| Member |
Qualities for the Role |
| Professor Peter Brandon OBE
OBE for services to the built environment. |
Peter is a chartered surveyor and retired academic. He was pro-vice-Chancellor at Salford University responsible for Post Graduate Education and Research until 2002. Peter has been the Chair of RICS National Research Committee and Research Council for the SERC and the EPSRC for the built environment as well as Chair of the HEFCE and the built environment universities panel for Research. He continues to give keynote addresses on management, technology, information science and sustainable development to a range of audiences all over the world. Peter is an author of 36 books and developed software for construction management expert systems from which two companies were developed. He has also undertaken the role of external examiner at several institutions.
Peter has a keen interest in the developing landscape of education and has many social links through local community and his Christian faith with special setting educators and educational facilitators within the primary and secondary phase. He wishes to support the trust by supporting projects that may extend beyond the school building to recognise the value of expertise post 16 and to work with families and partners to be aspirational around life chances and opportunities.
Peter’s business sense and acumen as well as his academic experience aligns with the Trust philosophy of inclusive practice allowing all learners to thrive and achieve across a range of opportunities. |
| Cllr Dean Fitzpatrick |
Dean was first elected to Stockport Council in May 2011. Dean has held a number of positions on the Council and outside bodies, including: Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, Chair of Employment Appeals, Cabinet Member for Education and Disability Champion. As Cabinet Member for Education Dean became a visible and active contributor to the quality of learning in our schools. As a practical partner he sought first hand experience by joining our schools to see how barriers to learning can affect outcomes. His work has continued as an active partner and a voice to recognise the importance of quality learning and teaching experiences to ensure successful outcomes for all.
Dean held the position of Stockport Mayor for 2020 / 21 and has campaigned for local charities promoting mental health and wellbeing for young people in Stockport. Since his election, Dean completed an Open University degree (self-funded), and is passionate about using education for pleasure and as a way of offering people an opportunity to change their lives.
Dean brings a wealth of expertise around strategic decision making alongside policy and practice. His understanding of local government and extensive experience affords him a foundation of knowledge that is set to challenge and support the Trust in the vision of aspiration for all and the notion of quality inclusion in all Trust schools. |
| Simon Elms |
As a CFO for an international gaming company Simon brings a financial and business sense to the group of Members to both support and challenge the financial strategy of the Trust. Simon has extensive experience in the business sector having been CFO in several successful companies that embrace the IT, computing, software and gaming industries. He has experience of managing and strategically leading business projects worldwide.
Simon is keen to work with the Trust and is passionate about equal opportunities for all learners and aligns with the principles of the Trust in ensuring that every child matters, every child has a right to succeed and every child should be regarded as an individual with unique talents and goals. |
| Keeley Marshall |
Keeley combines her award winning ceramics business with a role as university lecturer in ceramics and product design. Having held leading management responsibilities for Wedgwood and Waterford she has a proven success as a business women and is held in high regard within the world of ceramics and product design.
Keeley is driven and determined in her outlook and believes inclusion is a right for young people within their learning. Keeley brings a business and management perspective to the Trust as well as a personal understanding of how families and learners are supported to succeed within schools. |
| Martin Mackay- Smith MBE for services to law and order and legal training. |
Martin a fully qualified executive coach who specialises in supporting professionals with wellbeing strategies, change management as well as the toolkit to manage courageous conversations. His extensive experience as a solicitor has ensured that since retiring in 2020 he has continued to act as a solicitor advocate and is a principal trainer for the Crown Prosecution Service.
Martin has a particular passion for education and is keen to work with the Trust to explore the application of inclusive practice in our schools. He is excited at the prospect of supporting leaders as well as learners in the context of their professional lives and to support the Trust’s vision and values. |
