Governance
Fierté Multi Academy Trust Members
Jo Smith |
Alistair Campbell |
Mark Howlings |
Stuart Prior |
Fierté Multi Academy Trustees
Name |
Category of Trustee |
Appointing Body |
Role/Responsibility |
Committees/Position |
Start |
End |
Mrs Maria Hamblin |
Founding Trustee |
Members |
CEO Chair of Leadership Forum |
Finance Committee Leadership Forum Governance Forum Standards Committee Trust Board |
N/A |
N/A |
Mrs Vicki Blundell |
Founding Trustee |
Members |
Trustee for Governance and Compliance |
Finance Committee Governance Forum Standards Committee Trust Board |
01.10.2018 |
31.09.2022 |
Mr Gary Pykitt |
Trustee |
Members |
Vice-Chair Trust Board |
Finance Committee Standards Committee Trust Board |
23.03.2019 |
23.03.2023 |
Mrs Joanne Smith |
Founding Trustee |
Members |
Chair of Trust Board |
Governance Forum Standards Committee Finance Committee Trust Board |
28.09.2019 |
28.09.2023 |
Mrs Laura Gardner |
Co-opted Trustee |
Trust Board |
|
Standards Committee Finance Committee Trust Board |
07.07.2016 |
07.07.2020 |
Mrs Zoey Insley |
Co-opted Trustee |
Trust Board |
Vice-Chair Trust Board |
Trust Board |
07.07.2016 |
07.07.2020 |
Trustee Resignations 2017-18
Caroline Smith Resigned 04.07.2018
Andy McFarlane Resigned 31.08.2018
Trustee Resignations 2018-19
Colin Hunt Resigned 31.05.2019
Trustee Profiles
Mr Gary Pykitt (BA Hons, PGCE, PGDip, MA, SFHEA)
Category: Co-opted Trustee
Body: Trust Board
Term: 4 Years
Forums: Finance Committee and Curriculum & Standards Committee
Positions: Chair of Finance Committee
I taught in a primary school in Burton upon Trent for six years, working as a class teacher with subject responsibilities for History and ICT and latterly as Key Stage Two Manager. I was an NQT Induction Tutor and also worked with a number of trainee teachers during their school placements as an accredited School Based Tutor, which led to me being appointed to a one day per week lecturing secondment at Birmingham City University in the School of Education. I became a full time Senior Lecturer in Primary Education (Professional Studies and History) in April 2008 and have gained a wealth of educational experience during this time. I work in a range of schools across the Midlands, supporting trainee teachers and training school based mentors. I am an External Examiner for the BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS course at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, which enables me to develop a broader contextual understanding of education. I have a keen interest in History and am passionate about enhancing the effectiveness of history pedagogy in primary schools. In addition to this, I am very passionate about ensuring schools address issues around homophobia, biphobia and transphobia through a fully inclusive and challenging curriculum. In July 2015, I achieved the status of Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, in recognition of my extensive experience and influence in the field. I have a secure understanding of a range of issues currently impacting upon education; supported by a wide network of educational professionals. I am delighted to be working closely with the Fierté Multi Academy Trust and am committed to making the Trust and its schools the best educational experience for every child and their families.
Mrs Laura Gardner
Category: Co-opted Trustee
Body: Trust Board
Term: 4 Years
Forums:
Positions:
I am a registered nurse and have had a varied career working in primary and secondary health care. I am currently working in health education, teaching a variety of courses and am particularly interested in health care governance. Married to Andy, we have two senior school aged children. I feel privileged to be a trustee of the academy and believe in continuous improvement to deliver high-quality education which allows the children to have the chance to reach their full potential.
Mrs Vicki Blundell
Category: Founding Trustee
Body: Trust Board
Term: 4 Years
Forums: Finance Committee, Governance Forum and Curriculum & Standards Committee
Positions: Trustee
I am a retired teacher having taught in primary schools in Birmingham, Tamworth and Burton-upon-Trent. During this time, I had the position of Staff Governor on various governing bodies and after retirement, I continued as a co-opted governor at Glascote Heath Primary School, now Glascote Academy. I became Chair of Governors at Glascote Academy in 2009 and after becoming Chair I undertook the Chairs' Development Programme which I successfully completed in 2012 and through this course, I developed both my understanding and appreciation of the role of a governor in the changing climate of education. I was, in 2015, accredited by the National College of School Leadership as a National Leader of Governance which enabled me to support other Chairs of governors and governing bodies in their development.
I have been able to use my experience and qualifications in the development of our Fierté Multi-Academy Trust and very much enjoy supporting the governing boards of schools that join our MAT.
Mrs Maria Hamblin
Category: Founding Trustee
Body: Trust Board
Term: 4 Years
Committees: Finance Committee, Leadership Forum, Governance Forum and Curriculum & Standards Committee
Positions: C.E.O. and Accounting Officer
I was Headteacher of Glascote Primary Academy for five years and felt privileged to work in such a dynamic, forward thinking academy. In addition, I have been fortunate to work as both an Executive Headteacher within Staffordshire, as well as a Local Leader of Education, working alongside vulnerable academies. Currently, I am a National Leader of Education and am passionate about working in partnership with other academies and wider communities. I have a fervent belief that our Trust should nourish a strong family feel, embracing our shared strengths but celebrating the diversity within our community.
Mrs Jo Smith
Category: Founding Trustee
Body: Trust Board
Term: 4 Years
Forums: Governance Forum, Finance Committee and Curriculum & Standards Committee
Positions: Chair of Trust Board
I am a registered nurse of over 20 years experience. I was a governor at one of the MAT academies for over 10 years and was Chair of Governors at the academy for 3 years. I am married with 5 children all of whom have attended or still attend Violet Way Academy and Edge Hill Academy.
There are many reasons why I chose to become a governor and trustee but the overriding one is to ensure that every child, irrespective of background, are given the best opportunities to achieve their full potential. I believe that that is achieved by the staff, pupils, parents, governors and trustees working together as a team with a shared goals, visions and values.
Mrs Zoe Insley
Category: Co-opted Trustee
Body: Trust Board
Term: 4 Years
Forums: Curriculum & Standards Committee
Positions: Vice Chair of Trust Board
I have worked for Molson Coors for over 23 years and in this time I have had a number of roles most recently as Project Governance Manager. I moved to Burton 20 years ago and my children attended Violet Way, Edge Hill and my eldest is studying his A levels at Paulet High Academy.
I have been a Trust Board Member for 3 years, which has enabled me to see the opportunities given to the children. I am passionate about helping young people achieve their potential and creating the best opportunities for them. I became a trustee in order to pursue this interest, develop my understanding and help create the best opportunities for the children. It is a privilege to be part of the academy’s development and I am really looking forward to working with the children, staff and families within the academy’s communities.