Governance & Trustee Information
Trustees
Julia Breakwell
Trustee
Lee Gray
Chief Executive Officer, Trustee
Lee started his career teaching science and PE at Chipping Campden school in Gloucestershire. He had four years supported by excellent colleagues who understood the value of strong relationships and coaching. He became an Advanced Skills Teacher for science in 2002 before spending five years working overseas at International Schools in Thailand and Monaco. It was overseas where he learnt that there are different ways of approaching education and the value of strong curriculum values to help children learn. He saw how valuable effective school communities could be in supporting an organisation’s vision.
Lee returned to the UK in 2008 and spent six years working at Tudor Grange, Solihull in roles ranging from Head of Science to Director of Teaching School. He learnt a great deal in these roles and gained the confidence and belief that he could lead an organisation and impact on a school and local community.
In 2014, Lee was appointed as Headteacher of Studley High School.
I will not pretend that this was an easy transition, as being a headteacher is a very challenging role. However, the strength of staff community and the shared desire to help pupils to achieve all they can meant we all moved forward together. Studley was awarded Teaching School status in 2015 and I became a National Leader in Education. Many staff from Studley High have been involved in supporting schools facing challenging circumstances and Studley has gone from strength to strength in the past 8 years.
Lee became CEO/Principal of The Shires MAT when it formed in Sept 2020 with three local schools. Since then, a further three schools have joined our family of schools. Lee is excited about future growth and development of our MAT.'
..as our Trust and team grows we are ever improving our offer in a caring but high quality environment where we all do the best we can for the communities we serve.
Ian Dixon
Trustee
Chair of the Business and Finance Committee,
Link Governor for Feckenham Primary School
Lead SEND Trustee
Hello, I am a trustee of the Shires MAT and chair the Business and Finance committee. Previously I served as a governor of Studley High School for 7 years and prior to that I was a governor at Astwood Bank First School for 5 years. I am also the link trustee to Feckenham First School, as well as being a Diocese of Worcester approved trustee. I live locally, and previously in Redditch, so have a good understanding of the local education system and offers. I am married and have 2 children, both of whom went to Astwood Bank and Studley High.
My main expertise is in finance and data, so can bring a logical and rational approach to the challenges facing the trust and schools.
I am also part of the Finance for a local charity and involved with an Amateur Operatic company.
In my employment I have worked as an analyst for banks, a property company, the NHS, amongst others, and currently work for a Children’s Services provider. My expertise is in data and reporting, working closely with heads of departments and finance teams.
I am Chair of the Business and Finance Committee, Link Governor for Feckenham Primary School and SEND Trustee.
Arabella Pasquette
Trustee
Business and Finance Committee Member
Arabella has lived in the UK for over 40 years. She completed her GCSEs and A levels, an engineering degree and then an MBA, and is a Fellow with the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.
Arabella has spent most of her career driving improvement, leading quality and compliance for companies in the private sector. She taught in a large college in Singapore for two years at bachelors and masters degree levels, and contributed several case studies in a strategic marketing book that has been published.
Key strengths and experience: A creative leader that energises businesses and overcomes obstacles to get results • Quality improvement • Customer satisfaction • Operational excellence • Restructuring • Programme management • Commercial acumen and negotiation skills • Lean / six sigma expertise • M&A, business development, strategic thinker • International background • Strong communicator.
Arabella serves on the Business and Finance Committee.
Katie Reilly
Trustee
Audit and Risk Committee Member
Link Governor to Astwood Bank Primary School
I am Chief Operating Officer for The Black Pear Trust and have been employed here since May 2022. I also fulfil the role of CFO. I am responsible for all operations functions: finance, HR, IT, governance, IT, estates, catering and H&S. I share responsibility for growth of the Trust and lead many due diligence and onboarding processes. I previously worked in a number of commercial roles serving the public and private sector and worked in a variety of settings, for example in leadership development, foster care and many years in the fire and emergency sector. I also ran my own business for a number of years.
I have been a parent governor, chair of governors and Trustee. I was chair of governors in a school in a category and navigated the academisation process. I am keen to serve the community in which I live and work and to further support young people to be the very best they can. I am passionate about helping young people, in particular those facing disadvantage, to have equity in life and learning and Shires appears to be a Trust in which I can help make a difference.
My expertise includes strategic leadership, understanding governance and compliance, financial acumen, performance monitoring, HR management, educational experience, communication, collaboration, integrity and commitment to ongoing CPD for all.
Elaine Shelley
Trustee
Chair of Audit and Risk Committee
Lead Trustee for Staff Development and Well-being
Link Trustee for Studley High School
My current role provides of a range of valuation services including appraisal of inventory, accounts receivable, machinery and equipment on a global basis with coverage in APAC, EMEA and US.
Sector experience includes; Automotive, Aerospace, Oil and Gas, FMCG, Mining, Printing, Packaging, Steel, Industrial Manufacturing, Fleet, Construction, Renewables.
Valuation purposes include;
- Value assets accurately for lending, accounting, restructuring or balance sheet purposes
• Appraisal of fixed assets for insolvency, restructuring, collateral and lending purposes
• Valuation of Assets for; Cross Border asset transfer, Internal Restructuring & Business Managed Closures, Acquisition, Impairment, Tax Purposes etc.
I currently serve as the Chair of Audit and Risk Committee. I am Lead Trustee for Staff Development and Well-being Trustee and the Link Trustee for Studley High School.
Mike Thake
Member, Trustee and Chair of Trust
Lead Safeguarding Trustee
Link Trustee for NBHS
A professional graduate engineer and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt with significant experience in leading small to medium size businesses at director level with particular emphasis on business performance and efficiency.
I have had experience of working across Europe and in southern Africa (Zaire - Democratic Republic of the Congo, Swaziland – Eswatini and South Africa) on start-up businesses and on specific capital projects either living in country or spending significant time there.
I have had P& L responsibility for several companies and had to manage significant growth as well as staff reductions.
Over the last 20 years I have worked in the finance industry and have had responsibility for implementation of and ensuring compliance with statutory regulations including the FCA Senior Management and Certification Regime and the GDPR.
I am a fully trained Lean Six Sigma Black Belt having completed my training over a 3-year period with GMAC, the finance arm of General Motors in Europe. This entailed working on international projects across Europe and significant training including 5 weeks full time in 5 separate European capitals.
I have led several IT projects including the delivery of a major communications infrastructure in The Netherlands, roll out of Siebel On Demand CRM system in the UK and introduction of the New Client Acquisition System across 14 countries for a global leasing company.
I have been a governor since 1996 at a local primary school, Studley High School and recently Shires Multi Academy Trust; most of that time as Chair.
I am Lead Trustee for Safeguarding, and the Link Trustee for North Bromsgrove High School.
Marc Worrall
Trustee
Lead Health and Safety and Estates Trustee
Marc set up his architectural practice some 47 years ago and has considerable experience across a range of building projects. Significantly, many projects have been successfully completed for Schools throughout the Midlands. It has always been a concern that the responsibility usually falls on the Senior Management team of Schools and Governors to commission major capital projects without necessarily having the experience and expertise to identify risks which could have significant financial implications.
Marc’s knowledge and experience can only help to mitigate risks and help ensure building projects are well considered and planned. In his professional life Marc has provided his services from conception to completion for numerous School building projects, working closely with Headteachers and Governors to identify the key requirements to improve the teaching environment for pupils and staff.
Marc is also a Trustee of two local Charities and is Chairman of Alvechurch Parish Council and has been for the last 4 years. Until recently, Marc had been a Governor of a Worcestershire First School for 11 years with specific responsibilities for several improvement projects and extensions to the school, as well as Health and Safety matters.
Helen Dunnico
Trustee
Audit and Risk Committee Member
Link Trustee to Webheath Academy Primary School
Having spent all my working life in schools, I am passionate about education and understand the impact that high quality provision can have on children’s lives. I was a Head Teacher for 15 years across 2 primary schools and although not in this role anymore, I am keen to seek opportunities to continue to support schools, their leaders and ultimately the children. During my time in senior leadership, I worked with several different Governing Boards and recognize the value of a challenging, yet supportive Body, each with individual expertise and experience.
I am currently employed as Head Teacher Advocate. Working in Tudor Grange Teaching School Hub, tracking engagement of schools in Hub region in ITT; supporting schools to become involved in supporting ITT; Meeting with HT groups to deliver key messages around ITT; Supporting the development of the Hub role across the region.
I was keen to be part of a Trust that has high aspirations for all members of its community, no matter their starting point. I believe the Trust recognizes both the value of schools working collaboratively but also understands that each school has an individual character and specific needs.
Glen Mellor
Trustee
Business and Finance Committee Member
Lead Standards and Personal Development Trustee (to include Careers)
Glenn has a wealth of leadership experience in a number of educational settings and is currently Headteacher of Coventry Extended Learning Centre, a Pupil Referral Unit for Key Stage 3 & 4 pupils who have struggled to access mainstream school education due to Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) issues.
Glenn has extensive experience in supporting schools with strategic school improvements especially in the area of effective behaviour for learning systems and developing teaching and learning. He has a broad understanding of creating outstanding provision in a variety of school contexts including schools in special measures, the independent sector and schools with outstanding status.
Glenn has just completed a term Governor and Chair of Webheath Academy Primary School Local Governing Body, part of the Shires MAT, with responsibility for curriculum.
Members
Mike Thake
Member, Trustee and Chair of Trust
Lead Safeguarding Trustee
Link Trustee for NBHS
A professional graduate engineer and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt with significant experience in leading small to medium size businesses at director level with particular emphasis on business performance and efficiency.
I have had experience of working across Europe and in southern Africa (Zaire - Democratic Republic of the Congo, Swaziland – Eswatini and South Africa) on start-up businesses and on specific capital projects either living in country or spending significant time there.
I have had P& L responsibility for several companies and had to manage significant growth as well as staff reductions.
Over the last 20 years I have worked in the finance industry and have had responsibility for implementation of and ensuring compliance with statutory regulations including the FCA Senior Management and Certification Regime and the GDPR.
I am a fully trained Lean Six Sigma Black Belt having completed my training over a 3-year period with GMAC, the finance arm of General Motors in Europe. This entailed working on international projects across Europe and significant training including 5 weeks full time in 5 separate European capitals.
I have led several IT projects including the delivery of a major communications infrastructure in The Netherlands, roll out of Siebel On Demand CRM system in the UK and introduction of the New Client Acquisition System across 14 countries for a global leasing company.
I have been a governor since 1996 at a local primary school, Studley High School and recently Shires Multi Academy Trust; most of that time as Chair.
I am Lead Trustee for Safeguarding, and the Link Trustee for North Bromsgrove High School.
Matthew Hickin
Member
After attending Studley High School and then King Edward VI Grammar School I studied a BSc (Hons) at Keele University. Following education, I took up full time employment with a specialty chemical business, National Starch & Chemical (NSC) where I worked initially in the UK and then in Germany, Netherlands and Poland. After 18 years with NSC I moved to Vaillant Group – producer and maintenance of heating appliances - initially based in Germany and then working in China and the Netherlands.
Following this I worked for Lavendon Group, as MD for Gardemann GmbH, their operating business in Germany, following which I worked as CEO with Calor Gas Ltd. I am delighted to be a Member for the Shires having attended Studley High School and having the opportunity to share my business experience with the Trust.
Justin Kerridge
Member
Justin Kerridge is a County Councillor for Studley at Warwickshire County Council and has been District Councillor for Studley, a former pupil (and parent of a former pupil) of Studley High and is involved in the Studley in Business (local business forum) and Enjoyably Studley community website and signage project. He enjoys Dinghy sailing, hill walking and is currently trying to get to grips with sailing a rather dilapidated yacht.
He supports the Shires MAT desire for high quality provision and inspirational staff enabling confident and ambitious pupils to thrive and succeed.
Sue Molloy
Member
Worked full time in Primary education for 35 years, teaching across all three key stages. Specific areas of interest in Mathematics, Art and More Able. Led a rural village C of E Primary School for 8 years which was judged to be Outstanding by Ofsted in 2013.
Assisted in the formation of a Primary School network and teacher training SCITT at Tudor Grange Teaching School 2013-2017.
Former Chair of Governors at Thomas Jolyffe Primary School in Stratford upon Avon.
WDAT
Corporate Member
Shires MAT – Governance overview, aims, roles and responsibilities
The governance arrangements of Shires MAT are set out in the Trust’s Articles of Association and Scheme of Delegation.
Together, these documents define our governance structure, strategic vision and values, and the roles and responsibilities of Members, Trustees and Governors. They also outline expectations of conduct, communication arrangements across all levels of governance, and the principles that guide decision-making throughout the Trust.
Principles
Governance across Shires MAT is guided by our shared vision, values and commitment to delivering the highest standards of education.
We believe effective governance is built on strong relationships, open communication, ethical leadership and clear accountability. Members, Trustees, Governors, leaders and staff work collaboratively to ensure that decisions are made in the best interests of pupils and the wider school community.
Our governance structure provides clarity around roles, responsibilities and decision-making, ensuring transparency and compliance while enabling decisions to be made at the most appropriate level. The Trust Board retains overall responsibility for the Trust, while Local Governing Committees play a vital role in supporting and challenging schools.
We are committed to continuous improvement and regularly review our governance arrangements to ensure they remain effective, efficient and aligned with sector best practice.
Governance within the Shires MAT
Role of Members
Members are the custodians of the Trust’s constitution and charitable purpose. They provide oversight of the Trust’s governance arrangements, including the appointment of Trustees and ensuring that the Trust remains true to its founding objectives.
Members meet annually to receive reports on the Trust’s performance and progress. Operating independently from the Trust Board, they provide an important layer of accountability within the governance structure.
One of the Trust’s Members represents the Diocese of Worcester, reflecting the Trust’s link with Feckenham C of E Primary School.
Role of Trustees
The Trust Board is responsible for the strategic leadership and governance of Shires MAT. Trustees set the Trust’s vision, values and long-term direction, while ensuring high standards of education, strong financial management and effective governance across all schools.
Trustees provide support and challenge to Trust leaders, oversee educational and financial performance, monitor risk and compliance, and ensure that resources are used effectively to achieve the best outcomes for pupils.
Working closely with school leaders and Local Governing Committees, the Trust Board promotes collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement across the Trust. Trustees also regularly review the skills and expertise of the Board to ensure it remains effective and well-equipped to meet the needs of the organisation.
Role of Local Governing Committees (LGCs)
Local Governing Committees play a vital role in supporting and challenging school leaders to ensure the best possible outcomes for pupils. As part of the Trust’s governance structure, they help uphold the vision and values of Shires MAT while responding to the needs of their individual school communities.
LGCs work closely with Headteachers and Trust leaders to monitor school performance, support school improvement, oversee the effective use of resources and promote high standards of teaching, learning and safeguarding. They also act as a link between the school, the Trust and the wider community, helping to ensure that local voices are heard and represented.
Through collaboration, challenge and support, Local Governors contribute to the continued success and development of both their school and the wider Trust.
Intervention
While Local Governing Committees are responsible for governance at school level, the Trust Board retains overall accountability for all schools within Shires MAT.
In exceptional circumstances, the Trust Board may temporarily withdraw delegated powers or increase its level of oversight where additional support is needed. This may occur where there are concerns relating to educational performance, financial management, governance, safeguarding, or the wellbeing and safety of pupils and staff.
Where intervention is required, the Trust will work closely with school leaders and governors to secure improvements and restore full delegated authority as soon as possible.
Role of the CEO
The CEO is responsible for the day-to-day leadership and management of Shires MAT, ensuring the Trust delivers high-quality education and achieves its strategic objectives.
Working closely with the Trust Board, school leaders and the executive team, the CEO oversees educational performance, organisational development and the effective delivery of services across the Trust. As Accounting Officer, the CEO is also responsible for ensuring strong financial management, accountability and value for money.
The CEO leads the executive team and is accountable to the Trust Board for the overall performance and success of the Trust.
Role of the school Headteacher
Headteachers are responsible for the day-to-day leadership and management of their school, driving school improvement and ensuring the best possible outcomes for pupils.
As part of Shires MAT, Headteachers work within the Trust’s vision, values and strategic framework while retaining the autonomy to lead their school effectively. They work closely with the CEO, Local Governing Committee and Trust colleagues to support continuous improvement and collaboration across the Trust.
Pupil, parent and staff voice
Listening to and responding to the views of pupils, parents and staff is central to the way Shires MAT operates and governs its schools.
We actively seek stakeholder feedback through a range of channels, including pupil councils, parent and staff representation, surveys and regular engagement opportunities. This helps shape decision-making, drive school improvement and ensure that our schools remain responsive to the needs of their communities.
Headteachers, Local Governing Committees and Trust leaders work together to ensure that stakeholder views are heard, considered and reflected in the ongoing development of our schools and the wider Trust.
How to become a Trustee
Trustees play a vital role in helping to shape the strategic direction of our Trust and ensuring the very best outcomes for our pupils. By volunteering your time and expertise, you can make a lasting impact on the lives of young people and contribute to the future success of our communities.
To find out more or register your interest, please email [email protected]