Trustee

I am a Foundation Governor, but also a parent of 2 children formerly attending a school in the MAT. I work for the Diocese of Worcester as ‘Youth Officer’ which involves training and resourcing youth workers and volunteers in parishes across Worcestershire and Dudley and also pioneering new youth work projects and events across the diocese. I chair the Safeguarding training group, delivering and reviewing training courses to all of our clergy and parishioners who work with children or vulnerable adults.  As part of my role, I work with the Diocesan Education team to support secondary (including middle and high) Church of England schools to enhance their Christian character and distinctiveness. This includes delivering prayer days, developing chaplaincy or leading faith discussions with tutor/year groups. I also work with teams in our churches, Malvern Priory, Pershore Abbey and Worcester Cathedral to deliver education programmes.

I was the substantive Chair of Governors at Bengeworth CE Academy and a founding member of the original Bengeworth MAT. Both of my children attended schools in Evesham throughout their education. Professionally, I am a National Environment Advisor in the energy industry with special responsibilities and expertise in behavioural change, auditing, compliance, efficiency, reporting, waste reduction and training, among other things. I have NEBOSH diplomas in Environment and Health and Safety, with 30 years’ experience in Risk Assessment, Team Management and recruiting. I have 20 years’ experience in Project Management involving challenging targets regarding cost, time and safety. Environmental Sustainability requires innovative thinking and new ways to solve old problems as part of a close team. All areas of my work are regularly useful as a Trustee with great crossover.

I have considerable prior experience of school governance and extensive experience working in schools, initially as a secondary music leader. I have been involved in major curriculum initiatives including the national Arts in Schools Project and designing GCSE as alongside a career in secondary leadership, including headship. I helped pilot the development of school-based pupil-referral units and an integrated multi-agency approach to alternative provision, including involvement in development of an Education Action Zone. I delivered new whole-class music programmes in Primary Schools as head of a large, leading Music Education Hub. I have been trained in whole-service peer evaluation, and served as a Trustee and Director of both local and national charitable organisations, in which role I also undertook formal training as a Trustee. I have worked closely with major national organisations such as Arts Council England, and served on advisory boards assisting in the development of new National Curriculum. My various roles have included both financial management of large budgets, the development of income streams and bid-writing, and the management of work-forces of over 100 people with all the related H.R. issues. I am currently undertaking a one-year formal training programme for Schools’ Trusts trustees sponsored by national government and remain passionate and committed to, excellent education provision for children.

My name is Catherine Hill and I am a former Parent Governor of two children at an Academy within the Trust. My profession is a Registered Psychologist but I also have a degree in Business Administration which includes marketing and accounting. In my current role I hold a senior management position whereby I am responsible for managing a large multidisciplinary team and have financial accountability. I also have extensive experience in recruitment and auditing as part of my current role. As a Psychologist I am trained in a variety of psychological assessment tools and provide consultancy on managing challenging behaviour. I am also trained in assessing learning disability and advise others on how to be responsive to individual needs.

I have been part of the Board of Trustees for the past 6 years, after seven years experience as a parent governor in one of the MAT schools. I have three children who have been educated at academies within the locality and within this MAT who have since moved on higher and further education. In my professional life I am a university lecturer, teaching geography at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. In my current role I am responsible for curriculum design and teaching development. As a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, I also have experience in educational quality and standards.

I am a Director of Bengeworth MAT and chair of the Finance and Personnel subcommittee. By profession I am a Chartered Financial Planner and a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society with a degree in Accounting & Financial Management. I am a director of HB&O Financial Services in Leamington Spa and work helping people and businesses plan and protect their financial futures. Over the last few years I have been involved in a number of charitable challenges including marathons, an ultra-marathon, the 3 Peaks challenge and cycling from London to Paris.