Meet the Governance

Working in the investment banking sector and formerly IT management, Stewart Duguid has first-hand experience of financial reporting requirements and risk management; he is qualified in both Business Continuity Management and also auditing management systems to ISO standards. With strong organisational skills, he has been highly successful in running his own business and also a diverse career with a number of multi-national organisations. Using his project management skills, he has demonstrated his ability to deliver complex projects to budget and on time. His business acumen will certainly benefit the work of the LAB as will his wider interest in rugby, both as a qualified referee and Level 2 coaching experience at Wasps.

^{[No pecuniary interests declared]}

As Head of Network Operations, Tony Cohen is keen to add value using a wealth of experience in industry, leading organisations and employing large numbers of people. Educated in technical college and university environments, he recognises some of the needs of students. Working across London and the surrounding region, he is heavily involved in employing apprentices and graduates, and also sponsoring employees each year through higher education. He brings an employer’s perspective to education along with his own personal understanding, as well as that of employees. Through first-hand experience, his focus has been on ensuring young people remain in employment and continue their education.

^{[No pecuniary interests declared]}

As Premises and Facilities Manager, Hassan Abubakar is responsible for a school in Berkshire. With a wealth of health and safety experience and knowledge in compliance, his skills mean he is well placed to support the Trust in his next chapter. Hassan is keen to support standards and continued improvement, and particularly in relation to premises and facilities management processes and procedures in order to drive forward positive change. He relishes an exciting challenge that requires commitment and dedication in order to make a difference.

^{[No pecuniary interests declared]}

Norman Deas has been closely associated with all aspects of the catering industry throughout his working life. Having graduated from the Scottish Hotel School at the University of Strathclyde, he gained practical hands on experience within various sectors of the industry and ultimately directorships of several large contract catering companies. In 1997, he set up Goodfellows CMS Ltd which specialised purely in Education and sold the company to Compass in 2004 before setting up GSS Catering Management Services as a consultancy to the catering industry. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality, a member of the British Hospitality Association, a past Chairman and Director of the European Catering Association (GB), a past Chairman and Fellow of the Association of Catering Excellence and was a non-executive Director of Pride Catering from 2009 to 2015. He is also the Treasurer and a Trustee of his local Church. His outside interests include running for various charities which included the London Marathon in 2011 and is a keen supporter of several football clubs.

^{Service Level Agreement between The Trust and Norman Deas Consultancy Services to provide consultancy services on all aspects of the catering services within the Trust to ensure it operates efficiently and compliant with all food hygiene legislation and to the agreed standards as laid down by the Trust. Fee £8100 per annum, reviewable each academic year and dated 21st June 2016}

Rachel has extensive specialist knowledge and experience of supporting children’s needs, having taught across each of the age ranges, from Nursery through to Post 16.  She is always concerned to ensure learners have access to meaningful education, with equity of experience and opportunities for aspiration so all those in her care can truly realise their potential.   Her background as a serving Headteacher (since 2003), School Improvement Partner and Adviser (following completion of National College Local Leader of Education programme in 2011),  also includes Visiting Fellow for Ambition Institute, supporting the Early Career Framework programme with a focus on Special Educational Needs, and Specialist Adviser for Behaviour and Care, and NPQH programmes.  Rachel’s school improvement work has focused on transforming schools as well as supporting new and aspirant leaders in need of rapid support.  In her current post of Principal and CEO of a Single Academy Trust, Rachel works with a variety of professionals to create a bespoke quality offer to meet the needs of learners, and those with diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorders.  Her passion for ensuring learning is appropriate and amazing for all pupils, including the most vulnerable and Looked After Children, has led Rachel to chair the Advisory Board of an innovative educational setting,  to provide outdoor alternative provision for young people and adults.  As Trustee of the Young Norfolk Arts Trust, Rachel is a firm supporter of the Arts Festivals curated and led by inspirational young people aged 16 – 25.

^{[No pecuniary interests declared]}