worker. The majority of these roles has been in Safeguarding services, although he also managed services for children in care, care experienced young people and fostering. He has a track record of managing high performing teams and services.
Phil has retired from his current Local Authority and is keen to commit to Nexus Multi Academy Trust. He has also shadowed the previous Safeguarding Director for a few months.
(Philip Bradley Interests & Attendance Data (1).pdf)
