Members and Board of Directors

Nicholas D. Thornton is a dedicated and ambitious business leader with a proven track record of delivering sustainable business change. His extensive experience spans various industries, where he has showcased a diverse skill set in areas such as business development, project management, finance, commercial, and engineering.

Other areas of expertise that Nicholas brings to the table include:

• Leadership in the efficient delivery of engineering services.

• Design and implementation of significant organisational change.

• Driving operational efficiencies.

• Successfully managing and delivering business strategic objectives.

• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management across a large network of functional stakeholders.

• Preparing high-level communications for board-level discussions, conducting insightful business performance analysis, and summarising key findings.

• Expertise in project management.

Nicholas’ strengths align closely with the skills required for the role of a Trustee. He has a proven ability to manage business growth and enhance efficiency through central services. His independent scrutiny of financial planning and budgeting ensures sound financial management within the organisation. Furthermore, Nicholas excels in change management, enabling organisations to adapt and thrive in evolving environments. His project management acumen ensures successful implementation and delivery of key initiatives.

As a Trustee, Nicholas will prioritise areas such as business growth, change management, efficiency enhancement, project management, and the establishment of strategic partnerships. His strategic vision and leadership skills will be invaluable in guiding the Trust toward its goals.

With his commitment to driving positive change, Nicholas D. Thornton is poised to make a significant impact as a Trustee, contributing to the growth and success of the organisation. His well-rounded expertise and dedication to sustainable business practices make him an ideal candidate for this important role.

John Edwards, born in August 1955, is a seasoned education professional who brings a wealth of experience and passion to his role as a Trustee. With a successful career in education, including 25 years as a Headteacher in both mainstream and special schools, John has been instrumental in leading Queenscroft Community Special School to an Outstanding Ofsted judgement in 2012.

Throughout his career, John has been committed to providing the best possible education for children, spanning the age range from 4 to 19. He has navigated through significant changes in the education landscape, including the introduction of Local Management of Schools, National Curriculum, Ofsted inspections, and various SEND reviews. John’s experience has taught him that managing change is an ongoing process, and he is well-versed in evaluating decisions and developments with a key focus on how they will benefit the children in their school.

With a strong sense of community involvement, John is a trustee at his local Almshouses and also chairs the Tamworth Dementia Friendly Community. His dedication to serving the community is a testament to his values and commitment to making a positive impact on people’s lives.

Outside of his professional and community roles, John is a devoted family man, married with two grown-up children and three grandchildren. Additionally, he is an unwavering supporter of West Bromwich Albion Football Club, showcasing his perseverance and loyalty.

John’s extensive experience in education, coupled with his strong dedication to children’s welfare and community involvement, makes him an invaluable Trustee. His passion for continuous improvement and ensuring the best outcomes for children aligns perfectly with the Trust’s mission and vision. His contributions as a Trustee will undoubtedly support the growth and success of the Academy Trust, furthering its mission to provide exceptional educational opportunities for all students.

Margaret Cheshire brings a diverse and accomplished background in HR and organisational development to her role as a Trustee. With experience spanning various industries, from Greggs the Bakers to Bentley Motors and the energy sector, she has honed her expertise in strategic projects to improve business performance and develop a coaching culture.

Margaret’s commitment to coaching and developing others to reach their potential is evident throughout her career. She holds professional HR qualifications, an executive coaching qualification, and completed her MSc in Psychology, showcasing her dedication to continuous learning and personal growth.

In 2019, Margaret transitioned to the Third Sector and assumed a leadership position at Cheshire Community Foundation (CCF). As part of the UK Community Foundation network, CCF builds local philanthropy and manages grant-making to support local charities on behalf of donors. Margaret’s experience in managing operations and leading the staff team at CCF has given her practical insights into organisational governance and the importance of effective teamwork.

Beyond her role at CCF, Margaret is also a Trustee at Adelaide MAT since 2019. Prior to this, she served as a governor at her local primary and secondary schools and held a non-executive role with a training provider. These roles have equipped Margaret with valuable practical experience in organisational governance, highlighting the differing responsibilities of various roles and the significance of collaborative and effective teamwork.

Margaret’s commitment to personal growth and helping others extends to her current pursuit of a Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy, where she volunteers for the charity Mind. In her leisure time, she enjoys cycling and cherishing moments with her family.

Margaret’s commercial acumen, HR experience across diverse sectors, and insight into managing change will prove invaluable to the Trust. Her ability to work strategically while addressing operational challenges, particularly in HR, will be beneficial as the Trust seeks growth and development in the future. Furthermore, her adeptness at working collaboratively as part of a Trustee Board and resolving issues pragmatically adds significant value to her role.

Margaret Cheshire’s commitment to excellence and passion for personal and organisational development make her a valuable asset to the Trust. Her diverse expertise and dedication to supporting the Trust’s mission and growth will undoubtedly contribute to its continued success.

Amanda (Sam) Hughes brings a wealth of experience and expertise from her 36-year career at BT, where she held various management roles, culminating in senior management positions. Her proficiency in people, project, program, and change management has made her a seasoned leader in designing and implementing transformational change with a focus on stakeholder management and governance.

Over the years, Sam has led initiatives that resulted in substantial cost reductions and improved customer experiences, making a significant impact across various BT businesses. Her utilisation of Accelerated Implementation Methodology (AIM) demonstrates her commitment to achieving lasting results quickly while effectively managing stakeholders.

With extensive experience in people management, Sam has successfully led teams of all sizes in both direct and matrix management arrangements. Her innovative approach to restructuring the BT model for dealing with displaced employees led to a 68% improvement in results by centralising processes.

Beyond her role at BT, Sam has shouldered various responsibilities, showcasing her versatility and commitment to making a positive impact in the community. These include resolving grievance and disciplinary cases, recruitment of managers at all levels, succession planning, team development, and the strategic development and implementation of business strategies.

Sam’s passion for community engagement is evident in her leadership role in spearheading efforts to buy and run a community pub. Her dedication to fostering a community ethos has led her to become the chair of the board, ensuring the smooth functioning of the pub and promoting a sense of community belonging.

Regarding the transfer of her skills and knowledge to become a trustee, Sam feels most confident in business, governance, HR, organisational development, marketing, and public relations. Her strategic leadership abilities, coupled with a keen eye for governance and internal control, align perfectly with the Trustee job description. She is adept at developing and monitoring key objectives, conducting performance reviews, and facilitating continuous development.

As a Director, Amanda (Sam) Hughes brings invaluable experience and a passion for driving positive change. Her strong leadership capabilities, coupled with her dedication to community and organisational growth, make her a valuable asset to the Trust. Her contributions as a Director will undoubtedly support the achievement of the Trust’s goals and further enhance its success.

John Fitchett brings a wealth of expertise and experience to his role as a Director, having enjoyed a successful 34-year career at Rolls-Royce plc. Throughout his tenure, he held several senior management and executive roles, with a primary focus on leading strategic procurement and supplier management activities across various business sectors, including Civil Aerospace, Defence Aerospace, and Nuclear Propulsion.

In his last role, John was a pivotal member of the Executive Team for a £1 billion Supply Chain Unit, where he was accountable for an annual spend of £500 million. His impressive skills in developing and managing supply chains extended to emerging markets, particularly in south-east Asia.

John’s leadership extends beyond procurement and supply chain management. He has led transformational change projects across global teams, fostering significant year-on-year cost reduction and operational efficiency in working practices. His ability to navigate complex matrix organisations and cultural boundaries has been a key asset in driving success both within Rolls-Royce and its global supply chain.

Since 2008, John has been a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), reflecting his deep expertise and dedication to the profession.

Apart from his work in procurement, John has taken on various other responsibilities, such as medium and long-term strategic development and implementation, commercial and contract management, mentoring and coaching individuals at all career stages, recruitment, and performance management. His involvement in organisational development, process improvement, and cost and budget management further showcases his well-rounded skill set.

Outside of his professional endeavours, John is an active member of his local Lions Club, actively raising and distributing funds to support worthy causes in the community.

With his vast experience, strategic vision, and ability to lead and drive positive change, John Fitchett is a valuable asset as a director. His contributions will undoubtedly further the success and growth of the organisation, and his commitment to excellence will ensure a positive impact on its operations and stakeholders.

John Glandfield brings a wealth of experience and diverse expertise to his roles as a Trustee and community leader.

Professional Background: With a career spanning several decades, John started as a Family Solicitor in December 1970. Throughout his career, he gained extensive knowledge in defending and prosecuting cases in various Magistrates Courts. Additionally, John trained and qualified as a Family Mediator, further enhancing his skills in conflict resolution and people management.

Commitment to Education: John’s dedication to education led him to serve as a Governor of Windsor Park Middle School in Uttoxeter, where he eventually became the Chair. His contributions as a Governor were instrumental in supporting the growth and development of the school. Subsequently, he was invited to join the Governors of Loxley Hall, initially as Vice-Chairman and later as Chairman until the Governing Body became an independent body.

Community Involvement: In addition to his involvement in education, John has actively participated in various community organisations. He served as Treasurer of the local Scout District and later took on the role of Auditor. After retiring in February 2013, John assumed the position of Vice Chairman at Wilfred House Community Centre and became a Trustee of Kirk House Rest Home, both situated in Uttoxeter Town Centre. Furthermore, he was appointed Chairman of Balance Street Surgery (Doctors) Patient Participation Group and was seconded to the East Staffordshire Patient Participation Group, representing all Doctor’s Surgeries in the region.

Broadcasting and Journalism: John’s passion for sharing knowledge and advice extended to broadcasting, where he regularly contributed as the “Legal Eagle” on B.B.C. Radio Stoke, offering valuable legal insights to the audience. He also contributed a column to a local Free Newspaper, further sharing his expertise with the community.

In summary, John Glandfield’s career as a Family Solicitor, combined with his extensive involvement in education, community organisations, and media, showcases his commitment to serving people in various capacities. His experience in legal matters and his dedicated approach to community service make him a valuable and respected Trustee, contributing significantly to the success and growth of the organisation.

Career: Simon Smith brings a wealth of experience from his 39-year career at Sun Chemical, a leading multinational in the printing industry with an impressive $7.5 billion in annual sales. Throughout his tenure, Simon held management positions in technical, manufacturing, commercial, and sales aspects of the business. Notably, as Business Director for UK packaging, he was responsible for strategic development, overseeing $40 million in sales, and providing technical support to customers across the UK and Ireland. As Commercial Director, Simon negotiated multi-site sales contracts, establishing strategic partnerships with major European key accounts. He also played a key role in implementing a centralised pricing strategy, enhancing profitability throughout the business. In his final role, Simon led a significant restructuring project, transitioning customers to distributor supply while maintaining sales and profitability.

Other Responsibilities: Simon’s expertise extends to staff training, recruitment, and mentoring across all levels of the organisation. He excels in driving sales and profitability in each sector he manages and is a strong advocate of quality systems, championing the 5S approach. Simon is adept at delivering impactful commercial presentations to senior management, sales, technical, and operational teams. He has spearheaded cost reduction and efficiency improvement programs for both his company and its customers, showcasing his strategic acumen. Additionally, Simon actively serves as Vice President of his local Lions Club, dedicating his time to fund-raising and supporting local charities and causes.

Transfer of Knowledge and Skills: With a profound understanding of business, organisation development, and strategic partnerships, Simon possesses a unique blend of expertise that aligns perfectly with the role of a Trustee.

Priority Strengths for Trusteeship: As a Trustee, Simon is committed to contributing to the development of the trust’s future strategic goals. He ensures that the trust establishes key objectives and effective management frameworks to deliver agreed-upon plans. Simon’s leadership and collaborative approach make him a valuable asset as he actively participates in relevant board committees and task groups. With a strong sense of shared responsibility and accountability, Simon works harmoniously with his fellow directors, providing supportive and constructive contributions to the team.

In conclusion, Simon Smith’s extensive career experience, combined with his passion for strategic development and collaboration, make him an exemplary candidate for the role of Trustee. His dedication to the success and growth of the trust ensures that he will play a crucial role in shaping its future and achieving its goals.