Judith Norfolk

Chair of Trustees

I have had the privilege of being Chair of Trustees at Owlcotes Multi Academy Trust since it was established in 2018. As a retired primary school Headteacher I am passionate about early years and primary education. I believe all children deserve an excellent education to enable them to achieve their full potential.

The values, vision and ethos of the Trust very much mirror my own and we are committed to remaining a Primary Specialist Trust which is extremely important to me.

I am proud to have been involved in the journey so far, seeing the Trust grow from two schools to where we are now with seven schools and one other in the process of joining. I very much look forward to being part of where the Trust will be in the future.

Term of office: February 2018 - April 2026.

Board appointed.

Guy Gibson

Vice Chair of Trustees

I am now retired after having had an extensive career in the public sector dealing with a wide range of social, economic and physical regeneration and development. I have worked in various Civil Service Departments and latterly for the Regional Development Agency, gaining significant financial, appraisal, project and performance management experience and skills. I am passionate about the education of young people and have had a long association with Pudsey Primrose Hill, having been a governor at the school for over 30 years, the last 20 as Chair of Governors. I have been involved in the development of the Owlcotes MAT since its inception and am delighted to see how it has grown and been so successful. I am excited about its excellent reputation and further development as it continues to offer a first-class education provision for all its children within its numerous schools.

Term of office: February 2018 - April 2026.

Board appointed.

Lesley West

CEO

I have had a long career as a teacher, headteacher and as a National Leader for Education. I have worked for the whole of my professional life in Leeds schools and over the years I have successfully worked with a number of schools to support them on their school improvement journey.

Since March 2018, I have been CEO of the Owlcotes Multi Academy Trust. I am proud to be part of this amazing multi-academy trust and to work with so many dedicated professionals who are passionate about education. I believe in providing all children with opportunities and experiences to support them to succeed and the importance of collaboration, co-operation and professional development for staff. 

Term of office: February 2018 - April 2026.

Ex-officio.

John Woods

I have worked for the Environment Agency since 1998, my current role involves managing the flood defence capital programme for Leeds and taking the lead on engagement with partner organisations and flooded communities. I got involved in school governance when my daughters joined one of the schools that went on to form Owlcotes MAT. I am passionate about education and ensuring that all schools within the Trust continuously improve with lasting partnerships, strong governance and inspirational leadership.

Term of office: February 2018 - April 2026.

Board appointed.

Stephen Greene

I am currently the head of projects and change at the National Wealth Fund, a government body investing to support clean energy and growth across the UK. Prior to that I spent 15 years at BT in various global operations roles. Through this I have significant experience in financial management, risk and governance.  Living in the local area and with two boys aged 4 and 7, I want to be part of making a difference to the education of children through my role as a Trustee at Owlcotes Multi Academy Trust.   

Term of office: November 2020 - November 2024.

Board appointed.

Regional FM Delivery Officer for HMRC. Delivering a range of FM services, specialising in mechanical and electrical systems. Specialism in health and safety and estates management with multiple qualifications in those areas. 

Term of office: June 2022 - June 2026.

Board appointed.

I have worked in the utility sector for over 30 years, mainly as a corporate social responsibility professional working across a range of public relations functions including education, social value, sponsorship, corporate charity partnerships, volunteering, internal communications and event management.

I have been involved in school governance for over 20 years - firstly at Greenside Primary School, and then with Crawshaw Academy, part of the Red Kite Learning Trust. 

In recent years, I have worked alongside partner schools to develop the new Pudsey Sixth Form College with Luminate Group. 

I believe that every young person should be offered access to the very best education possible and that they are supported in their individual aspirations and career goals.

Term of office: October 2022 - October 2026.

Board appointed.

Awaiting pen portrait.

Term of office: October 2023 - October 2027.

Board appointed.

I have 11 years of experience working in Human Resources in the education sector and a background in finance. My experience in HR in education has given me a unique insight into the importance of creating a positive and supportive workplace culture. I am passionate about helping OMAT to foster a culture of respect, collaboration, and continuous professional development to aid recruitment and retention of the strongest staff and, in turn, provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all students.

I am passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children, young people, families and the local community. Outside of work, I am mother to two young children who attend local schools & a keen gardener.

Term of office: December 2023 - December 2027.

Board appointed.